Stages of Alzheimer's
Is there a way to know what stage of Alzheimer's on person is at? Are there signs to differinate between early stage and late stage. I help my husband care for his mother who has yet to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's but show all the signs of it. Her doctor has
only went as far as diagnose her with deminita....She takes Aricept, Namenda, and Razadyne....Her doctor now has put her on a nighttime pill of Risperdal.
The care is becoming increasingly difficult, she does not understand the dangers of the road in front of the house and you can not explain to her it either. I do what I can but she has anger issues where I am concerned and I do not know why. So I do what I can with the household chores, making sure there is laundry soap in the machine so the clothes get clean, I cook the meals and I dispense the medicine on a monthly basis.
Any guidance would be appreciated. She is extremely paranoid with the outside world looking in her back porch windows to the point she will spend hours adjusting and readjusting the blinds that cover those windows. She also has an obession with making her bed, this is to the point of pure aggravation for her, she will spend hours and I mean hours making this bed??
Thanks for any assistance or guidance.
Ginger Duffy
People tend to go back and forth in their behavior, so it's not always clear which stage they are in, however paranoia signifies a later state. You may want to read Stages of Alzheimer's Disease: Caregiving Guidelines for some help.
Carol
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Carol Bradley Bursack
Monday, June 22, 2009 at 11:05 AM
You need to take care of yourself, Ginger. With your history, it's understandable that you feel the way you do, and if she's focusing her paranoia on you, it's best just to do what you are doing. If you can no longer clean, tell your husband why and then don't do it anymore. They will cope. She will probably need professional care in the near future, but this step is about caring for you. You don't need to be abused.
Carol
Jgduff1993
Monday, June 22, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Thanks again Carol
I just feel as if I am not doing my part..I don't want to let people down. There are times when I feel I like I need professional help. I have such a hard time dealing with
this situation now, it has been almost 3 years, my marriage is not where I feel it should be and not to sound selfish but I feel like I am playing second fiddle to everything else.
I don't like feeling angry about this but where do I fall into place at. I know it is his mother but I am his wife, am I suppose to just sit on the sidelines until it is over?
I am not a selfish person but I need healthy interaction with people and he is so exhausted when the day is over we argue over the stupidist things. I do feel like I am losing my mind at times.
Thanks again for listening
Ginger Duffy
I'd also suggest that you purchase the book, "The 36-Hour Day" by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins. It provides great insights into what to expect from a loved one with dementia at different stages.
Take care and keep us posted!
Dorian
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Thanks Carol
I appreciate the help -- I have to admit I really don't know how much longer my husband and his siblings are going to be able to care for his mother. I clean the house and cook the meals and that is about it. She is so full of hatred that I am not able to
commuincate with her effectively. I grew up in a house full of hate and abuse and can not take it from her.
So I do what needs done in the shadows, I am the one she says is stealing from her and moving her things around on purpose, with that said I don't how much more of the house cleaning I will be doing either. I feel like I am letting my husband down but I have no other choice, she is already acting as if she is going to get violent.
Thanks for your help
Ginger Duffy