See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests

JudyView Thread

Hope you re-consider - we will sorely miss you,
JudyView Thread

Can't believe it's February. I had a 2 week vacation to Florida where the sun was shining and I was so lazy. Now it's back to work.
How are you all doing??
JudyView Thread

Research shows that Gingko doesn't help. Having about 3 cups of coffee per day, preferably in the am, might help since studies on normal participants show that caffeine may delay the onset by up to 2 years. So, perhaps caffeine may help even now. Other studies indicate that coconut oil may help - see my 'Tips' - but the oil has lots of triclycerides, which may not be good for her. Omega 3's in general are good for the brain - but it may not be so effective when Alzheimer's has begun. Physical and mental stimulation may improve her quality of life.
Check out Aricept or Namenda with her physician - it might slow down deterioration. Keep checking with the Alzheimer's Assn for the latest information.
Most importantly, know that there still is a lot left in in your Mom's brain - and you can still connect with her and have a meaningful relationship.
Join a support group - it makes a difference.
Our thoughts are with you,
JudyView Thread

It is important for you to have some help. If finances are an issue, local religious and community organizations often provide volunteers who visit while you get out. Also, support group members have lots of resources to share.
Studies show that caregivers who get some help fare much better than those who don't - so think of that and let go of the guilt. When you get help, you actually are doing your loved one a favor by staying mentally and physically healthy.
You've been doing an incredibly difficult job - so take a break,
JudyView Thread

So sorry to hear about your Mom. If she has Alzheimer's, it is not reversible, and sometimes people may begin to talk 'gibberish'.
However, she may be having a stroke or an infection so she needs to be seen by a physician ASAP.
Hope you get some help,
JudyView Thread

You are a loving and caring person to help out your grandmother this way.
I underscore Carol's comments: it is important for your grandmother to have a proper diagnosis. Alzheimer's accounts for 70% of why people have dementia symptoms. Alzheimer's occurs gradually, over years whereas other types of dementia such as vascular dementia usually occur rmore rapidly, stay at a level, and then may get worse if the vasular condition worsens. A physician could rule out vascular dementia. Also, physical illness such as a bladder infection start out as increased confusion for someone as she gets older. Have a physician determine whether she has an infection.
Current treatment for Alzheimer's delays the deterioration to some extent so that the individual functions better than without the medication.
Your grandmother's questions signify her anxiety about the confusion and memory loss she is experiencing. You can focus on reassuring her that you are there to help her; her questions are the way she expresses her anxiety, as well as revealing confusion.
The Alzheimer's Assn. is a great resource - www.alz.com - and I also recommend my book which explains what is going on and how to approach your grandmother in a meaningful way.
Keep us posted -there's lots of support here,
JudyView Thread

Here it is January 1, 2013. Unbelievable, huh? On this day, I write a letter to myself outlining what I hope to accomplish in the next year. At the top of my list - to get my new book, Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregoivers: The Unsung Heroes into print. Then, at the end of the year, I re-read the letter to myself that I wrote the year before to see how much I actually .did.
Perhaps you'd like to write a letter to yourself. I hope you include doing one good thing for yourself each day as one of your goals.
Hope this New Year brings you peace and happiness,
JudyView Thread

What a rough situation.
Just because your Mom doesn't seem to remember your name doesn't mean that she does not know you. When she sees you, she will know that you are a very special person who cares enough to visit her. It sounds like you could bring along pictures of the kids and that would be fine. My book Connecting the Dots.. contains many stories about how people with Alzheimer's still have may thoughts left, but they are in fragments.
It's scary to think that maybe there is a hereditary component. I suggest that you live your life to the fullest, get exercise, eat properly, get enough sleep, learn to meditate and relax. Those family members who join a support group sponsored by an organization like the Alzheimer's Assn, fare much better than those who don't.
Whether or not you decide to go for testing, the best way to delay the onset of this disease is by following some of the suggestions above that are supported by research.
Try not to panic. Every day there are new discoveries about Alzheimer's, and the longer one can delay the onset, the greater the chance that new treatments will help.
Keep up your great efforts to be a good Mom, and do what's best for you.
Hope you get some relief,
JudyView Thread

Your Mom's anxiety may be related to depression. Anti-depressants are not addictive and some of them target anxiety as well as depression. A psychiatrist could advise you. In my experience, neither ativan nor haldol are long-term solutions, and their side effects can worsen the situation. Do get a physician consultation -especially from a doctor who can look at all her medications and advise you accordingly.
Hang in,
JudyView Thread
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Other Alzheimer's Information
- Alzheimer's Health Center
- Caregiving Member Community The support and understanding you need!
- What is Alzheimer's Disease?
-
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.



