One of the things about Alzheimers is there are may opinions out there as to just how bad it is, I know that when I heard that some one had this disease I would jump to the conclusion that the person was really out of it, and unable to function - and would not be able to carry on a conversation in a normal way. Well in some cases I was right, but each person is different, and also each way the person reacts is different. In Mac's case he still has a sense of humour, not sure if that's the same with others; but it is a saving grace in our home.
Mac for instance yesterday said ; hey I was just brushing my teeth, and looked at myself in the mirror, and said 'who the hell is that guy anyway, honestly I don't recognize that face, can't believe it's me" I answered, well it's you get used to it, i think you are pretty good looking"...he smiled looked pretty pleased with himself and said...well hmmm if you think so.' Then later I said, hope you remember my name, yes he said with a straight face, it's Horasse/// horse's ass....I guess some people would get upset by that..but his usual way is so dependent and loving, so I kind of got a kick out of the double entendre and insult, so laughted with delight. Of course he then added, no I know who you are you are Janet and I love you.
But anyway, life goes on and we cope. He doesn't or can't seem to follow all the news, but i prattle away about things, and if he wants to know more, he will stop me and say, I don't understand tell me that again and make it clear. His latest test was low scored, so he is off his main med for two weeks, so far i find him on target for the things he is interested in, i.e. food, t.v. news at night, where his wallet is, also where the cat is...
yesterday is gone, the party we had Saturday, is long gone..we are in the now.
As the A. help book specifies, keep life simple; give few choices re clothes keep only a few to choose from, give food that is simple to eat, or cut it ahead of time if it is necessary to use a knife, have finger foods and fruit available. I find when I do this, Mac always has great compliments, - "you are such a good cook, your meals are great, and of course since i always did make cookies, you make great cookies' Now if I can just get him to use a cane now and again. In any case he is a happy camper so that makes me happy too.
Having the same person from the A. assoc, every Tues, is good he is now very content , that is Helen, he now knows her, so I can go out for a few hours on my own or with friends. This should also be the case with family - he should see them one at a time at a specific day or time, not always easy to do, but will have to work on that, as it would be good if he knew his own kids as well as he knows Helen. oh and not to forget Brianna and Finley the baby, he sees them on a regular basis as well, and Finley now 6 mos old is his love.
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