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My husband with AD for 4 years is in late stage 6 according to what I have read. His doctor doesnt think its necessary for him to come back to be seen by him. He has tried all the AD meds and nothing has helped at all. I care for him at home my self, no help. I have two sons but they are busy with their own life.
I need some time but cant trust anyone to stay with him...not that anyone has even asked. I never know what he will do so of course he cant stay alone. Please pray for us.
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My mother-in-law, at 92 was in stage 6 when she died of Aspiration Pneumonia. Prior to that she had been very healthy and her doctors advised us she could continue to live for many years. .
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Hi amylou65,

My MIL got to be in the 5th & 6th stage while she was here. Now, she's in the NH. ...but her mother had dementia and she lingered on for years. I wouldn't be surprised if my MIL lingered on. They ultimately die of something other than the Alzheimer's Disease (AD). My youngest SIL (she was living at home while her grandma had the disease. When she had it, they didn't have the name AD for it, hers lingered for years. Her daughter, my MIL, has it and she she lingered in one stage and then shot thru another stage really fast. I guess it depends upon the lifestyle. One thing I do know for sure, is diet foods and diet drinks are not good for anyone, especially, senior citizens (with all the meds that they are on).
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EVERYONE is differant nothing is written in stone. Does your loved one have other medical issues for example hypertension or heart disease? My Father was in atrial fib for years and when he got cancer he died very quickly...
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Given the constant state of uncertainty that things of this nature brings forth, solid information would surely help take the dread or take even the feeling of living in a 'limbo' existence away. I think everyone who reads your plea would love to help ease that burden.

Unfortunately, no one can. There are simply too many variables involved. Health history, diet, other known health difficulties and surely unknown health issues, as well.

As elementary as it might seem to be, all you can do is attempt to keep abreast of health issues by regular check-ups, do what you are able to do toward providing a good diet and a comfortable home atmosphere.

When that is assured, perhaps the best thing you can do for the victim as well as yourself and family is to endeavor to always uplift the person's emotional outlook. Happy, uplifting days are much easier to get through... and leave you with far better, even wonderful memories.

My best...

V
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Amylou65,
NO ONE KNOWS. The degree thing is only for doctors to set a standard and it is different for all people. Nothing you can do or they, but hang in there. Could be tomorrow or three years. Just do the best you can, which is what I'm assuming you are. Don't let them scare you. Enjoy as much or as best as you can. That isn't much but there isn't much at this stage. No one can predict this stuff.
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Hi Amylou65,
bobO is right--no one knows. The doctors only have info that they go by. It could only be days, months, a few years, ten years, twenty+ years. All I can tell you is AD is a HORRID disease as it robs the mind and then you have to watch this young, vital person slowly turn into a shell of the person that you knew. When my MIL was here, I kept a journal. At first, I thought it was so everyone in the family could read it, but then,
it was a type of release for me--as some of them didn't help out. SIL #1 helped out on weekends, SIL #5 helped give her showers on Fridays, DPOA SIL #2 helped out by taking her on her days off of work, and sometimes, o/n. Hubby was #4 child and helped out when he wasn't working. Pointers: If someone else takes her for meals, let them know what he/she has consumed during the day. Some things react with the meds the person is on. e.g. my MIL was on a med that it didn't sit well with her stomach when she had desserts. Not only did it appear in the b/r in the form of constipation, but sometimes it was like Mt. Vesouvious. Sometimes, she didn't make it to the b/r toilet. You have to tell the person taking him/her to watch the diet (light) foods and diet drinks. Aspartame is in them. You think you're going to lose weight by eating diet foods or very little of the diet foods, when, in actuality, the aspartame in it makes you even more hungry, so you eat more. You're thirsty, so you want something to drink. If you want to watch the calories, you may go for a diet drink. Remember, diet drinks contain aspartame in them. If you take a sip of the diet drink, you'll drink more b/c aspartame/aspartamine makes you thirstier. So you drink more.
Everyone is fooled into thinking that diet foods & drinks are going to make them lose weight or control weight, but no that's not the case. They'll make you gain more weight. You have to exercise portion control.
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Thank you everyone. Dad is 85 and there seems to be more bizarre behavior everyday and then moments he seems like his old self. There are 8 of us kids all married with kids and grandchildren kind of spread out in the same state so hopefully we can help mom keep him at home as long as possible. Its so hard to let him go but on the other hand he is not the person he was and i miss him. He seems to be so angry and childlike alot of the time. I guess I thought it would go fast now that he is in this stage but now i realize he could linger, i know it may sound selfish but i hate watching him this way, hes always saying he just wants to die, its so hard on my mom, so many mixed emotions for us all. Thank you all again for your advise and thoughts.
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I am sure this is hard... What medications is your Dad on??? There are some medications that are very helpful check with his Dr. Is he at home with your Mom are you concerned about their safety??? I would encourage you to get some respite care for your Mom... Have someone stay with your Dad so she can get out and get her hair done or go to lunch with a friend. take care and God bless!!!
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I will, and believe me I would come and help you! Does there happen to be a retired nurse that you could have come for a short time??? Even and hour or two? Many home care agencies have folks that are trained to help with folks with alzheimers disease. Do you have a local Alzheimer's association office.? They could help get you in touch with some help. You need to take care of you too...God bless
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