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My husband has dementia and we think that it's Alzheimer's

Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Mar 11, 2023 | Replies (41)
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@gingerw

@merpreb Good for you, for reaching out to the Connect community for a caretaking hand in all this. Without doubt it is a hard struggle for you both. For Dave, as the world he knows slowly becomes a stranger and a strange place to navigate. For you, as you struggle to stay ahead of the oncoming train.

Here is the website for the Alzheimers Association. You can look up local chapters to give you support and guidance. https://www.alz.org/

There may be some local resources available to you through community centers, also, and getting the perspective from friends and neighbors will be a godsend to you. Along those lines, please remember to take care of yourself, too. not just Dave. Check wioth your primary care medical team, for resources and guidance. Unless you are healthy, you will find it difficult to help him.
Ginger

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Replies to "@merpreb Good for you, for reaching out to the Connect community for a caretaking hand in..."
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Feb 3, 2023

Hi Ginger- Thank you for the URL. I have been in touch and I think that I will be much better off here on Connect than anywhere for understanding and support and help. I definitely won't hesitate to ask for more information and guidance for myself as this journey progresses.

My mom had Parkinson's and I see some of those traits in Dave. I was her main caretaker and I had my younger sister's help then and do now too. But this is mostly my journey too. Dave trusts me so much which makes things much easier for me. I do ignore when his paranoia shows up and try not to take it personally, but do pay attention so I can help calm him down. If there are any tricks for this I'd love to hear them.

I also have to settle down and help us live a more organized life- any ideas for adult activities and things that we can do that gives purpose and meaning would be a huge help. My guess is that he has a vascular cause to his illness with some Parkinson's, But I'll wait for the experts to give a more complete picture.

Thank you for all your kindness.

Merry

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