Alzheimer's stories on ABC News

[ThatsMyBarack]

I had to get away from Upchuck Toadie on NBC Nightly News, so I thought I'd try ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. They had the saddest stories about people dealing with loved ones who have Alzheimer's disease. One woman's 53-year-old husband was battling young-onset Alzheimer's: Their second-grade daughter had to change schools when her dad lost his job. An older gentleman was losing his wife to Alzheimer's, and he was lying next to her on a hospital singing to her:

"You're nobody 'til somebody loves you, so find somebody to love."

:cry:

[bdamomma]

1. it's a crappy disease

my mom died from it, and its really hard on family members. I hope they find a cure for it.

[Dappleganger]

2. We have firsthand knowledge, unfortunately.

My father (68) has early onset ALZ and a close friend of mine's husband was diagnosed very early at 48 and is in a nursing home. My husband's grandmother also had it but she did live a long time. By far the most difficult stage is in the early years when they are in and out and know somewhat of what is going on. One doctor told my sister that they either turn into a monster or a teddy bear; unfortunately no bear for us. :(

We did put dad into a facility but there are millions who deal with this on a daily basis with no money for a facility (or other reasons they choose to keep them home). My mother had intended to stay home to take care of dad but ultimately she died early so that didn't happen. We do feel a bit of guilt over putting him into a home but at the same time we both have all our kids at home with us still and no time to take care of him or place to put him. We just do what we can and hope its enough. It's hard always feeling like we're the bad girls because a lot of our "family" and "friends" have judged us for doing it but they just don't know our situation (he also is bipolar).

[asjr]

3. I took care of my mother until I became ill. It

was heartbreaking to put her in a nursing home, but it turned out she liked being there with other people. I was somewhat relieved although still felt guilty about it. I realize now, later, it was the best for her.