ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

I was at church today volunteering for Missions Of Mercy a Mobile Medical Unit which provides free medical care for anyone with no insurance. As I talked to the other volunteers, one of them told me she was going through some confusion, forgetting things and volunteered to be in a clinical study for people in the early stages of dementia due to Alzheimer's. She said she has to take a pill and has no idea if this pill is the active agent or a placebo. It was great to talk to her, as she hopes to help find a cure.

I also talked to a women who is taking care of her mother in law with Alzheimer's. She told me that things have settled down now. That her mother in law is finally in the calm stage. She doesn't know anyone, and really doesn't talk. But she smiles and feeds the birds and isn't hateful anymore. If you know anything about Alzheimer's you understand that it has stages. She pointed out that life is much easier now.

She made me think about my father in law. When we moved to Phoenix, from Chicago, my father in law didn't know anyone any more either. He had no idea we moved him, and when ever I took him outside for a walk or ride he would comment on the palm trees and mountains saying we must be in the country. He was at that calm stage, not hitting anymore and following me with his eyes like a hawk.

Remember the stages:
1) May have memory Lapses
2) Trouble coming up with the right word or names - losing or misplacing an object
3) Forgetting a recent event - difficulty paying bills or planning dinner
4) Can't remember address or phone number - need help choosing proper clothing for weather
5) Trouble remembering name of spouse or caregiver - major personality and behavioral changes - major changes in sleep patterns
6) Tends to wonder - trouble controlling bladder
7) Needs help with personal care- help with eating - swallowing impaired - needs depends

Remember if you have a loved one with Alzheimer's please get into a good support group. Also with the behavioral changes they tend to get mean. They don't mean it, that is just the disease. It soon will pass before they are passive and baby like.

Please remember life is a gift. Enjoy today and make it count. There is no guarantee what tomorrow may bring.

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