My family has celebrated a reunion for 35 years. This year, my role remained the same as it was in past years. However, this year was very different for me. In my previous post, I talked about how dementia affected how I handled my responsibilities. In this post, I'd like to talk about how it aff...
- Introduction
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prevention
-
Caregiving
- Coping with Emotional Changes
- Coping with Memory Loss
- Costs and Insurance
- Creating a Daily Routine
- Exercise
- Health and Wellbeing of the Caregiver
- Home Safety Adjustments
- Mental Exercises
- Respite Care
- Talking to Children about Alzheimer's
- Talking to Friends about Alzheimer's
- Telling Someone They Have Alzheimer's
- Transition to Assisted Living
- Transition to Nursing Home
- Work
- Related Conditions
- Resources
"Dementia is Not Contagious" - And Other Lessons For Family Members
10/24/07 5:39pm
10/25/07 11:17pm
Thanks so much for your remarks. I am going to email it to my 3 daughters. I have both vascular dementia and alzheimer's. My daughters would call me several times a day when I was first diagnosis now I do good to here from them once a week. I guess I am progressing fast as they seem to think so I am okay. What they don't realize is I am progressing faster than they realize because they are never around to see me. Again thanks, it feels goods to know I am not the only one with feelings like you stated. I could easily have written those words myself, if I would have thought of them, LOL. Again thanks so much. livingwithearlyonsetalzheimers.blogspot.com
10/26/07 6:09am
Hi, Sue. I'm really glad to hear from you as I, too, feel very alone in this world sometimes. Writing allows me an outlet to express what I am feeling. I am fortunate to be so verbal at this point. It is not easy. My fingers spell words wrong which I am continually having to correct once I see them. I can't write as well as I once did. I use TOO when I should use TWO, etc. Please keep reading and let me know what you are thinking and feeling. I hope your daughters will participate in this as well. You are very courageous to fight this battle--especially doing it all by yourself. I hope I can be of help and support for you in the future. Take care, good friend!
Leah
10/26/07 4:14pm
Oh, Leah, I am not alone although it would be nice to have my daughters more involved. I also have a very wonderful husband that picks up where I leave off or finishes what I start. He is my mind, thinking process, sometimes. He knows what I am thinking and going to say when no one else does. I could not do this without him. Thanks for your kind words. It so nice to have someone to talk to. Sue
10/26/07 7:52pm
I know what you are talking about, Sue, when you say you have a wonderful husband. I thank God that I found my sole mate and married him almost 3 years ago. Like you, I couldn't do it without my hubby. If you read some of my other blogs, you'll see me mention him. I am much relieved to know that you are not alone. Keep in touch.
Leah
10/27/07 2:41am
Your story has touched my heat dealy. I am trying to help care for my father-in-law who has dementia and doesn't have long to live. The doctors say that he only has about weeks to live because he isn't eatting alot. I know that people could think that you are contagious but you are a wonderful person for posting you thought online for the world to see. My father-in-law is now in a home with about 20 people who all have some type of brain problem (I say brain problem because I don't know what is wrong with them). When we go to the home to see him we talk to all the people down there. It seems to make their day for someone to just show that they care because of alot of them don't have anyone who comes to visit them. God Bless you because you are a wonderful person and I hope you friends and family can see that.
Carla
10/27/07 4:14am
Thank you, Carla, for your most kind words. I am blessed to have a very close family, though most don't really know what to make of my dementia. I've always been the strong, smart one of the bunch and now I have to depend on them for reminders, etc. My husband has been wonderful. It is scary because I don't know how long I will be able to write and communicate how I am feeling. I've just spent the whole night up, unable to sleep. That happens sometimes. Wears me out! I am so happy that you care enough to talk with those who are living around your father-in-law. You are a wonderful person to care so much. Your family is very lucky. Take care and God bless you. Thank you for reading and responding to my blog.
Leah
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Dear Leah,
It is hard for folks to know what or what not to say when one has a serious problem--so, often, they say nothing....and stay away. They care--they just are uncomfortable--and take the easy way out. I cannot say I know exactly how you feel--but, I can relate. When I have had problems in my life--when I had cancer -- many acted as if they thought it was contagious. When my beloved husband was killed in the hand grenade accident at training camp--I was devastated. I wanted to talk about it--and how I felt--our hopes and dreams, our loss, etc.--family, friends--simply blanked --eyes glazed over over and then they quietly disappeared. I understood. Tey simply did not know what to do or say--so, they stayed away. New friends appeared--God was there and he sent me angels who helped me through the terrible times.
You--dear cousin--have always been there to help others through their crisis--your Dad when he was sick, Kitty when her arm was hurt, me with my problems, your older friend with her health problems--then the loss of her beloved friend. I [we all] appreciate you--and your caring, loving nature.
We only hope and pray that we can be there for you--in some small way.
We treasure you--your laughter, your humor, your candor...and most of all your love!
God bless you and I pray he sends you angels as he sent to me.
Love and blessings...Connie Leigh
p.s. I still want to go to visit Dana, Alex with you sometime [smile]