OT: Alzheimers Disease

[2LeftCleats]

Any form of dementia sucks. Maybe more so for the caregivers. It’s frightening to watch it consume a parent. We can’t help but fear the same loss of control at the end of our own lives and what it could mean for our children. Dying of most other conditions generally allows for more planning and clarifying an exit strategy. Dementia steals that choice.

[Cantdog]

This thread is a reminder to complete advance care planning with loved ones, including discussions of nominating a health care proxy, sharif with loved ones and your medical team your values, goals and wishes, and thinking ahead in regards to decisions about feeding, antibiotic usage, code status, etc.

Resources: https://fivewishes.org/shop/order/product/five-wishes
http://www.gowish.org/
https://www.alz.org/help-support/car...s/hospice-care
https://dementia-directive.org/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6393818/
https://www.marcusinstituteforaging....orFamilies.pdf

[Kingfisher]

It is indeed a horrible disease. It just ended for my wife of 24 years. She was diagnosed 5 years ago with mild memory loss. All of the family could see it, especially me. We were a very active couple, cycling, kayaking etc. It got to the point where I would try and go out on a ride with her but she had forgotten how to mount the bike. It was heartbreaking for her and myself. I retired early to care for her at home. I did the best I could for 4 years and then it became too much. I almost went to the ER myself due to the stress. I found a nursing home alzheimers unit about a year and half ago and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. Fortunately, she did not really know what was happening and didn't quite understand her new living conditions. I know it was harder on me. She remained happy throughout her stay there but did take a turn for the worse about two months ago and passed away peacefully. It was truly a blessing. If you've ever visited a place like this you will know exactly what I mean. The facility was fine, but this is not the kind of life anyone should have to experience.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by 2LeftCleats

Any form of dementia sucks. Maybe more so for the caregivers. It’s frightening to watch it consume a parent. We can’t help but fear the same loss of control at the end of our own lives and what it could mean for our children. Dying of most other conditions generally allows for more planning and clarifying an exit strategy. Dementia steals that choice.

Wife was her mom's primary caregiver as she descended into Alzheimers..Mom in law was in a good place, she literally didn't know how well off she was..but seemed happy till the end, which in a lot of ways, was a blessing...

For Kingfisher right above..so sorry for your loss..it's tough on any caregiver but caring for a spouse for a spouse, must be doubly tough..

[wc1934]

Originally Posted by Kingfisher

It is indeed a horrible disease. It just ended for my wife of 24 years. She was diagnosed 5 years ago with mild memory loss. All of the family could see it, especially me. We were a very active couple, cycling, kayaking etc. It got to the point where I would try and go out on a ride with her but she had forgotten how to mount the bike. It was heartbreaking for her and myself. I retired early to care for her at home. I did the best I could for 4 years and then it became too much. I almost went to the ER myself due to the stress. I found a nursing home alzheimers unit about a year and half ago and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. Fortunately, she did not really know what was happening and didn't quite understand her new living conditions. I know it was harder on me. She remained happy throughout her stay there but did take a turn for the worse about two months ago and passed away peacefully. It was truly a blessing. If you've ever visited a place like this you will know exactly what I mean. The facility was fine, but this is not the kind of life anyone should have to experience.

Peace be with you, Kingfisher!

[Mzilliox]

i cant imagine this with a spouse. Im taking care of my AD dad now because my sister was taking a bit more from the cookie pot than the cookie pot had. its sad to see a relative turn into a different person, even more sad to watch a relative take advantage of a relative who cant take care of themselves.

you guys said it, i would never have imagined these stress levels, my riding is way down this summer.