Anyone dealing with Alzheimers in their family?

[goofy4tink]

My fil was diagnosed about a year ago. This is progressing extremely quickly. He was just put in an assisted care facility last week. He doesn't really recognize all of us.
I'm looking to get some books that deal with Alzheimers for preteens. My dd, 10, lost her Meme in the fall. Now, her Grampa has this dread disease. I've found one book.."Grampa doesn't know me" for her, but am looking for more. She is so worried and sad. Do any of you have the names of any books that might help her? Thanks a lot.

 

[always quiet]

No books, just hugs! My mom died of this back in 1997. It was so hard to go through. Are there any meds that he can take that might slow the progress of this?? She had been on one of the new "approved" drugs when it was still in the experimental stage. Kept her at an ok level for awhile (though once it was stopped, it was like they dropped her off a cliff - everything was gone). My kids were young when this happened so they never got to know my mom when she still was herself.

I'll be saying some extra prayers for your family, especially your daughter.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Like Colleen, goofy4tink, just stopping by for a and a prayer. My very best in the time ahead.

Dan

 

[cabmom]

Hi, this will be a very difficult time for you. When we had my grandmother-in-law living with us, we got books from the local Alzheimers society to read up on it. She lived with us for 5 yrs and then 2 yrs ago we had to have her move in to a nursing home in our town. She does not recognize anyone now. Such a shame. She'll be 88 this year.
Good luck, it's a difficult road!
Marilynn

 

[Mskanga]

My momm currently has alzheimers, she was also diagnosed last summer but she apparently has had it for a while. I do not know exactly what stage she's in, I will know more tomorrow because my sister and my mom are on their way here from Spain to spend two weeks with me. She's still good enough to travel with someone and my sister wanted her to come here while she's still ok to travel before she gets worse.
Unfortunately her mom also died of dementia in 1993 , we have walked down that road before and it's very hard to see how a loved one declines to the point where they can't do anything.
I am including a link to some websites that I hope help.
I am also one PM away if you need me. {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}

http://neuro-mancer.mgh.harvard.edu/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000189.html

 

[Mskanga]

Tink , this is the one place I really like:
http://www.alzheimersupport.com/chat/forums/index.cfm?B=Writers

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks you guys. Good to know there are others with experience with this. Well, not good that there is so much alzheimers out there, but I guess you know what I mean. Thanks again.