Dementia Support Group
Dementia is the progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage or disease in the brain beyond what might be expected from normal aging. Particularly affected areas may be memory, attention, language and problem solving, although particularly in the later stages of the condition, affected persons may be disoriented in time, place and person (not knowing who they...
My maternal grandparents raised me. They are my mom and dad. I am 25 this year. My grandpa just turned 80.
He has early onset dementia.
I am struggling to cope with this.
It hurts so bad to see him deteriorating every day. I want to cry.
But at the same time, I get so aggravated and annoyed because of his behavior is changing. His long term memory is fine, but his short term memory is gone.
He will ask what time it is or ask what day it is 15 times an hour, and not remember asking it already.
It gets so frustrating. I don't really have anyone to talk to. I'm trying not to get mad at him because he can't help it.
I'm so upset :(
He has early onset dementia.
I am struggling to cope with this.
It hurts so bad to see him deteriorating every day. I want to cry.
But at the same time, I get so aggravated and annoyed because of his behavior is changing. His long term memory is fine, but his short term memory is gone.
He will ask what time it is or ask what day it is 15 times an hour, and not remember asking it already.
It gets so frustrating. I don't really have anyone to talk to. I'm trying not to get mad at him because he can't help it.
I'm so upset :(
Dementia at 80 isn't really early onset. Do the doctors know why he has dementia? Maybe heart problems or a stroke? And has he been tested to see just how bad he is? It would help you more than anyone to know a little more about what is going on and to get an idea of where he is headed and how quickly.
There are some tricks to dealing with dementia patients. First is pick your battles. If its not important then let him believe he is right. Doesn't matter if it is one o'clock or one thirty unless you are going somewhere. When he keeps asking the time it means he can't see the clock so get him a large dial clock with big hands. Often it's like playing charades where we have to figure out what is the real problem and they can't help us to understand.