I'am i senior in High school. As a senior we have to pick a topic and try to prove something. I have choosen to get it out that Alzheimer's a so over looked by those who have never been through it. I recently lost my grandmother to Alzheimer's and I know how hard it was for my family and I. I want others to realize that Alzheimer's is not something to just brush off. I'am writting this board cause I would love for some of you to share some of your personal reflections such as, How has it affected you and your family financially, physically, emotionally, and mentally. If you could please help me out I would greatly appricate your feedback.... THANKS IN ADVANCE~

Hey Brittney,
It would be interesting to do your report on Alzheimer's care giving from the perspective of a teenager. Many of us on the forum have children and I am very interested in how they perceive of this disease and the care giving process.
Peace,
DAni

Well i did a survey around my school about Alzheimer's and alot of my peers know of the disease and really know how it affects the patient but are not so aware of how it affects the family and caregivers.

Hi Brittney
I don't know how this will pan out but...I'll share from my perspective.
I'm 61 and look about 45.Recently had a crises with thyroid irregularity
but...beginning to suspect this is not just thyroid but begining of Alzheimer's.
Background - gramdma had it, mother had it, aunt has it - as y see it...
So here it goes. My memory is shot, I now I have to develop ways to keep as
organized as possible. Things must be in my sight so I can remember they
need to be taken care of it. Several bills I place them on automatic
debt and keep track of expenses when I get bank statements.
An old computer desk is now in my bedroom and I keep things on the open and
take a look on a daily basis.
Transportation - my car broke down...too expensive to fix...now I call the
VA and they come to pick me up for check ups of vision, etc. Shopping has
become a serious problem when I have to depend on neighbors to give me rides,
so I just sent out for applications with Cityride and Access transportation.
Walking down the hill is not too bad, but coming up is too painful because
spinal injuries due to past spouse beatings(I did separate).
Family - It is amazing how they disapear when you no longer can take them out
for dinner, buy presents, take them out on vacation and you become dirt poor!
Friends - same thing as family and they get tired of having to repeat things
because you forget what they said.Confusion is sometimes misunderstood for
mental incompetence and sometimes people treat you as if you have retardation.
Keeping track of peoples conversation becomes difficult if their sentence have
turned into lenghty paragraphs with no end in sight!! Folks, keep it short and
simple, it becomes a matter of retention - be mindful, considerate and respectful.
The ability to keep things concise, simple is an acquired skill available to those
who have character, integrity and value human life even when it becomes frail.
Very humiliating and I feel as if my days os contributing to society is over.
You go from having given 35 years of comunity service to a disposible throw
away.
Finances - last year I lost my son to a motorcycle accident. He was almost
20. He provided for half of the expenses. I miss him terribly, for not only
he was my son of golden years, but he was my bussines partner. We bought a
house together and now the struggle is on. Not only I had to drastically cut
down every expense possible, but had to have a complete change in life-style.
Even necessary things like heating had to be done away with - second hand
sweaters is of much use.
Intelectual - how did we become disposible. It slowly crawled up to keep us
company. What ever hapened about our life experience and knowledge we could
pass on to future generation? It has been replace by computers, cell phones,
fast cars, instant gratifications, etc. We no longer sit, talk, connect or
pick each others brain for info., chalenging debates, apologetics of our
beliefs or point of view with exchange of heathy perspectives.
Medical Care - it sucks as we wait for...another check up in six months!!!
Care givers??? - folks, stop feeling sorry for yourselves. Maybe your self
esteem has been low. Don't make this as an oportunuty to toot your horn and
use it for a spring board for what a martyr you have been. The day will come
you will be wearing the same shoes, so start thinking in practical simple ways
to bring some dignity to the situation.
Brittney, you are young and smart - look for ways from those who can still
tell you what has helped them navigate this pathway. Find a gentle way of
confronting issues and dealing with systems and dysfunctional people who are
in for the money. For family persons who use the affected person as a scape
goat for family rivalry, dispute and blame games.For 'nursing' homes who let
those persons soaks in urine all day. For 'day care facilities' who yell at
seniors and tell them to sit for many hours. For 'adult activities' who think that
all seniors are deaf and play music so loud that we think our hearts will blow
out. For 'entertaiment' for 'us' that are tear jerking about the ideal,
sacrificing family. BS... some of this families withold care and impatiently
wait so we can croke and they can 'inherit' the finances and property that they
did not know how to use seat equity to build.
I have a smart and caring cousin who has come up with a workable solution. Not
an easy one, but one that has everlasting values. She entered a competition at
work that placed her on a better financial braket(she is a lawyer). Then she
takes the extra salary and invest in some good old fashion care for her mom(my
aunt who lives in her condo), who is 82 and has Alzheimers. Then my cousin uses
her free time to spend fridays or sundays at dinner with her "new" family.
Those who can still tell jokes and enjoys some good old fashion foods or deserts.
This new family understand that time is short, life can be frail, so they savor
the moment and make new memories based on timeless substance.
By the way, my new companion is a service dog who is 2/3 wolf, very patient and
forgiving when I forget to open the back door to let him out to pee!! he just
patiently reminds me by pressing his nose under my arm ; )
Yes life has become very lonely and isolated, patiently waiting for landmark
transition that I hope will be there and be friendly. Meanwhile I will try to
write about what was like been a survivor of my mothers abortion atempt on me.
What was like been a spouse of an autistic abusive husband. etc. Holding yet
to a set of values, to finding humor on life's curb balls and many other spins.
Let me know if you can keep your nose to the grinder and set goals worth persuing
and not allowing others to rain on your parade.Remember that those who discourage
your dreams are those who have not the courage to follow theirs.Love, xoxo...