My spouse is in ASL now for 6 mos with ALZ at about stage 7+. I will be taking her to her doctor and wonder what questions I should be asking at this time. He has not seen her for about nine months. I see her about 4 hours a day and know how she usually is but I never know how to answer "How is she?", and she can no longer talk. The ASL nurse says she will provide me a report to show the doctor. Any suggested questions would be appreciated to be sure I cover everything.

Bob,,simply tell the Dr "every single thing that you observe" about your wife. Tell him eveyrthing that concerns you in regards to her,,,make sure you read that report that the nurse is going to give you to take to the Dr.

Discuss this in detail with the nuerologist. And don't be shy about anything either. This is "your wife",,,and nobody knows her better than you.

I only have one question,,,why in the world would she have to be seeing a nuerologist at this stage of her illness? I mean stage 7 is whats called or referred to as the "final stage" of this awful illness?

There will come a time when you will need to put your foot down with the facility and staff,,and yes,,even the Dr,,about some things,,or the way some things are being done,,or not being done.

Not only are you your wife's husband,,,you are her strongest advocate. So do what you feel is best for her,,,not what some "medical money mongor" tells you is best. You will know,,you'll feel it in your heart.

Best of luck to you and your dear wife. Please do come here and keep us posted on things. Peace & Blessings

Dear Bob,

I'm sorry for all you and your wife are going through.

Is your wife currently comfortable?? Is she still eating and interacting?

Does she have any physical problems, bedsores, infections of any kind?

Does she have any behavioral issues?

Please, get the report from the home she is in. Then, just talk to the neurologist about how YOU think she is doing and any observations you've noticed.

Good Luck.

Please, come back and let us know what happens.