My uncle has Alzheimer's Disease. What a sad, scarry, disease.

[beaverretriever]

My uncle and aunt are visiting from Montana and staying at my parents house. My uncle (dads brother) is 65 and is in the severe stages of Alzheimers.
When I saw him, I got so upset I had to go to another room for about a half an hour to collect myself.
He can barely speak and when he does, its just mumbled words that don't make a sentence. He forgets to eat, can't wipe his own ass, can't shower by himself, he can't do anything at all without help, shits and pisses his pants!
He has a small metal box that he carries around two die cast mustangs, and a very small stuffed Panda bear. They keep him entertained. He is like an infant.
It makes me cry just thinking about what an AWESOME guy he is and how cool he used to be. He is BY FAR my favorite uncle.
Its just absolutely the worst thing I have seen. My father is only 2 yrs younger. I hope he stays healthy. I don't know what I would do if my dad ended up like that.
Lucky for my uncle his wife Leanna is a fricken saint sent from God and has taken care of him for the last 9 yrs as he has progressively gotten worse. She says all his functions are getting close to shutting down, and he probably won't last another yr. I hate to say it, but it would be the best for everyone.:( :( :( :(
Here is a link about the disease if you don't know what it does to you.
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp

[Wet Dream]

Sometimes you need a good cry. It is a horrible thing to watch, especially if you know what the person was like during the better times of his life.
When you're done reaching for the Kleenex, gain some strength and go in there with a compassionate deameanor, a sheet of paper, a pen and the goal to get him to sign a new will benefitting you ;)

[beaverretriever]

Sometimes you need a good cry. It is a horrible thing to watch, especially if you know what the person was like during the better times of his life.
When you're done reaching for the Kleenex, gain some strength and go in there with a compassionate deameanor, a sheet of paper, a pen and the goal to get him to sign a new will benefitting you ;)
They don't have much anyways. I actually do what I can to help them out. The sad part is, his wife gives and gives when she doesn' have shit.

[catalinaskiracer]

Mine and my families prayers for you and yours. My Mom has been in a home for going on 3 years with the same. I can't really say it gets any easier seeing them like that but I take comfort that she is basiclly happy and not in any pain.
Good Luck, stay strong!
My uncle and aunt are visiting from Montana and staying at my parents house. My uncle (dads brother) is 65 and is in the severe stages of Alzheimers.
When I saw him, I got so upset I had to go to another room for about a half an hour to collect myself.
He can barely speak and when he does, its just mumbled words that don't make a sentence. He forgets to eat, can't wipe his own ass, can't shower by himself, he can't do anything at all without help, shits and pisses his pants!
He has a small metal box that he carries around two die cast mustangs, and a very small stuffed Panda bear. They keep him entertained. He is like an infant.
It makes me cry just thinking about what an AWESOME guy he is and how cool he used to be. He is BY FAR my favorite uncle.
Its just absolutely the worst thing I have seen. My father is only 2 yrs younger. I hope he stays healthy. I don't know what I would do if my dad ended up like that.
Lucky for my uncle his wife Leanna is a fricken saint sent from God and has taken care of him for the last 9 yrs as he has progressively gotten worse. She says all his functions are getting close to shutting down, and he probably won't last another yr. I hate to say it, but it would be the best for everyone.:( :( :( :(
Here is a link about the disease if you don't know what it does to you.
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp

[Wet Dream]

They don't have much anyways. I actually do what I can to help them out. The sad part is, his wife gives and gives when she doesn' have shit.
Its an unfortunate circumtance. Hopefully, they do have a nice life insurance policy. I'm just guessing that the wife doesn't work since she has been taking care of him so long. That only means no real working income, and he's dibilitated, so they might get assistance. When he does pass and if they have no substancial life ins, and no savings, she'll be struggling. On the other hand, if they do have a nice policy, she'll be able to get on knowing that she is financially stable and able to do what she needs to do to find a home, or work or just relax and be able to do what SHE wants to for a little while.

