granny with dementia

[nowakd1133]

Does anyone out there have a granny who has dementia? I really dont find it funny anymore when people comment "I must be losing my mind." My granny has changed so much and its so sad.

[newfiechic]

My granny had Alzhiemers, I know its different but it is also similar in alot of ways. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to go through in my life. But I choose to remember the good times with her and that makes it a little easier. Wishing you all the best

Newfie chic

[nowakd1133]

Thanks eh. I'm Cdn too but opposite coast and central northern interior BC eh. Yes, when i talk to my granny I talk about our good times. Alzheimers is worse than dementia. Have you ever read or seen the movie "Notebook" ?

[spasmo]

I feel for you! I watched my beloved father suffer from Alzheimers and it was the hardest most painful thing I ever have done. A loved one losing their mind hurts and is scary... no matter what the diagnosis.

What I did when I was with my Dad was remind him of the good times. I took him pictures from his past as he could often relate to the past more than the present. I got to the point where I was glad for him that he could not remember how frustrated he was to have forgotten his life. It was so, so sad for me though.

Please know I am here for you if you ever need a shoulder. I understand.

[nowakd1133]

hey texas, thanks for your support.
When my Dad was diagnosed with cancer in Jan. 2001, he was determined to get out of the hospital and carry on with his life. A month later he died and that was/is the hardest thing i've ever had to deal with. We were so close. I still miss him very much. Dad's are pretty special.

[spasmo]

You are absolutely right! Dad's are special! I am STILL a Daddy's girl and always will be.

Even though Dad had Alzheimers he could sometimes say the most rational things... I learned to appreciate each day and cherish it. I tried to not think about everything that I was losing (and more importantly HE had lost) but be thankful for the extra time I had that I was able to be there for him. We learned to enjoy the really simple things in life. Please enjoy the time you have left with your granny. And know that we are here for you Sweetie!

Love,
Anna

[nowakd1133]

Yeah I will always be a "Daddy's girl" too---only girl in family and that's what he always called me. It's hard to spend time with my granny as she is a 12 hour drive away and i when i talk to her on the phone, she repeats the same conversation over and over again. And I try not to cry. Thanks for your support Anna in Texas.