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Great to have you back. It's amazing how well people adjust despite our fears to the contrary.
So glad he's doing well there,
JudyView Thread

What a tough situation to be in. The slurred speech is a real concern, indicative of a possible medical condition that needs immediate attention. I ditto the suggestion that someone accompany both of them to a doctor's appointment.
Perhaps the family can get together and and share information about her behavior after a medical condition has been ruled out. The Alzheimer's Assn. has wise guidelines about family meetings. The fact that she is barring people from entering her home is another red flag. Often people who are developing dementia symptoms are obsessed with money matters as well.
Hope you can work something out,
JudyView Thread

I know about the article. The stories in my first book, Connecting the Dots..., all point to the benefits of respecting and seeing the person with Alzheimer's as a person first, a person who cannot change what is happening to himself. The only people who can change the situation are the caregivers. When the environment adapts to the needs of the person with this disease, problems diminish. Both parties connect and communicate and may even feel happy. It's up to us to read the signals. However, harried caregivers find that a real challenge.View Thread

Hope that helps,
JudyView Thread

Hope your managing OK,
JudyView Thread

The older I get, the faster time flies by! Spring is in the air, and it's a good time for you and your loved one to share the outdoors together. Studies show that being around trees relaxes the brain so enjoy!
Keep up the good work,
JudyView Thread

Has your Dad been checked for an infection or dehydration? If his symptoms suddenly worsened, it's often a sign of an additional medical problem.
A medication review is recommended by me as well as the timing of the medications. Also, is there a certain time of day or situation which aggravates his behavior? If someone notes when and where the agitation occurs, and who is there when it happens, you may be able to change the situation or timing so that he is less aggressive.
Aroma therapy with lemon or lavender scents also is relaxing.
Studies show that the most common reason for aggression among those with these illnesses is the inability to communicate what they are experiencing. Soothing music, lower noise can all help. I have other suggestions in my book.
Hope you both get some relief,
JudyView Thread

You are wise to check out the risks about surgery. Does your Mom have a health care directive? She sounds 'with it' enough in the moment to be involved in the decision-making process so that she can express her feelings.
You could ask her if she wants to know what's going on with herself health-wise. You could review with her the risks of her memory getting worse versus the impact of not doing anything. It still is her body, and her life.
Knowing your Mom, what do you think she would want?
There are no clear-cut answers here, that's for sure,
JudyView Thread

It's hard to deal with this level of deterioration. The Alzheimer's Ass. at www.alz.org has a download detailing the stages of the disease. You may also call 800-272-3900 for the hand-out.
In my experience, it sounds like the disease has progressed into the late stages. I hope your girlfriend has help with her Mom; the local Alzheimer's Assn. may be able to give her some direction. It may be time to consider residential placement - there are some good facilities that accept medicaid as payment. They are skilled at taking care of these issues, which may permit your girlfriend to focus on how to find ways to relate to her Mom without the exhaustion of taking care of her physical needs.
Hope you guys get some relief,
JudyView Thread

Glad that you are safe and that the two of you can laugh together.
There are medications that may help ease the tremors. A neurologist has the experience with Parkinson's and Lewy body symptoms and would know if medication would help. Another resource is a hospital or university memory center nearby.
Happy that you are keeping us posted,
JudyView Thread
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