I'm starting to show signs of "loosing it" .

I'm 60 and retired from a great career. When I was 58 I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's related dementia.

Now, I can't work because of my Alzheimer's related symptoms and the state pulled my drivers license because of my cognitive impairment. I have to agree with these decisions because I know that on any given day I can't read a full sentance, get lost misjudge distances or don't see things.

How is every body else getting around this probem?

I rely on my husband or the local shuttle which is free to take around town and is only 3 blocks from my house.

Actually, I'm lucky I have just about everything I need to go to within walking distance from my front door. My only problems is not knowing if I'll find my way home.

Cheri, are you able to use landmarks? Do you write yourself notes? Just wondering. I can find my way if I have a map or written directions.

Iris L.

Cheri,

What about a GPS??

Do you need a car for it? I don't think so!

Tom,

I'm kinda loosing it myself, sorry, not much help here.

It's been about 2 years since my dx too. Is 2 years a magical number for decline????

I gave up on notes a long time ago. Not only do I forget to look at them I can't understand what I put on them. I don't remember the landmarks.

I do have a GPS on my cell phone now. I got lost on a visit in another state and they ended up calling 911 before finding me.

quote:

Originally posted by Lisa 428:
It's been about 2 years since my dx too. Is 2 years a magical number for decline????

My wife and I have discussed my funck. She thinks in might have something to do with the recent adjustment they made in my meds. For a long while I was taking Lexapro but we changed insurance carriers. The new carrier would not pay for Lexapro so we started using a knock down.
Last week my phyciatrist gave me some samples of Lexapro. We started using the samples Monday.

All of these work-arounds for getting lost sound funny.

If I could figure out how to use a GPS when I am confused, I would not have gotten lost.

My father had a large clear plastic pouch that hung around his neck like the one that hold security badges and other identification. It had the important information so a by-stander could help him.

On the outside (visible part), it just said his first name. On the back and inside, it had more information. He could take long walks with his cockapoo dog. He never got lost. But we don't know how many times others may have helped him. He carried a cell phone with locate service so we could call or go on-line to locate him by GPS.

After he passed, my mom started taking the dog on a shorter walk. She was amazed to learn how many people knew my dad and wondered why they did not see him any more. They recognized 'Joey'

It appears that his walking routine had become a safety factor due to all the others who recognized him.

I used to have a route I walked with my dogs but it got developed and the congestion of homes is no longer enjoyable.

Mark the GPS on my cell phone is a locator service so my husband can find me if I get lost.

I couldn't use GPS to find my own way home either. I just don't worry so much anymore knowing he can find me.

I use to take the dog with me on walks figuring she could find our way home. Now I get to frustrated when I take her so I don't go.

quote:

Originally posted by Cheri B:
I use to take the dog with me on walks figuring she could find our way home. Now I get to frustrated when I take her so I don't go.

That is another issue. My dogs are getting way over weight because I don't take them for walks anymore.

Ttom,

Actually, most dogs become overweight because they are fed too much. Different breeds have different eating habits. Sent hounds tend to eat anything that is available. They will get fat easily.

There are very few breeds that can be given a big bowl of food and they will only eat as much as they need. It is a genetic thing in their survival instincts.

I have beagles. They are very prone to eating too much. My male will eat himself into immobility. Then he just lays down for the hours it takes for the food to pass.

Mine have learned all kinds of begging behaviors. The female will carry the empty bowl around, or sometimes, just keep flipping it over and over.

The STARE is their most common. I taught them to whisper so she will stare at me and whisper these little barks.

Mine are my company for most of the day. They follow me all over the house.

Maybe since we are all dog lovers, we should check into getting one of these.

http://tinyurl.com/axfhdp

http://tinyurl.com/yaggglg

I keep post it notes everywhere, I mean everywhere, don't go for walks with the dogs anymore the pain and weakness is too much. I have several chihuahua's and only one is a little overweight and I keep food in the bowl constantly.
I know there are hand held gps devices I wonder how much they are? I wear a medical id bracelet, hope that helps if I'm out and have a lost episode.

I ware a Medic Alert bracelet. That is only good if somebody finds me wondering, looks at the bracelet and reports me.

kajeet.com is basically a site for parents to protect their kids, but I have one of their cell phones and my husband can call up on his computer any time during the day or night and see where I am as long as I have my phone with me. You purchase the phone and then do a monthly plan for the service. The GPS is about $10 a month plus any phone service plan you choose. For me it is very reasuring as long as I never leave the house without it. I did check into the GPS watches type devises and they were like almost $500 plus service and were out of my price range.