http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp?type=alzchptfooter#stage1
Well, I found an excellent blog with some resources for understanding Alzheimer's. The link is above.
It definitely makes me sad to read the progression of Alzheimer's knowing that it's my Mom I am talking about but I still think it's better to know what's coming and to be as prepared as I can.
I can't help but wonder how much longer Mom will be safe in her home. She has been so determined throughout her life that she NEVER wanted to go to a nursing home that I hate to even entertain the thought of that happening but I have to be realistic. At some point, it might become necessary for her to live where she has continual help. Some things make it seem like that day will be soon. Others just make me smile.
I took her to the doctor this morning. While waiting to be seen, my 86 year old mom was flirting - yes, flirting - with the gentlemen (Yes, plural!) in the waiting room. The guy across from her even gave her one of those smile cards in payment for the one she gave him. I liked his way of giving a smile better than her way of singing "Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold…. " especially when she got to the part at the end where she threw her arms up in the air bringing them down to "accidentally" land on the gentleman next to her. Heaven forbid if I had ever actually pulled a stunt like that. At least now I know where I come up with some of my ideas, though….
Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease and I feel so bad for those who have to endure it. Your mother sounds strong, and to flirt with men while going through this proves that. I quickly looked over the link you posted and learned some new things about the disease, especially during the late stages. My mother's grandfather suffered from the disease, but I was very young and only have blurry memories of him. I hope that a cure or treatment can be found soon, I always hear about new research that is being conducted.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I know what a "smile card" is, but it sounds wonderful. Sharing a humorous story like this one seems like a wonderful way of building a blog community of caregivers and other readers. Your mom sounds like quite a character, but I'm sure that this has its pros and cons, as you seem to indicated in your "some days" comments.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important topic, one that I think is idea for blogging. Have you come across any other caregiver blogs, especially of people caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's? It might be nice to link them here.
Did I see something recently on Facebook about a research team having a breakthrough last week about Alzherimer's? Let's see if Blogger lets me include the link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11280504/Has-Stanford-University-found-a-cure-for-Alzheimers-disease.html
Thanks for your stories and your honesty! I look forward to reading more.
A smile card is a little card about the size of a business card that says, "I noticed you didn't have a smile so I am giving you one of mine!" It also includes a smiley picture or big happy face - a very nice gift from a stranger or a friend.
DeleteThanks for the link and I will post any information I find that seems appropriate….
ReplyDeleteThe website says that they are finally starting to understand the causes of Alzheimer's. A protein blocks our cells from cleaning up. If we can block that protein, the cells can go about their job and clean up and not only does this stop the progression of Alzheimer's, it reverses some of the symptoms. Currently, there is NO blocker available but we can pray there will be soon.
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