Alzheimer's Disease Support Group

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. An early symptom is memory loss (amnesia), usually manifesting as minor forgetfulness that becomes pronounced with illness progression, with relative...

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/ Alzheimer's Disease Support Group

Hello, newbie here

Deborah48
Deborah48
Hi, I'm new to this site. I take care of my husband full time (with our kids who are going to college and working and living with us still). He is a 60 yr old VN vet who had PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) first then in the past year I started noticing he was doing things that don't fall under the symptoms of PTSD so after a few visits and even emergency room visits he has been diagnosed with dementia, probably moderate to severe stages. When he was diagnosed with the PTSD I looked and looked for a support group and was so glad when I found one. It helps SO much to talk with other people who do walk in your shoes. So since he has been diagnosed with the dementia (just 3 months ago) I have been looking for a support group to join. While I like support groups with living people in the same room I find an online support group is just as important because sometimes I can't wait until the next meeting, I need to talk, to vent right now, even late at night.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Welcome! This is a great group of people to vent, share, help, cry whatever is needed with. There is also another group on this site for "dementia" which has great people in it also.

My Father is a WWII veteran with PTSD, Parkinson's, Dementia and is legally blind. They recently added "possible Alzheimer's" to his plate.

I can understand the journey you're on and while it's my parent and not a spouse, I'd be happy to help in any way I can or just listen. You are definately not alone and having others to talk to has helped me immensely.
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page
welcome, debra. I also am new to this site. My dad has "they think" alzheimer's. I'm trying to learn how to deal with it. I thought my mom's sickness and death in 2007 was difficult. I've heard this is worse. I'm devastated, just hoped one parent could have a "peaceful" end to their life. I wish you well in caring for your husband and hope you find support here.
Deborah48
Deborah48
Fortunately, I learned a lot about how to take care of myself and take of my husband when he was diagnosed with PTSD so adding dementia to the mix was not quite as tough as for people who are all of a sudden faced with it.

What I have learned the most is that I need to talk, vent and express. I need to do this not only with people who are in my family but also with others who are dealing with the same thing.

I have also learned to lower my expectations. I mean if he puts the forks in the knives drawer well, heck, is it really a big deal, no, I just move them. Sometimes it isn't that simple like it took me 6 months to find my cookie sheet!
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How did you find out how to take care of your husband and yourself? Did you read about it? Or go to a support group? Or figure it out on your own?
Deborah48
Deborah48
I learned how to take care of myself through reading, counseling, support groups and trial and error. For example, I used to stay home a lot because my husband didn't want to go out and if I went somewhere by myself he would make me feel guilty, pout, whine, etc. I don't let him do that to me anymore. I go because I need to get away. It is healthy, makes me a better caregiver and I just don't let his negativity prevent me from going. I belong to a sewing group and a woman's organization. "I put my mask on first."

You know how when you are on a plane they tell you, "in the event of an emergency" to put your oxygen mask on first BEFORE you begin to help someone else? Well, care giving is the same- we have to put our mask on first before we can take care of someone else.