Alzheimer's and dementia

[curmugeon]

Alzheimer's and dementia. More and more seniors are being diagnosed with these  impairments. I deal with both issues with both my parents and it wasn't easy. I learned a lot being the primary caregiver in each case.

Seniors with these problems can get violent. One aspect of this is they suffer from extreme paranoia. If they feel threatened they will act to protect themselves. Be sure to remove all potential weapons from the home.

Sundown is a critical time of day. Something about the transition to night brings out the worst. They will run away. They will be uncooperative. They will be aggressive. I used to lock the gate so my mom would not wander off. My dad would decide he needed to clean.

Do not be alarmed by what they say. They will say things that will shock you. They will say they hate you. They have no restraint when it comes to subjects. You'll hear them talk about sex, they will share their opinions of relatives. They will also tell tall tales about things they did. My mom told me of all the places she had visited even though she never flew in a plane. She swore that a friend used to fly his plane and land in our driveway.   He would then take her on flights over Warner Springs. I know it never happened. Then there were tales of visits by aliens from other worlds. These were detailed accounts that  still make me think they could have happened.

No. I've dealt with this. I can  only hope I do not become a victim of these cruel conditions.