Any confusion dementia success stories of the elderly?

Question

Please tell me there's hope. Are there any success stories of a loved parent etc. that all seemed to given up on but had a turnaround. What helped. . .please let me know. I will never give up on my dad. Any success stories of someone who was not expected to rehabilitate and was elderly. Any advice. .. please. P.S. Please say a prayer for my dad and our family. I will always have Faith :-)

Answer 1

I wish I could tell you what you want to hear but I can't. Once dementia sets in, it doesn't reverse itself. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with dementia & her children knew they had to accept the diagnosis & be patient & understanding. My mother-in-law had good days & bad days. She got confused easily, & trying to explain things to her was difficult because she didn't fully understand. Your dad needs to be watched closely all the time. Your father will be in my prayers & so will you & the rest of the family. Be strong & be there for your dad each day. Hug him daily & tell him you love him.

Answer 2

I wish I could tell you a success story about dementia, but I can't. I've worked in this field for many years, both in the early stages (doing drug trials on people recently diagnosed) and in the later stages.(I now work in a dementia facility for severely affected people.)
Unfortunately, if your Dad has been properly diagnosed as having dementia, there is currently no treatment that will reverse this. Some of the drugs have a small amount of use, ie they can slow down the advance of the disease. But they do not always work.
The problem with dementia, is that the brain develops "gaps" where healthy tissue used to be. The memory deteriorates, and with the memory goes all the useful information that used to make the person who they were. It is a tragedy. I saw it take my mother away from me, and every day I see my patients slowly declining away from their families.
As long as you can, spend time with your Dad and give him good experiences. He may not remember who you are, but he'll know (even for a short time) that he had a good time. Make up photo albums, and spend time talking about things you used to do together, pointing out the people and things that have been a part of his life. But don't expect miracles.....researchers all over the world are working on this condition, and it is a tough one to crack.
Your Dad is a very fortunate man to have you in his life.....bless you for being so caring.

Answer 3

If your dad has dementia, he may have some days better than others, but I wouldn't want to give you false hope that he'll have a complete turnaround. I do hope your dad has gotten a 2nd opinion and they are sure he has dementia and is getting the best treatment he can. Sometimes depression or circulation problems can have similar symptoms. I also hope you are getting the information you need to help care for him.

I have a friend with Alzheimer's who with the proper medication does fairly well. She doesn't have much short term memory, but while I am there she knows me and we have a nice visit. The minute I'm gone, she's forgets I was there.

Your dad will need your love and your patience. Things he says may make no sense to you, but it's real to him. If you disagree with him, he will only become more agitated. My thoughts and prayers are with your dad, you and your family. Please let us know how he does. God Bless!

Answer 4

There are a couple of kinds of dementia that can improve, usually due to vitamin deficiency. I'm sure your MD has already tested for those. Most progress. Some have dramatic downs followed by a plateau then down again. Some just gradually become worse.
One of the most loving things you can do for your dad is to accept him and his disease. It is difficult when dementia folks are always trying to be and do what they are unable. Accept him, fill in the blanks for him, do not remind him i.e. "dad don't you remember???" Provide a safe environment with as few changes as possible, provide mental stimulation at the level that is meaningful to him. Many of the support groups, Alzheimer's support, keep up with latest information, lobby for the good of dementia folks, and have great ideas to help both of you.

Answer 5

My mom was a devout Christian Scientist. They believe in healing through prayer. No matter how much we prayed for her, the dementia just kept getting worse. The Christian Scientists wouldn't even let her into their nursing home because they know that her dementia/ALzheimer's cannot be reversed. they will take cancer patients, but never a dementia patient. I will say a prayer for your family, but you must get out of denial and go to an Alzheimer's meeting in your area. You will get the best answers, support and care there. I so understand what you are going through. When I put mom in the nursing home almost three years ago, she had become mean and spiteful. She was NEVER like that. She wandered and got into strangers cars. She went shopping and forgot her wallet. She walked to the neighbors house holding her pants in her hand, to get help getting dressed. All she was wearing were panties and a bra on backwards. I'm sorry for you and your family. This is the hardest thing that I have ever had to deal with. I first noticed her dementia in 1996. So it's been ten years. My dad had just passed away. My son was in the navy. I was living 5 miles from her. She started by leaving on the water until it flooded the street. Or forgetting to close the garage door overnight. She was the secretary for her church, taught sunday school, kept a four bedroom house and yard up all by herself. She was an excellant oil painter and could read anything. Now she is in a nursing home, wears depends, can't feed herself without slopping all over herself, she can't walk anymore becasue of all her falls. I can't understand her when she talks. Sometimes she sings to me what she wants to say. Usually she says things like "Nananananananananna." But she is now sweet and loving again. I have watched her go from 75 to 1 year old in ten years. I will pray for your strenght to go through this with your dad. Please get into a group. With Love Granny

Answer 6

I went into denial when I found out my father had mild dementia. I tried my best to get him to rehabilitate, to get him away from that farmhouse where he insisted on living. You see, his (4th) wife had a bad case of dementia--so much that she didnt recognize him after living together over 25 yrs. He would not leave her side even when she was removed to an assisted living environment. He lived out his last days being near her. I feel for you too.

Answer 7

Sorry, but it seems to be a fact of life. I am 83 and i think i am getting a touch of it. it does not reverse, sorry to say. A group of us played euchre today, and everytime it was time to deal the cards again, no one could remember who dealt last. And that was just 2 minutes ago. But it is probably something i have to look forward to. Though i am not looking forward to it. Just do not get upset with him. He cannot help it. [but it is better than having cancer or some other debilitating disease.]

Answer 8

I will pray for your dad, and for God to keep you strong.

Answer 9

my prayers are with you and your family!