Patti Juarez

Hi Patti.  Thanks so much for posting and welcome to our community.  One of the first things that you should do is help your friend talk to his doctor and find out exactly what is happening wiht him.  This is crucial to know how to manage and treat him.

In the meantime, you can read our materials here to get started:

Alzheimer's Basics

Check a Symptom

Brain Fitness

Caregiver Center

As well, you might look at some of the national organizations who support those with alzheimer's as well as caregivers.

My Mom has been diagnosed with "Pick's disease", a type of dimencia from what I understand.  We moved Mom to an assisting living facility with a special floor for the memory impaired.  What I have learned so far is that it takes a lot of patience, kindness, love and understanding to get through each day.  My Mom's doctor gave me a book a couple of years ago titled the "The 36-hour Day", a family guide to caring for persons with Alzheimer Disease, related dementing illnesses, and memory loss in later life written by Nancy L. Mace, M.S., and Peter V. Rabins, MD, M.P.H.  This book has been a constant resource for me with every issue and obstacle I've faced caring for my Mom. 

I recently joined this site to meet others who may be able to give me guidance and reassurance.  There is so much I don't understand about these illnesses.  I will keep you in my thoughts.

Jan