Hello, my name is Paula. My husband was diagnosed 5 years ago with mild memory loss. 7 months ago he started packing boxes and putting it in his car and said he had to go home. He was home. It scared me so much that I took him to the doctor. He was then admitted to the hospital and is now living in a nursing facility. He became violent and the doctors were concerned for me. He is under medication and is not violent anymore, but he is wearing a diaper, being fed, and has problems walking. He just had a birthday, he is 69 years old. I'm so lost and empty now, I think about him every minute of the day. Is he at peace. I was looking for some type of support group in Los Angeles that had to do with early onset Alzheimers with spouses. I can't find anything.
Paula, I am so sorry, you have been through so much in such a short time. You are at the right place. We are all in this together. My husband is only 59. Still hard to think how much our life has changed in the past year. Hugs
Welcome Paula....you have found a wonderful support group! Many of us have spouses who have been diagnosed with early-onset AD. My husband was diagnosed at age 57, but was showing signs at least 2 yrs prior. Joan's site has provided me with answers to many of my questions and concerns...many caring people who I consider friends! Please continue to post.
Paula M there are many here who have gone through what you dealing with now. Alz takes many twists and turns but there is at least one other person here who has a similar situation who can help you. But we will all love you <<<<hugs>>>>
Sorry you have to be with us. I joined the group only a week ago and already I feel like I have been here a long time. I have learned a lot from the "family". My husband is elderly and with this disease for about 3 years and it is progressing slowly (so far). Still, I feel the same pain as you. Where did our loved ones go? Roles become reversed and some things are just taken out of our hands. My prayers are with you. Take heart. Join us whenever.
Paula have you checked this list? The ones that have "EO" are early onset groups. There are 7 listed... http://www.alz.org/californiasouthland/images/supportgroups.pdf
Paula, welcome. My DH has EOAD, diagnosed when he was approx 58. I am just up the road from you in Ventura County, and honestly, I haven't found anything of value in the way of support groups. This site is my life line! Sorry you're going through this, but you are not alone. We're all here for you, and there are quite a few of us dealing with EOAD. Hang in there, and keep coming back! <<<hugs>>>
My dh is 64 and was dx almost 5 years ago. He is still very functional in many ways but his speech seems to be getting worse almost daily. I am in So. Ca. and this site has been my home for several years and I continue to learn something new most every day.
Hi & Welcome Paula, I am so sorry for you need to find this forum, however, I am so glad you did. This is a place for help, venting and understanding. My husband is 60 years old, he suffers from FTD. He started losing his memory at at 50. Please post at any time.
Welcome Paula! This forum is the best support I have been able to find anywhere! I am glad you found us ♥ As the others have said, here everyone does understand what you are going through. Knowing we aren't alone in our suffering, somehow makes it easier. I hope your husband is at peace....in the later stages, that is the one blessing Alzheimer's affords its victims. They no longer know what is happening to them, and they seem happy lost in their own little world. My husband Lynn is late stage, he is happy and content... I really can't ask for more at this point. Keep posting Paula, sharing helps!
Just know that you'll always have friends who will support you. The diseas is devastating to all. Just keep in mind that he will be well taken care of but also make sure to take care of yourself first. We as caretakers can only do so much. Good luck.
Hi Paula...It is hard to do but you have to emotionally divorce him. Still love & visit but do not worry about him. Your first words were much like mine. He keept running away from home. sent him to a Hospital to adjust his meds...He got aggressive so they over medicated him. 2 years later he is a the no talk, no walk, Depends & has to be fed stage. He has no life & I pray that God will just let him go to sleep.
welcoome paula! like the others have said this is a nice group who will offer a hand in understanding and friendship during our journies with Alz disease or forms of dementias. its so very difficult to watch our loved ones fade away before our eyes but know that within that pain you have a new group of spouses who understand the pain and suffering of going thru the same issues. lots of topics to read on, and if you find a topic you relate to you can post to any discussions i have been a caregiver to my spouse for 11yrs and counting. divvi
welcome Paula- Understand how you feel-my Dh is 63 and is still home,but this disease is stealing him from me day by day.Some days he can not dress himself or remember how to use his spoon.He is suffering from NPH also so the dr. say he will not follow the alz patterns,so I never know what to expect from day to day.Just that each day I loose more and more of my husband of 44 years. Just hang in there and vent to us on here We will listen and understand.
bak, It seems like I just within this last week read that there is help for those with NPH.Maybe you could google it.I hope this is correct information.GOOD LUCK!!
I am so sorry you are here, but this is a great group to be with. We rant, rave, bit*ch, moan and support each other at all times. I would love to meet all the spouses i talk to here but know that will never happen. But we are all a great bit supportive family. Let us know when you have questions, concerns, want to throw it all out there, or tell a joke. We are here for each other.