Hi everyone. I am new to all of this online stuff but figured I would give it a shot. I am a caregiver for my friend who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. I have been with her for almost three years. I have seen her go through many many changes and last week was the hardest ever. She doesn't have many friends come visit. She is in a nursing home in the memory support unit. It is very difficult for her friends to see her this way. Last week her best friend came to visit. Up until now my friend has known who her best friend is. Last week after her friend left with tears in her eyes my friend said," It's really funny! I can't for the life of me remember who that woman was". It was a hard pill to swallow but its true she just doesn't remember her friend anymore. Something I found strange about her comment that day was that she hasn't spoken in a complete clear sentence like that in over 9 months! So as sad as it was watching her lose the memory of her best friend it was great to see her speak in a clear sentence. Anyway, I have started a blog to help my friend,myself and others dealing with this disease. You will read stories that you can relate to and most of all its just nice to talk about it with people that understand where I am coming from. I am at caregiverblues.wordpress.com

Hi JaimieB,

All I can say about that is: Bless you for your active concern!

The rest of whatever I might say is nothing but conceading to the the fact that Alzheimer's is terrible. I was diagnosed 2 years ago at 58. Hey- we were all new to this on-line stuff once. You are doing just great!

You might want to address the Caregivers forum for better responce.

Dear Jaime B,

Hello and Welcome to the AD Message Boards. I'm sorry to hear about your friend but I am glad you've found us.

Just an FYI. You have posted in the "Technical Issue Forum" which is for Technical Problems withe the website. You may want to post this in the "Caregivers Forum" where is can be read and answered by a lot of people!!

Being a caregiver to someone you love with AD is very difficult. Have you joined an AD support group yet? It might help you. To find your local chapter please go to the bottom of this page and click on "Chapters" and follow the directions.

If you need immediate assistance, please call the 24/7 AD Helpline @ 800-272-3900 for help/support.

Thank you for the work you do and for giving us your blog.

Good Luck. Please, come back (Caregivers Forum) and let us know how you both are doing.