I am very new to this sort of thing. The only thing I have ever used the computer for is to share a little 3-mail with friends but my 68 year old husband was diagnosed a year ago with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and frontotemporal dementia. He is going down hill much more quickly that I thought he would and I am in desperate need of advice on how to cope with everything from his inability to communicate (he can make sounds but can't talk)to activities for him. Any and all advice appreciated.

Dear E. Hamilton,

I am so sorry for what has brought you to this online community, but I am very happy you have found us and are willing to try a newer technology. Just a quick note about this message board; there are various forums within the community. The most popular and active is the ‘Caregiver’s forum’. The forum we are currently in is for Spanish Speaking caregivers and persons with the disease. There are also forums for medication discussion, and a forum you can ask a Care Consultant questions you may have.

What you are going through with your husband is so devastatingly common. The rapid decline, and change in functioning can be so hard to cope with. This is a very challenging path, and there are various venues of support that may help you navigate through this process. First of all, this online community is full of very rich information and people who have experienced and are experiencing the tribulations and triumphs of dementia as caregivers. Connecting with these people and others who know how it is to feel what you are feeling can often help. Support groups also help connect caregivers together and offer a place to share tips and the emotional and spiritual guidance that is needed. If you are interested in a support group in your area please call your local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter at 800.272.3900. Individual counseling is another venue that often helps caregivers cope with their loved one's changes. Your local chapter may also have a listing of counselors in your area who specialize in caregiver's needs.

Many caregivers have found that tapping into the resources already in their lives can also assist them through the difficulties of dementia. For example, speaking with close friends and family members about your experiences and how you are doing can often help. And more specifically asking for help by telling your close friends and family exactly how they can help you. Often family and friends are present but are unsure how to help and what to do. By providing these people in your life with specific direction many caregivers find that they can be very helpful.

The Alzheimer’s Association 24 hour helpline is available to you any time day or night. You can call and speak about coping techniques, and other questions or concerns you may have. Call 800.272.3800. by calling this helpline you can also request educational materials such as Activities at Home, and other sources to be mailed to you. If possible copy and paste the follow line of text into the internet browser http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_activities.pdf You will then have access to the Activities at Home brochure. This document is filled with various activities that are appropriate for persons with dementia.

Best Regards,

Dear E. Hamilton,
Hello and welcome! I'm sorry for what brings you here! Please post your information and questions in the " Caregiver's Forum! " You will get lots of help there! Don't give up. Computers are a little overwhelming at first but you can do it!
This forum you have written in is for Spanish Speaking people! Again, please type your information and questions in the "Caregiver's Forum"

Good Luck

Peace and Hope,

HI I AM CAREING FOR MY 83 YR OLD DAD. AND HE HIS CHANGES SCARE ME. BECAUSE HE GETS ANGRY AND SAID'S LOT'S OF HURTFUL THINGS . AT NIGHT HE WANT'S TO GO TO WORK . OR HOME AND I DO NOT NO WHERE HOME IS. I WILL TAKE HIM FOR A RIDE IN THE CAR. BUT WHEN WE GET HOME HE STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN . HELP ME I AM SO STRESS OUT AND DO NOT NO HOW TO HANDLE THESE CHANGE'S I AM AFAID TO MAKE HIM MORE ANGRY WHAT DO I DO ?

Rosalinda, it sounds as though you Papa is getting to the point where he needs more care than you can give him. I suggest you contact the local chapter of Alzheimers and get suggestions and help from them. You can find the location and phone number thru google and/or this site.

Better yet talk to his Dr.........

RosaLinda,
Please talk with you Dad's doctor immediately! Sounds like he needs to be seen and evaluated now! If you can't get him to cooperate, call for emergency services to assist you!

Keep us posted.

You may want to post your questions in the "caregivers section" because this site here is for Spanish speaking people!!

Good Luck

Peace and Hope,