Alzheimers

[vckums]

Just found out today that my Grandma is in the beginning stages of Alzheimers. She had a 4 hour appointment at UCSF today and some of the findings shocked us. She couldnt remember what she drew after 5 minutes, doesn't know the current Prez(aint so bad considering he's a tool). Sigh...I am really close with my Grandma,even when she gave me the biggest guilt trips ever LOL She's pretty much the only family I have left that I love.
They did a brain scan and found spots. They are thinking those were min strokes she's had. They ordered more blood work to find out more.

They don't know how fast it can progress. They will put her on some meds that will slow it down, but it won't stop it.

Makes me want to go beat the crap out of my broken washing machine!

[Lexion]

My dearest V,
No amount of "I'm sorry" can do,
in this situation.

I can't even say "I know how you
feel". I don't.

I've heard/read that Alz. is a horrid
disease, and dread the day it affects
me or one of my loved ones.

As with any thing like this, learn and
be supportive.
Talk to her.

If she wants to talk about events
10 years ago, talk as if they were
yesterday.

In a way, I think Alz. might be a decent
prelude to death.

Re-living your past, as if it were now.

Just my thoughts.

Rant if you want.


Highest regards,
Lex

[Yo Mama]

OMG chick, I"m so sorry. I know how you feel about your grandma.

Alzheimer's is a tough fucking row to hoe. I'm here if you need me, even if I seem to be AWOL -- call me. I'm not using YIM much these days.

[vckums]

Lex, thanks. Definately will be using those ideas you shared. In reality I know she can't live forever but it's my Grandma. No matter how old I get she still calls me the niuckname she's used since I was a newborn. To know that she may forget that or even my name just kills me. Should someone go out slow or fast? I've experienced both and neither is easy.

GN, thanks chick. I appreciate it.

I hate being a chick sometimes, this mushy boohooing thing stinks.

[Tetsujin]

:cry: V I want to say something but I don't know what to say. I could not imagine haveing a loved one go through that. :cry:

[vckums]

Corey just the thought that you took time out to read it and wanted to say something, means alot. *hugs* thanks kiddo

[JiveTurkey]

Having experienced this myself, it's really not too terrible at first.


Same situation with me, it's my grandmother. However, she and I have never been close so that makes a difference.


Until just recently, she would tell you the same story 15 times in a row (back to back without missing a breath) and laugh her ass off about it each and every time.


That's not so bad.


Maybe you and your grandmother will be just as "fortunate". (I know that isn't the appropriate word, but it's the best one I can think of....sorry chica)



I wish her (and you) the best.



Jasn

[Iori Komei]

I am sorry to hear that, it must be terrible.

However, if you want to help fight or atleast slow it down (apart from drugs), I suggest getting her to do puzzles (not the jigsaw kind) and other mental exercises as they have been proven to help fight Alzheimer's.

Heck you might even get her a Game Boy DS with Brain Age and some of those other brain exercise games.
They'd keep her entertained and busy and help at the same time.

[vckums]

Thanks Jasn & IK. She already does the repeating thing. I'll get a few phonecalls 5-10 minutes apart "oh I called so I could tell you..." Oh and notes! She has her kitchen table COVERED in notes. You couldnt even see the table! I know the memory center gave my Aunt some ideas, I'll tell her about the puzzle one. As for any electronics, pffft she can't even figure out the answering machine. LOL
When I called to see how she was last night she said the nickname again and it was almost instant tears...I need to tape record a call so I can always have that.