Dimentia - Aging Issues Message Board

skatesrw · 04-16-2002, 10:00 PM

My mother's memory and disposition has changed
dramatically over the past 6 years. My parents are 78 and 76. My father had emergency surgery last week; and has been in intensive care since then. My sister came in from Alabama to help with Mom. She took her to the Dr this week and he has said she has dimentia--and it is getting worse. We can see now how much dad "covered" up for her. She remembers all past issues; but can remember that my sister is in, that
dad is in intensive care, is hiding things,
nervous in public, repeats things several times over and over. We have a LONG road of recovery for our dad;
he will need ALOT of attention. Thought maybe someone
could share experiences; and help us out a little.
My sister does not work; and her husband has a good job
but they live 13 hrs away. I, on the other hand,
am the only one working at the present time; and cannot afford to quit. Any help will be appreciated.

fgp · 05-01-2002, 07:57 AM

My 82-yr-old mother was diagnosed w/dementia in this past Oct. It had been covered up by relatives who didn't want me to know (I lived out of state at the time). I now have conservatorship to protect her physically and financially. Some days she knows who I am, other days she doesn't. She remembers a lot of past issues, both good and bad, but her memories aren't very accurate now. I don't know how you feel, but I feel as if we are on a roller coaster ride most of the time. We do well and go up for a while, and then we strt down again. This week we are moving down rapidly. There areaencies and support groups out there. Contact her doctor or local Dept. of Human Services Againg Division. Good Luck.

bjg · 07-14-2002, 12:58 PM

i beleive there is a difference in alzheimers and dementia..maybe not in the symptoms but in the treatment..there are drugs on the market today that can slow down the progression of alzheimers..so have you mother evaluated by a dr