ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Problems with language is a major sign of Alzheimer's. People with Alzheimer's have trouble following a conversation. They struggle with vocabulary, or finding the right words. As the disease progresses they tend to repeat what they have said or what they have heard over and over again.

There were many times when Jimmy, Regina and I would be sitting around dad's kitchen table having a conversation, and Dad would be listening to us. He would be concentrating intently on what Jimmy would be saying, and than would move his hands and ask questions like he understood what we were saying. He was so serious, trying so hard to join in our conversation.

I remember the time when we were watching a segment on TV about a mother who was praying for her son and his future to be tuned with God. Dad was having trouble comprehending what was going on and told me it was about education and being poor and not having enough money for a good education.

As his disease progressed towards the last stages, he would have times he would be very talkative, but he would repeat the same phrase over and over again. It might be, Mother Mary,
or something he had seen on TV, like Nick, from Nick at Night.

Being a care giver is a very frustrating job. I know you feel all alone. It seems like the world has stopped. The days, weeks, and months carry on, yet your world, as you once had known it has stopped. You are not alone. It is important to vent to someone, so that you can be in tune with your daily job of taking care of your Alzheimer's loved one. Please look for a good support group. If you go on to Alzheimer's Association, which is www.alz.org and on the top right hand corner it says find us anywhere. Hit GO and you can search by state. A map shows up and you can hit your state. Than it tells you the name of a Chapter and you hit that. Scroll down and hit support groups. You will find support group listings. I hope this helps. Please this is very important for you and your loved one. You can get ideas from the other members of the group and you can give input which may help another care giver. I hope someone is reading this and I am helping you.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com