I am the primary caretaker for my 86-year-old husband. We have been married 61 years. I plan to care for him at home as long as I am able with the help of Respite workers and our family. He was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease with Vascular dementia in late July although we had been going through testing, etc, since April when I decided we needed more information and help. I had suspected it a couple years ago, when he began irrational behavior and personality changes. He has a family history of late in life dementia (mother, grandmother, maternal aunt) so I was well aware of various symptoms.
He has been using the local VA clinic as his primary medical care for the past 12 years so we began with his yearly checkup and was connected with various specialists through them. He had gone from using a cane in April to needing a wheelchair by July. We did get excellent help from them, and after the diagnosis was determined, a social worker called in just a few days to ask if we needed hospital bed, wheelchair, etc and offered to help set up respite care, day care, etc. It took a while but we now have help two days a week in our home, as well as physical therapy sessions locally 2 days a week.
He is still able to go out to eat and visit with people although he does get very tired, but we go as much as we are able.
He has been on Aricept since July and I think it is helping, as his therapist said his leg strength was better this past week. His attention span has been so short that anything would distract him, and I think that is improving.
I've been researching this disease and am so thankful for My HealtheVet for Dr. reports, appointments, etc. so I can take my time and refer to the Dr's reports repeatedly to help me understand what I can expect and need to watch for.
I know this will be a journey we are in together, and we just enjoy as much daily as possible.