[burbanite]

My dad has it now.
He was one of the biggest influences in my life and then all of a sudden this outgoing, take on anything, kind to everyone, generous to a fault man is now reduced to the level of an infant. It make me tear up each time I think of it.
They understand love and that is all you can give that will make a difference.

[Mandelon]

Sorry to hear such sad news. Its a more common disease than most people think.
Try to enjoy your life now, while you still can, but prepare for the future too.

[havaduner]

Sorry to hear about your uncle, John. One of my uncles was diagnosed with Alzhiemers last year. It became apparent there was a problem when he started having trouble remembering how to get home from wherever they might have been. I thought it was because they have moved several times in the last few years.
At this point he is in total denial, and my Aunt has to put up with his anger over the whole thing. I am trying to maintain better contact with them, but I also know if and when it gets real bad, I'll have a tough time dealing with that as well. Stay strong, and remember him in better times.

[HocusPocus]

i understand where your coming from, my wifes grandfather (92) has it bad. her aunt and uncle bought him the house next door to theirs in Henderson so they wouldn't have to put him in a home. they have an assistant there for him during the day and lock him up in the house each night. he doesn't like company so we don't even visit him anymore. its very sad to see anyone in that situation.

[Flyinbowtie]

Your words carry the depth of your pain.
It is an ugly, tragic illness, that does leave everyone in the family feeling helpless. You and your family will be in our prayers. Your uncle is fortunate that he is married to one of those "saints", I've seen people fall victim to this who had no one to help them, and it gets real ugly.
Hang in there, remember the man he was, and he will live forever.

[beaverretriever]

Sorry to hear such sad news. Its a more common disease than most people think.
Over 5 million people have it in the US. What I don't understand is they say it has gone up 350% since the yr 2000. I wonder what they contribute that to?
Thanks for all the kind words. Unfortunately there really is nothing anyone can do except watch and wait. I really feel for his wife Leanna. I don't know how she does it. Its like taking care of a 6foot tall 1.5 yr old.
BTW, I don't know there insurance situation (I am assuming its not good). I do know they are pretty broke. Leanna is very smart and she will figure somthing out, and we are always here for her.

[Baja Big Dog]

It just SUCKS...
I watched my buddies mom go through it, it was inhumane, period, it makes me ask the same religion question....why?
She was funny as hell sometimes, she had an idea she had it, but they don't really know, if you asked her where her purse was she wouldn't remember 5 minutes later. She made the best chicken and dumplings ever, we were sitting around talking about the dumplings one day and she just spouted the recipe out like she was reading IT from the book!!! We about crapped, she did this alot, would remember things from 30 years ago, but would forget why you were talking about it!!

[trawfish]

Very sorry to hear about your uncle. I can understand how difficult it is deal with.... I lost my father in 03' who had it, lived with my grandmother until just before she passed, she had it real bad, and just had my father-in-law staying with me for a month who has is pretty bad.
I had to really help the wife understand how to deal with it. If I had to suggest anything, do exactly as some of the others have said... deal with him like a baby, slow down, make jokes and laugh just like you would with a baby. Sounds mean, but it works out well in my experience (be careful not to insult them though). It's hard to look at the person and put aside who they were and deal with who they are now.

[I'mTheBeaver]

Aunt Leanna is such a strong woman to be dealing with her husband's sickness on top of her own grief (her own mother passed away last week). Leanna's developed hyperthyroid and high cholesterol to boot. The doctor has her on an extreme diet where she can only eat specific things. Some of the "approved" foods are things like chicken heart, chicken liver, and venison. And then there are things I've never heard of.
What amazes me is she is still happy and you can just see the undying love she has for Uncle Frank. WOW.
Uncle Frank is SO CUTE though. First thing he did when he saw me was he placed that metal box right on the counter in front of me and asked me to open it and then he showed off his cars. He's very proud of them.
I almost cried at the dinner table when he was saying grace. Nothing he said was coherent, just random words but still blessings as they were.
And so we are fortunate to be able to see him and hug him, even if it's for the last time.
Don't be sad for Uncle Frank, sweetie. He is happy and I doubt he is aware of the condition he is in. All we can do is what trawfish said--joke and laugh with him, and give him lots of hugs (even though him passing gas can be unbearable at times...LOL!!)

