My leukemia's back.

:hit That and alzheimer's have to be high on the list of "hardest to deal with". Sure hope they do find something else that could be causing the memory issues.

:hugs
I've been reading that dementia is just the ... nice ... word for the Alzheimer's word. I'm with you, one more chance at ruling it out. Looking at the brain will tell a lot.
 
He is my best friend. Not sure I made it clear, that it's my husband. Best thing that has happened in my life after having been in bad marriage. He's always treated me like a queen. Sure has taken care of me during this healing time of my shoulder. Keeps me from doing things I shouldn't too. I tend to find myself wanting to lift .. if he sees me, he lets me know.. not yet!

Ok, I get it now...I didn't know your husband's name. That really hits close to home then Cynthia. Always the best when you're married to your best friend.
 
No time for that @N F C !! Had to change the oil in DW's car today.

I've been reading that dementia is just the ... nice ... word for the Alzheimer's word.
I don't think it is the same. Alzheimer's eventually destroys the body's autonomic systems. It forgets to do things like breath, keep the heart beating. Dementia does not.

If you do have to deal with this, there isn't another cause, look around for help. I have a friend whose husband (20+ years her senior) developed Alzheimer's when she was ~45. She found a lot of help from organizations that help people deal with the slow decline. Live every day for the moment even if the affected person isn't going to remember doing an activity. They enjoy it while they are doing it. Find "adult day care" places where the affected person can spend some time (having fun) while the caregiver gets a break to just rest or do things that are easier without the other half. Dementia and Alzheimer's are extremely hard on the family caregivers, both emotionally and physically.

:hugs:hugs:hugs:hugs:hugs
 
TA, Hugs to you and family as you mourn the loss of your Granpa Billy. Know that he is dancing, as we speak. No tears for him. Remember the good times. They will outnumber the sadness.

Cynthia, I'm so very sorry that your dear Scotty has been diagnosed with dementia. You are right to seek further definition of his issue, if for nothing more than to put your mind at ease, knowing that all is/has been done that could be done. As Bruce stated, Dementia is simply the broad umbrella under which all of the Neurological illnesses that cause it are placed. There are many, many different causes of Dementia, Alzheimers is only one. Based on the findings, there may be medications that can slow it's progression. If you don't find that your current doctor is on top of things, then ask for a consult with a neurologist who specializes in Dementia types of illness.

@bruceha2000 offers good suggestions. Do what ever it takes to take care of yourself, and put a smile in your day EVERY DAY. Caring for a loved one 24/7 can be emotionally and physically crippling. You may even qualify to have someone come in a few hours to help with homemaking tasks. Adult day care is an other excellent option. Do you have a church family? This can be a fantastic support system: there are often ministry teams set up who will step in and provide assistance such as meals for the freezer, assistance getting to/from appointments. A friend to hold your hand, sit and share a cup of coffee while you vent and carry on a friendship conversation, a hug and a prayer can do wonders to let you know that you are not alone in this. And, we are here, my friend.
 

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