Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by LauraL @ 08:42 PM July 21, 2008

LauraL — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:42:09 -0000

brat, that's wonderful. Thanks for updating us!

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by brat551456 @ 07:48 PM July 21, 2008

brat551456 — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:48:37 -0000

Love torn ...Yes the Wii is a great interactive tool... It's not too complicated.. I had to constantly tell him how to play but once he got it he was laughing and enjoying himself and it was fun to me as well. If you get one tell me if you like it or not..

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by love torn @ 07:15 PM July 21, 2008

love torn — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:15:08 -0000

Thanks to you too Brat, that WII game I heard is a great interactive tool and I might get one for my husbands birthday if it's not to complicated . Is it easy to work and play? Also thanks for the prayers .

Love torn

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by brat551456 @ 05:03 PM July 21, 2008

brat551456 — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:03:57 -0000

Thanks Love torn and Laural... My dad is in the moderate stage so some things are easier to do than others... I find he likes to listen to music a lot so I will turn on his favorite groups and ask him if he knows who sings them and a lot of times he gets them right and sings along an dances which makes me smile.. Its funny that little things people take for granted I cherish like him rembering my name or doing a simple task on his own like iron.. And love torn you are right about the watching movies when my dad watches a good movie he talks more and really gets into it and understands the whole concept of the movie. He also loves golf and we recently bought a wii game and he plays golf on there since it is way too hot for him to play outside now... Once again thanks for your advice.. It really helps to know Im not alone... I know I dont know you but you and your husband are in my prayers..

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by love torn @ 01:53 AM July 20, 2008

love torn — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:53:43 -0000

brat551456,

I'm not sure what stage your Dad is in in his disease of AD but playing a simple game of Ball ,wether it be just catching and throwing or Boccie , Basket ball, or horse shoes .Playing his favorite music seems to always work on all stages. My husband who I would have to beg to dance with me now will dance by himself to his favorite music . Music seems to relax and comfort also . Find and keep to what he likes and go with it . My husband likes to feel useful and helpful also . Not always for me but he likes to help volunteer at the American Legion where they know about him and give him clear instructions . Maybe taking A walk .Sitting and watching and listening to birds ,and bird feeding . Watching a favorite sport or movie on TV . I find it keeps his mind sharper and he talks more . Looking at family photos and home movies, also is a good Idea . Good luck and hang in there . Let me know what you found that he likes . _-----LoveTorn

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by LauraL @ 08:23 PM July 19, 2008

LauraL — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:23:26 -0000

Brat, perhaps something like a game? Checkers, or cards, or take him to the zoo or something like that, getting him active and moving?

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by brat551456 @ 03:30 PM July 19, 2008

brat551456 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:30:28 -0000

Thanks Love torn.. My dad does have some good days were he makes me laugh or smile but somedays its just hard for me to believe this really is happenning.. I'm trying to find out more ways I can intercat with him and find things to do that can help him. Do you have any ideas of simple things that can be fun for him?

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by LauraL @ 08:53 PM July 17, 2008

LauraL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:53:50 -0000

What a wonderful recommendation, Laura Ann, thanks for doing that!

Here's a link to the Amazon listing of that book: http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Speak-Alzheimers-Groundbreaking-Approach/dp/0618485171/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216327938&sr=8-1

It has been rated highly by those who have used it. Best!

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by Laura Ann @ 08:22 PM July 17, 2008

Laura Ann — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:22:57 -0000

Michelyn,

It is sooo hard to see someone you love fade away into someone you don't even know. I can tell you that when my Mom first moved in with me, I felt unable to deal with it and had no one to reach out to, you are not alone. Take it easy on yourself and your Mom, you are only human. Focus on the positive, you and your Mom have each other to vent to and of course this support group.

I also, read several books. One in particular was very helpful, Learning to Speak Alzheimer's, was a great help.

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by love torn @ 03:58 AM July 17, 2008

love torn — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:58:34 -0000

Brat551456,

Yes, this disease is sad and depressing but don't be afraid to laugh when you can . My husband always seems to make me smile at times and even laugh . He no longer can drive and I have to hide the keys , but he still asks to drive now and then. One night when I was explaning to my family that a neighbor has a key for EMS . He said loudly. WHAT you gave them a key to the house and won't even give me a key to the CAR? He smiled with us . Some days are better than others .

Love Torn

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by brat551456 @ 01:31 AM July 17, 2008

brat551456 — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:31:55 -0000

Reading this really touched me My father is 62 and has alzheimers it is hard to watch him not be able to do daily tasks or even speak sometimes... It seems like at first it wasnt that bad then it drastically took a change after he retired.. Im scared for what may happen this disease is really sad...

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by love torn @ 01:35 AM May 21, 2008

love torn — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:35:14 -0000

Michelyn, That is so very sad & diffulcult for the whole family . I also am in the same situation as your Mom . Although I try not to yell only I do find myself raising my voice at times of stress (like his driving). My husband now 60 was diagnosed at 58 just after he retired early after being there 39 years plus. We are dealing with the driving issue but it is hard . He has his swcond driving eval in a few weeks . Mean time he insist's on driving everywhere we go. He is constantly asking me for directions , even to places a mile from home.He is impatient at the stop light's hates when people pass him etc. I will need to hide his keys soon. He also played chess and every card and sport game amanagenable . We have been spending quaity time with our children and grand daughter . For your children I sugest a book called '"Grandma has Cobwebs" . Chidren I find are even more excepting once they know there is a problem. Your mother will need all your suport and help which sounds like she already has from you . 1 day at a time is what I keep saying to myself . All my best to you and your family. Love Torn .

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by LauraL @ 11:36 PM May 17, 2008

LauraL — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:36:04 -0000

Oh, Michelyn, I'm so sorry! What a heartbreaking situation.

I have a ten year old son myself - I think, but you would know better, that he may well be old enough to understand what is happening and how he can be patient and help his grandfather out.

My own grandfather took a real downward turn when my father passed away - the loss of a child, even if that child is an adult, is really hard to take and in my own humble opinion could very well have been an instigator in this.

Your mother may want to speak to a therapist to help her with her anger - I can understand it, but you're right, yelling at him doesn't help either one. I'm so sorry about that. :(

Please keep us updated and I hope things start to turn to the better.

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by Michelyn @ 04:03 PM May 16, 2008

Michelyn — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:03:00 -0000

I have to say I am having a hard time dealing w/ my father's Alzheimers. My 28yr old brother passed away 3 years ago and it seems since then my father keeps getting worse at a rapid rate. He's only 56 yrs old. He can't drive anymore, read directions, fill out forms, read a clock, think of everyday words (ex: couldn't remember the word 'cheese') pretty much anything involving everyday life that we all take for granted. My mother and him were looking forward to early retirement; taking off camping in their trailer and taking road trips. They now have to sell the camper/truck because he can't even remember how to hook up the battery. It seems everyday for him is worse than the previous. He is so frustrated. My mother is no help.....she's constantly yelling at him and feels she got jipped out of life with her husband. I keep telling her it's OK to ask for help and to stop yelling at him....it's not helping. If he's deteriorating this quickly, how soon will the time come when he doesn't remember us? I have no idea what to tell my kids (ages 5 and 10). My 10 yr old learned how to play chess with my dad and they would take up an afternoon playing. Now my dad has no idea how to play. This is awful....watching my strong proud brilliant father go before my very eyes. I am just glad I have found a place where I can express this to people who will understand.

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