New to the boards and looking for help - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

joesgirl1968 · 04-30-2008, 01:19 PM

Hi Everyone, I'm new to these boards. My mum was diagnosed with senile dementia about 2 years ago its so heartwrenching to watch, does anyone want to share experiences with this nasty illness.

Gabriel · 04-30-2008, 01:59 PM

Welcome to the board Joes. That is what we do here Joes. The board is filled with like souls that are going through the same thing you are. Each is willing and has a need to share experiences and advice. This board has been my sanity since my Mom was diagnosed with ALZ. My Dad has had vascular dementia for years. They are now both in assisted living. It was the straight talk from those that have gone before me that helped me rationalize their move in my head. So keep typing and let us know your experience and what you are going through. You will find listening ears, kind shoulders, excellent advice, and empathy here. Again.... welcome to our little corner of the universe where everybody truly understands because there are, have been, or will be exactly where you are :-)

Love, deb

Janie5301 · 04-30-2008, 07:34 PM

Hey Joes,
Nice to have you on board. Everyone here is here to share and help each other. I'm so sorry about your Mum and hope you have some help to care for her. My DH was diagnosed with Frontal temporal dementia also know as Pick's disease at 52 and that was 4 1/2 yrs ago. He has progressed to daily caregivers while I work and has recently had some issues with anxiety which led me to admit him to the hospital for an re evaluation of his meds & behavior. I took some time off of work to help take care of him along with my caregivers and today was a good day. I take them one at a time because with this illness you just never know. If you can get a book called The 36 Hour Day, it has lots of valuable information that you will find useful. Do you live with your Mum? Do you have any help with her? Please feel free to share any concerns or share stories...it really helps!

You & your family are in my prayers...keep in touch.
Janie

petal*pusher · 05-01-2008, 03:03 PM

Hi Joes! You've sure come to the right place to read about and share stories of what's happening to our loved ones!

My MIL recently passed from this horrific disease...my own Mom has been just over 9 years in an Alzheimer's facility...and my FIL is also in a medical facility with Alzheimer's!

My Mom was diagnosed first, so I realized what was happening with my inlaws before the rest of the family did. This forum would have been SO helpful if I'd found it years ago! Somehow....sharing experiences...both good and bad...helps lessen the load a bit.

Read everything you can about Alzheimer's...carefully observe the changes and don't ever blame THEM for what is happening. Somehow...they're very aware of changes and more afraid than any of us really realize.

This disease will change almost everything in your life as you now know it..........Stay with us here...there is much info and loving shoulders to help ease this burden for you..............Pam