Is it possible for someone with who has displayed symptoms of stage 4 Alzheimer's, seem to "improve" by being in a good assisted living facility. My family and I feel that the reason my dad is doing somewhat better is because of the stimulation he is getting from the activity he is able to be involved in now. He lived alone before and the other place he was in did not offer enough for him to do.

He wants to go home now and we don't know what is the best thing to do. He cannot afford 24 hour care, he is self sufficient in most things except he should not use a microwave, oven, take his own meds or drive. Any help on this would be most appreciated.

Sounds to me that the ALF is the best solution for your Dad. His meds are regulated and given at the proper times of day, he doesn't have to worry about fixing nutritious meals, and there is someone there at all times to keep an eye on Dad. Plus, the socialization and group activities help keep his mind occupied and alert.

This is what I call the 'yoyo' phase of AD. I have been in it for two years with my Mom who I placed in an excellent ALF two years ago. Like your Dad, Mom has gotten much better because of the stimulation and socialization, good nutrition and good daily care. Sometimes she is so good that I second guess my decision for placement and I spend days feeling guilty that I have taken away her freedom. And then something will happen, and I know in my neart of hearts that I have done the right thing.

I have had friends that have moved their parents in and out of ALFs multiple times because of this 'yoyo'. They do fine at home or in an Independent Living Apartment for a few weeks and then something happens and they are back in the ALF or NH. Mom has a couple on her floor that has flipped twice between Independent Living and ALF. I can't imagine moving a two bedroom apartment four times in less than 6 months even if it is in the same building.

AD tends to cycle through ups and downs. It is possible, however, that your dad was depressed living alone and the activity and interactions brought him out of it. Depression can magnify AD symptoms.

Renee:

I have no doubt in my mind that many dementia patients can get better in meaningful ways -- that is, if they get proper stimulation. I'd immerse them in good vibes. In a low-stress or stress-free environment. I've seen it work. I'm promoting an experimental nursing home concept in which the patients in the memory care unit would receive extensive supplemental care, care far beyond what the patients usually get. Good vibes care. Lots of mental and physical stimulation. Delivered in a positive manner. Oh, it'd be expensive to provide it, I suppose. But I'll bet it would bring amazing results. It won't cure Alzheimer's. But it'll extend useful life. Maybe by a few years for some patients. Quality of care can make a difference. Sometimes. --Jim

My mom, who is stage 6, is MUCH better since moving to the SNF. Just as she was also much better after starting ADC.

Now, I think it is partly that the right meds are on board now (she has terrible behavioral problems), but I think a bigger influence is the socialization and structure. I tried to take her out, but she was scared all the time. I tried to stick to a schedule, but invariably the cat would puke on the carpet or the phone would ring, or something else would throw us off. Actually seeing her improvement is what has helped me to accept that she's in the best place for where she is right now. I can't say that she'll stay there forever, but for right now it is the right place for her to be.

No one has the answer. NO ONE. If what you are doing is working for him keep it up. If and when things change just know that it is the nature of Alzheimer's disease to throw us a curve ball. I doubt that being in a chaotic enviornment would be calming to anyone (with or without Alzheimer's) but by the same token it is a deterioration of the brain and there will be good days and bad days and good hours and bad hours and good minutes and bad minutes. Hold on tight to the best of times and do your best to roll with the punches on the bad ones.

Routine of activity
Stimulation
medicine regulation

All of these are extremely helpful, and while the cognitive deficits are not physiologically improved (most dementias damage is irreversible) they are being greatly helped by the changes.

I do think my MIL improved slightly after we moved her to ALF. She began to get much better nutrition and there were more opportunities for socialization. When she was hom she was very lonely and talking on the phone to her never seemed to be good enough. She's been there nearly a year now and she seems to have begun declining again. If you think your father is somewhat better, keep on doing what you are currently.

I've noticed this too! My dad seems so much calmer & happier since moving into an ALF. In many ways, he's more like his previous self.

The social interaction has done wonders for him.

What New Realm said.

Add to that regular, nutritious meals and take away the stress of daily living (bill paying, house cleaning, cooking, etc) and my mom is doing much better than she did when she was living alone.

I am hestitant to use the word "better" because some people mistake that for "cured" or "on the path to healing" and we all know that with Alzheimer's disease, that's not the case at all. It's nothing but downhill from here. But yes, in my mother's situation, right now, she copes with Alzheimer's better in Assisted Living than she did on her own.

Thank you all for taking the time to answer my question. I makes me feel better to at least see that we are doing the right thing. It is hard when he says he is not happy there and when he is having a good time he is just faking it. He says his life is over if he has to stay there. Right now he is not even talking to me and blames me for his current situation. Of course it was a family decision, but for some reason he blames me.

renee:

You are so lucky that there is a 'we' behind the you. He is directing his anger at you, but you have others with whom you can share this anger.