General Chat

im so sorry Ginny, this happened to my nans best friend and it was heartbreaking for me, i cant ever imagine how you feel. Thinking of you xxx

My mum keeps asking whats wrong with her and my brother keeps telling her but she forgets so I ended up telling him not to mention it again what is wrong as she doesn't remember anyway. My mum told us years ago to give her tablets and finish her off heartbreaking but how can you when it is your own mother she only said as her dad and a couple of her sisters had it, wedidn't know she all ready had it my dad never told us only was not as bad now she forgets we are there visiting her but she is still at home with my brother and home helps go in twice a day to get her ready for bed

Old Crone that was a very brave posting. I truly believe that if anybody is upset or has issues with what you said, they have never been in this situation. I agree totally about Tesco except I want to be at home and to have consumed the contents of the trolley lol!

My heart goes out to you, my Grandad had this, just awful, affected all of us. Donna x

This is a truly awful disease, and one which I fear so much as both my Grandmothers died of it - or should I say with it. My Mum's Mum had it for fourteen years. For the first ten years a team of daughters-in-law looked after her, visiting her several times daily. She hated them all and used to spit, throw things and even bite them. Finally she had to go into a Care Home because one day, daughter in law called and found Gran terrified and hiding in a cupboard, convinced that she had been raped.(She hadn't - but the trauma was as real for her as if it had really happened). She went on for another four years - she simply would not die and the Doctors said she was as strong as an ox. Finally she developed pneumonia and my Mum and her family asked that she be only given pain relief, not treated for the pneumonia.It still took eight days for her to die and I am sorry to say this, but it was a huge relief for everyone. As far as I was concerned, my lovely Gran had died about 12 years before. My other Gran, a most refined and well-educated LADY, took to roaming the streets in her nightie and 'flashing'. She went into a Home and didnt last very long at all - she seemed to have some awareness of her condition at times and was very distressed. My fervent wish for myself is that I drop dead in the middle of Tesco's (with a loaded trolley, lol). Then my family can be sorry I am dead and remember me as a whole person.I have told my daughters that, if I develop Alzheimer's, or Dementia, they are to put me in a Home and forget about me (that's if they can't bring themselves to put a plastic bag over my head). Hopefully, I will get some warning and will be able to do the necessary myself. I hope I havent upset anyone with this - its how I feel about ME, and my possible loss of dignity. My heart goes out to you all who are having to deal with this heart-breaking condition. Let us all pray that a cure, or at least some kind of treatment, will soon be found. Olde Crone

I have read this thread through and through and my heart goes out to each and everyone of you living with this terrible illness.May you all find the strength to carry on loving and careing for your loved ones. (((((((((((((((hugs to you all ))))))))))))))))))). Elizabeth.

ginny i hope it helps to talk to us about your mum, i did work as a carer in a nursing home in sandhurst for residents with dementia and they were all ages, we had one lad who as a result of a car crash was suffering simular problems to dementia, i often wonder what happened to him, he was in his 20s, as long as you can visit and find the strength, your mum will always be pleased to see you , im sending you hugs today too as i think you need them,

Hi, Ginny. One of my darling Nans had that EVIL disease, and she was one of the most intelligent people I've ever known. You know, down-to-earth but very knowledgeable and didn't blow her own trumpet in the process. She died in 1980, and I still miss her now. Mind you, I still take her everywhere with me: I wear her wedding ring. Hugs to all of you who know people with this evil illness. x

Ginny, So very sorry to hear about yor Mum,my Mum had Dementia for the best part of 20 years and it broke my heart when all she could say was ' I don`t know you or who are you', my thoughts are with you. (((((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))))))))) R.B.xxx

If you ever want to talk we will listien

I would just like to say how utterly overwhelmed by both the messages that I have received on this board and privately. I am not one for airing my personal angsts as a rule but was talking to a member privately last night and they sugested that I posted somrthing on the boards and I am glad that I did. It has obviously struck a chord with many people on here and I send best wishes to you all. for those reading this who have never experienced a situation like this I hope that you never will and I hope that it will put things into perspective for others. Thankyou again xxxx

My mum has senile dementia also and it does hurt when they don't remember you visiting them. My mum still lives at home with my brother but the time will come when he won't be able to cope as the dementia she has bursts the blood vessels in the brain, my grandad died of it so did a couple of my aunts

I'm so sorry, Ginny.(((((((take care))))))) Fionaxxx

Hi Ginny I like many others on here have also had/am having first hand experience of this awful illness. My Dad no longer knows who I am, or any of his family is. He doesn't even understand that my mum, his wife of over 60 years has passed away. The only thing I can say to you is, for them it is like seeing us & thinking they have seen us somewhere before, but can't remember where. It's not that they stop loving us, it's just they can't place the face with the familiarity. It's like when we walk down the street & think 'I've seen you somewhere, but I can't remember where!' You must never forget that the love they have for us is always, & will forever still be there, it's just they can't express it anymore. ((((((Big hug)))))) for Ginny & all you others sharing this sad experience with us. Joan xxxxxx

Big Hug for you Ginny. Everything has been said....XX BC

Hi Ginny So sorry to hear about your Mum. At least you have all those precious memories of her in your heart. Kindest regards Jackie

ginnie, How very sad for you, I am so sorry. Your consolation must be that she is not suffering because she doesn't know. I do pray that you are given the strength to bear the pain this causes you. Carolyn My Dad died when he was 93, for the last 5 years of his life he was very forgetful, his short term memory was almost non existent, but he always knew us and nver developed Dementia. Ann glos

I am a nurse in a nursing home and a couple of our residents are in the early stages. The sad thing is it changes from day to day. One day they sound perfectly o.k. and the next they acuse you of hiding their newspaper or forget to get dressed or something. A cruel disease.

So sorry to hear this..... I can only imagine the pain you are feeling. My heart goes out to you. Natalia xx

I too have first hand experience (my husband is in the early to mid stages) and I have found 'Talking Point' on the Alzheimer's society website a wonderful help, there is so much help and support on the forum do try it. Love Linda x