Sign in

or Register now

OurAlzheimer's.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Monday, October, 06, 2008

laughterheals

by  Jerri
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Jerri

Jerri

Recent Posts:
  • No recent posts
View All
Subscribe
who could have known a brilliant person who could do anything and find the answer to any of life's questions could be reduced to someone who can hardly remember family or how to do simple daily tasks. it is a difficult disease to watch and makes me angry that it is taking my dad away from me and ...
  1. Untitled Comment
    Sue
    Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 11:43 AM

    Hello Jerri and welcome to our community of caregivers and loved ones facing this disease.

     

    Please come here to read others thoughts and struggles as well as to share your own with us all.

     

    If you are in need of suuport, please see our Caregiver Center, it may have some information you need. 

     

    As well you may want to read about differnt treatment options.


    reply
    re: Untitled Comment
    Jerri
    Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 03:12 PM
    Sue, thank you for your kind response. I will come often. I know it will help me. My dad is in VA and I am in NJ but closer than I was in MI. I try to visit him every 3 months for at least a week. thanks for your support, Jerri
    reply
  2. Untitled Comment
    AFA Social Services Team
    Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 04:11 PM

    Dear Laughter Heals,

     

    It is good that you found the strength to reach out to all of us who care so deeply about those who are diagnosed with this disease and those who are providing the love and care that will help sustain them. I commend you for finding the courage to admit your anger over losing the father you once knew, for finding the ability to express your gratitude to the people who provide the day-to-day care for him, and for finding moments in your lives to share laughter with your beloved father. Laughter mixed with a combination of a positive attitude, love, faith, and hope can be extremely beneficial.

     


    reply
    re: Untitled Comment
    Jerri
    Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 04:41 PM
    thank you. it is nice to hear I am doing the 'right' things. the Assisted Living Center my dad is, recommended Alzhiemer's for Dummies and it is a difficult book to read-box of tissues mandatory-but it really does help with so many issues you and they go through. and I agree with what you said about courage and strength. It does take those to go through this. it always feels good to laugh with my dad. he has such a funny way about him and although his jokes have stopped, he can still be silly and it is refreshing to be able to laugh with him and it heals too. so much anger is released when we laugh. it's the main reason i chose the name. :) thanks again and i do appreciate this site for the ability to write about it. thank you.
    reply
  3. laughter
    ninamarczynski
    Monday, April 28, 2008 at 03:40 PM

    Yes laughter sometimes makes you less stressed. My father-in-law has moderate Alzheimer's and it is slowly making him lose touch in reality. At time we felt it is funny because he likes to watch Animal Planet channel and he thought we could adopt hippo or elephant. It is funny at times. Sometimes my husband joked that he could walk with ladies and he laughed. He lost most of his cognition ability but it is like he is becoming a kid as an adult.  We are not in the same town either and we visit at times. Right now he has home care 24 hours.

     

    Nina


    reply
    re: laughter
    Jerri
    Monday, April 28, 2008 at 09:53 PM

    Nina,

     

    Keep your sense of humor, it will really keep you from crying and your heart from breaking. My dad always had a sense of humor and I can see now how laughing when it hurts is so healing. Be glad he is being well taken care of and doesn't have to worry-or you either-about being hurt (falling and such). My dad has to use one of those rolling walkers because his balance is getting bad and he started falling. I had to laugh one day because he was tired of walking and had turned the thing around, sat on the seat and was scooting himself along with his feet. like you said, just like a kid but it was resourceful and so precious. make sure you take care of yourself when visiting. i learned that the hard way.

     

    take care,


    reply

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Answer a Question

I am 31 years old and I am having a hard time remembering things, or I will forget something that

Answer This View all questions >
Free Newsletter
Get weekly updates, news alerts and more on Alzheimer's and related health conditions.