Dementia - early stages
Posted , 11 users are following.
I find that I can get no help, advice or training on how best to support my wife with the early stages of Alzheimers. So far the most stressful period was when I believed she was suffering from dementia - there were indications in 8 of the common symptoms.
For months our GP and my wife's mental health team refused to speak to me. It was only when I attended the same Pdsychiatrist for severe depression that he told me my wife had dementia - Alzheimers - that this stress was eased. My wife has not yet been told of the diagnosis and believes my concern is just a sympton of my Anxiety and Depression (now well controlled with medication and therapy).
At present I just make my wife as happy as possible, never argue with her, follow her somewhat chaotic decisions and over-rule where the result would be unacceptable. I have no idea if such a policy is the best or not.
A further problem is that we are not preparing ourselves for the future. Downward progress is slow but noticeable to me.
I should be grateful to learn of others' experiences and wisdom on this early stage. On the whole the house works tollerably well and we remain a happy couple.
2 likes, 22 replies
hope4cure poet
Posted
My mother went thru the various stages of dementia, then Alzheimer's .
it really hard to cope. There are groups at the hospitals I attended that helped me cope and with tools to deal with mood changes and anger issues.
georgeGG hope4cure
Posted
Thank you for your kind advice. I am sorry I have taken so long to reply.
hope4cure poet
Posted
You are doing everthing possible. Patience is really hard sometimes and you seem to care enough to do what you need to do to keep the peace and thru reasonable expectations.
this is a stage to enjoy really. It may sounds a bit chaotic but there will be days in the future will be very difficult and show her you care now as hard as it can be . it's hard to know what you are coping with too.
my mom had it and it took her so fast. My joyous moments were laying on the bed every day with her as she could remember her childhood and the stories I will always cherish.
georgeGG hope4cure
Posted
On the whole we still get on well. She likes me to be with her and she still visits friends but she says she does not always find the visits easy.. She is very effusive with them face to face and on the phone. She also likes me to sit and hold her hand. So that is all to the good.
Again, many thanks for your encouragement. I am so sorry you lost your mum from dementia. I am grateful to profit from your experience.
luigi66886 poet
Posted
Sorry to hear that It makes me sad to here of what your wife has been diagnosed
I hope that everything will get well for here. But I advice you before it's too late to try and give here a GPS tracker to locate if ever she gets out of your way. Better safe than sorry. I am very sorry to hear that
God bless hope things will get better soon.
smakshi69 poet
Posted
I think the precautions at early stage of Alzheimers can control it to a great extent. Having antioxidants rich food like green vegetables, fruits, maple syrup etc can help the patient against the disorder.