My 76 yr old husband met with a new neurologist recently and was diagnosed with late onset Alzheimer's. I was seeing some decline but wasn't expecting this. He's now on both Aricept and Namenda and we see a benefit which we understand could delay progression. We have a follow up appt in a few weeks and I will gather my medical questions for that day.
Time to look ahead - on the home front, what resources, books, websites did you find helpful in meeting this new diagnosis? Yes, we have our financial and legal docs recently revised.
I do not have experience with Alzheimer's specifically, but when I have been lost, I learned that I can type any stupid question into the Google search bar and get lots of information. I've had lots of sleepless nights due to my husband yelling out for "help" all night long, and I would use that time to search the internet. I learned a lot. He does not have a progressive brain disease, but suffered traumatic brain injury from a massive stroke. I knew nothing. I was not trained in any medical field. When he was kicked out of the nursing home, I quit my job to stay home with him. This is a fine example of "on the job learning".
Fortunately, we live in an age of readily available information. If you are having a particular issue, or question, just type it into the search bar. You'd be amazed at what comes up.
Title: My Journey into Alzheimer's Disease
Author: Robert David
year published 1989
There is so much in her about the way he saw and experienced the world. My brother, diagnosed with Lewy's dementia before his death, was so great at describing his experience of his new world. It is so important to let them discuss things.
Good luck. You have asked a big question about something that will come in short daily changes. Facebook has support groups. Do consider joining one, or one closer to where you live in person, or consider forming a support group through your faith based facilities or a senior center.
Again, the very best of luck.
I hope sticking around and reading on this Forum might help as well.
Then of course Teepa Snow has many great videos on YouTube dealing with the various aspects of dementia.
And then finding a local caregiver support group is what saved my life when I was dealing with my late husband, as there is nothing better than being able to share with folks who know exactly what you're going through and who don't judge you when you say that you lost your temper and hollered at your husband.
I wish you well as you take this very difficult journey with your husband.