MIL has pretty involved aphasia. She recognizes everyone but can rarely get a name right. Cannot handle or count money at all. Still knows when she wants to do laundry and clean, but cannot operate any appliance.
Cannot read much and writing is nearly impossible.
There are also balance issues and quite a large weight loss over the last 2 to 3 years. We have been told it's "dementia." No type has been identified. She is now living with us due to FIL's inability to accept her new limitations. Any thoughts as to what type of dementia this is? Is this Alzheimer's disease?
Thanks for any input.
Can she get words out or with great difficulty? Sometimes if her doctors feel that she may improve somewhat speech therapy is a good option. It gives the person exercises they can continue to do using their oral muscles after the speech therapy sessions end. The therapist can teach family how to work with those patients and keep it going at home.
Otherwise if she can’t get the words out and it frustrates her so much she gets short and just quits, try to type out a list of the most common words or glue pictures of vegetables and foods on a sheet of paper as well that she might be trying to say and present the list to her to point to the word/image.
After a while you may get used to her and be able to finish what she wants to say but can’t manage to verbalize.
Also do do an internet search for puzzles or games specific for those with post CVA aphasia. They may keep her mind working.
Imagine how frustrating it must be to knowing what you want to say and not being able to say it. But from being a nurse who has cared for those type of patients, it can be just as frustrating for the person taking care of them. Unfortunately we’re not perfect so don’t guilt yourself if you lose patience waiting for her to formulate the word or not understanding what she is trying to say.
This is definitely challenging for both you and she. Patience & time should help.