Alzheimer's, and dementia are not the same thing, although there are some similarities. As others have stated, get your resources together, so you'll occasionally have time for yourself. My grandfather developed dementia when he was in his 80's. He did not decline rapidly, but did decline through the years. My mother was always able to "work with" him. He was set in his ways about a lot of things, but usually cooperative with my mom. She talked with him, not at him, although when he was having his saner moments, she would address him as an adult, but quickly be able to change when his mental state warranted it. Mom, and dad included him in most things, and took him wherever they went.
On the other hand, we had a friend that her dad woke up one morning, screaming about the woman in his bed. It was his wife. He had forgotten her. He remembered all their grown kids, but forgot her. He constantly complained about "that" woman. He didn't like her in his bed. To pacify him, she moved into a different room. Later, he didn't like "that" woman in his house. The kids told him she cared a great deal about him, and was there to help him. There were times the kids would have to call him, and reassure him it was ok for "that" woman to be there. He never did remember her again.
