Invaluable insights "From the Inside". Thanks Nick!

Mr. Phelps, thank you so much for your article and what you are experiencing. I always wonder how people with such memory issues think, I find it fascinating and so very interesting, the more we know the more we can learn about it... I do realize that each case isn't the same, but welcome your thoughts.

I know for myself I was scared that I might be developing memory issues because I can't remember things like I use to. My doctor keeps telling me it is just old age forgetfulness, but I have read so much about Alzheimer's/Dementia in case either of my parents develop it down the road that I might have stepped into over thinking. Time will tell.

Please keep writing here.

Thank you Rick Phelps for your valuable information for caregivers. I am caregiver to my mother who will be 97 in Feb '16. I am so glad you shared and it absolutely gives me a better understanding when my mother looks like she is in her own zone on some days and then on others, she is completely on top of things. With appreciation, Linda

I don't have dementia, nor am I a caregiver. I am director of a new group of volunteers here in Mexico who are trying to provide resources for those who need it. Our founder has vascular dementia and one of our board members was a caregiver. Another local group, also new but run by Mexicans for Mexicans, is having a film festival fundraiser and today I saw "Away From Her" with Julie Christie. I have already seen all the movies that are being shown, and all of them are about the same: we see what the person goes through but we can't really know what it going on in their brain/thoughts. Your description is the first I've read that tells it like it is. I have to say that part of me wishes I hadn't read it. It's easier to think that a person with the disease who doesn't speak is just off in some la-la land and doesn't really care. You make it seem terrifying. THANK YOU for telling your truth. It has definitely changed my conception of what it's like to have AD. And that's a good thing, scary or not. The only person in my family whom I know died of AD was 95 when she died, a ripe old age to be sure. I didn't know she had AD because she was many states away and I hadn't seen her in several years. But now that my own memory is slipping pretty fast (more than my 68-year-old friends, I fear), I wonder if I will also succumb eventually. I am thinking I need to make a plan for ending it before it gets to the catatonic stage. I will follow your blog form now on. Thanks again.

Hello Rick, I just discovered your blog today. I've been reading a lot about Alzheimers and Dementia since my stepmom has been diagnosed with dementia and the county has placed her in a Nursing home in Buffalo. I live in Florida and was unaware of her condition. Now that I know, I am trying to stay very involved and I want to do what is best for her. My father died in 2001 and had early stage Alzheimers. I appreciate very much you sharing your life and experiences with the rest of the world so that we can understand better and be more able to take care of our loved ones. Thank you so much. Keeping your sense of humor is so important. I found that out when I had cancer. :)

Very enlightening! I had just read the other day that my husband may think what is going on TV is real and actually happening in the room. Yesterday he came to me and wanted me to help the lady on TV get to her home. It was an old movie he often watches, "Trip to the Bountiful". The old lady was trying to get to her childhood home, just to see it again. She is getting really old and fears she will never see her home again. He actually wanted me to pick her up and take her home! It was touching to me. I answered with the suggestion I had read the other day: "It is only make-believe, Just pretend, not real!" He didn't really accept that, seemed worried until she found her way home n the TV.

Hello I'm a 43 year care giver and I've been experiencing some of the same symptoms as you such coming to a blank or simply forgetting something so simple. Any advice as to why this is happening at my age?

Rick, I am so grateful for all that you share. Yes it helps those of us that care for others with dementia. We are in a time where awareness of the disease is increasing. If only there was a way to get through to the many that are in denial of what this disease takes from a person and their family bit by bit. I am sure your willingness to be open about the disease and its profound and devasting effect on the lives of so many will perhaps be that window to just a bit more understanding by some.

I just found this video on Facebook - everyone who is a victim of Alzheimers or is caring for someone with Alzheimers can certainly relate:

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