[I'mTheBeaver]

I just want to say that I'm not downplaying the disease. It is very serious and fatal. There is nothing we can do except help make the lives of those affected easier, not by feeling sorry for them but by giving lots of love.

[Jyruiz]

Sorry to hear bro, its tough to see a love one go through any type of illnes/desease.

[Sherpa]

sorry to hear about his troubles........ life deals curves to alot of people.....
All you can do is make people comfortable, and act like nothing is out of
the ordinary.........
pretty hard to do..........
--Sherpa

[Slacker]

Sorry to hear, my soon to be wifes grandfather had it.It is a terrible illness that no one should go through. I think he was diganosed in 2001 and finally passed away earlier this year. Its sad to see someone who is so strong just waste away to nothing. CT

[lewiville]

well, I had an uncle that died with it and now my father in law has it. We get excited to see him when he has good days. We wish the bad days didn last so long.

[Wavemaker]

I am so sorry for you family and uncle.
My brother and I took care of my father who suffered with Alzheimer's for nearly 14 years. At first, he stayed at home with Mom, where we were raised, until the time came that he required around the clock professional care. We would bring him home for Holidays or weekend visits when we could. As his Alzheimer's progressed into more advanced stages requiring more intense care, we placed him into a great Alzheimer's care facility. Expensive, yes, very much so. However, he was our great Dad that raised us and taught us what we know and respect. To watch this disease take over the mind and body of such a great guy as my Dad was is really sad and hurtful. Do all you can for your uncle. Some days he may have very clear memories and others may be like an infant. Be as strong as you can. Many times driving home after visiting Dad, I shead a tear or two on the way home. When Dad finally passed away, both my brother and I felt we were burying the shell of my Dad. We prefer to remember him in all of the great times our family shared together. My my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

[DelawareDave]

I hate to admit it, but the men on my mother's side of the family have all died from Alzheimer's Disease. My uncle (mom's brother) being the latest in Nov 06. Granddad, uncle, cousins, etc, including Norman Fell. My Dad died from cancer, so it appears my own future may be "iffy" to say the least.
I understand well where you are coming from.

[finsfan4life]

Hey Beaver thats pretty darn young for having Alzheimers that severe, Maybe something else going along with it...Sorry to hear about that man...

[RitcheyRch]

Sorry to hear about your Uncle.
Know and understand what you are going through. My Grandmother had full blown dementia when she died. My Dad ended up putting her in a home to protect her from herself. When he went to visit before putting her in the home she had put something in the oven and turned it on. The oven caught on fire and if my Dad hadnt been there who knows what would have happened.
Hope one day they find a cure for it and diabetes.

[beaverretriever]

I thought a few of you may like to read what my wife wrote about him on her blog.
Pix as well.
http://www.hellodaly.com/

[nodigg]

Sad to hear. This is a desease that is tears loved ones up! Un-thinkable pain for all concerned. Best wishes for you all.

[I'mTheBeaver]

Thank all of you for sharing your experiences and comforting words. This is our first encounter with this disease on both sides of our family so we had no idea how serious Alzheimer's was and how many of you whose lives were affected.
The permalink to the post about Uncle Frank is: http://www.hellodaly.com/2007/07/i-hope-you-dance.html It was written more for his brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces (some are regular readers of my blog) who are not able to be here with us during Frank and Leanna's visit but I think they would like to know and see how he's doing (and him smile) for they may not get the chance to in person before it's far too late.