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.
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.
