First time post here but I have been reading the forums for a bit. My Mom was diagnosed last year with dementia and early Alzheimer's. She had lived with my husband and I for years but the amount of care and oversight increased significantly as the illness progressed. I learned what I could from forums and friends that had been caregivers. I did keep in mind that the disease affects people differently. I had to take over Mom's medication after she double dosed herself and ended up in the hospital. She became very apathetic toward everything not wanting to leave the house, bath or even eat regularly. She still recognized people and said she was homesick and wanted to go home to see family and friends. I was able to organize with my siblings and get her home. She passed a couple weeks after I was able to get her home. She was hospitalized with a severe kidney infection. She then had a massive stroke or heart attack. The physician said she had the infection for a long time. This news hit me like a ton of bricks. How did I miss it? Was I not paying enough attention to her? She never complained of pain. It was after that I learned some dementia patients do not register pain like everyone else. She had the kidney infection but was not saying anything about pain or discomfort so I thought she was doing well physically. How does one manage that part of the illness when pain is a sign of something wrong but your loved one does not feel the pain or does not know to tell you.

I so appreciate this forum and the support given. Much pray and hugs to caregivers of those with this disease. It is very draining of energy and spirit to watch someone go through.