Thanks for getting in touch. It’s not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s to be in denial about their illness – many family members are in denial at first too. Let’s face it – it’s a lot to take in. And after all, denial is a defense mechanism – it helps to protect the person from feelings that he/she are unprepared to cope with. Especially if your grandmother is in the early stages, the best you can do is to be emotionally supportive of her wherever she is in her acceptance that something is wrong. Focus your efforts on strengthening your connection with her so that when she’s better able to face the truth, she’ll have you to help her.

All the best,
Maria

Thank you for this good overview of the stages of dementia. The more we can get good information that is understandable to all out to the public the better care those with dementia will receive.

None of this is easy to digest, I know. But it might help to know that so many others have been where you are and have gotten past having the “blinders taken off” as you so poignantly said it. The one thing I know for sure is that things will be easier if you promise yourself to take one day at a time.

Also, if you haven’t already called your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, now would be a good time to do that. In fact you can literally call right now – they have a 24 hour/7 day a week hotline. The number is: 800.272.3900 and it’s completely free of charge. The person who answers is familiar with this disease and can provide support to you.

When you catch your breath, and you will, there’s something else I would suggest – a class at your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter to further explain what I discussed in the post. The same chapter should also have support groups and these may be beneficial for you as well. In fact, some chapters have funds to pay for home care so that you can attend. If you would like to attend the groups/classes, but money is tight, be sure to ask about the funds.

I hope you continue to check-in here and that you find information that can be of help. People like you are the reason that I’m building this site.

- Maria

I am my 82 y/o moms caregiver 24/7.

I had no idea how far along my mom was. I am typing this, struck with a reality that I knew was inevitable, but didn’t realize things were so advanced. I feel as if blinders have been taken off me and are being made to see something terrible. I should have accepted and really taken it 100% when I took mom to see her neurologist (who she didn’t recall). when her neuro explained to me that it is the disease causing the symptoms I was telling her about. she told me it was normal for that behavior in the late stages of this disease.My true lack of knowledge or denial was starting to slip and reading the 3 stages hit me like a brick.

God do I feel awful when I get annoyed or short tempered out of stress, tiredness whatever.

I will be back later and digest all this.

thanks

Billy