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So I’m 28 years old and my single mother who raised me is 53 now and is suffering from a very early but rapid bout of Alzheimer’s. My grandma of 75 and my aunt of 56 are her primary caregivers for the most part (there is this agency that helps some days) Any suggestions on how to cope with it and be more understanding about her condition? I feel like I’m still in shock and can’t grasp the reality of this.. any advice helps.

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Dear Bgrizzly
i found this forum and the wise souls guidance when my Dad had vascular dementia.
i certainly found the shock of becoming a carer and what was before me hard and all the tips and points in the directions needed helped me no end. I bought a book - the 36 hour day - on many recommendations and followed Teepa Snow. it all helped as did being able to talk to people going through similar things, I learnt so much to help get my dad showered!
im sorry sorry for your mums diagnosis
take care
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Know that your Mom may need to be placed eventually. I could not handle the unpredictability of my Moms Dementia. I like order and there is no order with Dementia. They are good one day and paranoid the next. Your grandmother is 75, a senior herself. I am her age. We slow down, we aren't as strong as we used to be.
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Really, education is the only way to cope. Your mom currently is the earliest onset I have heard of or experienced as an RN. We recently, about 6 mo ago, had a woman who was simply unable to accept or grasp the diagnosis of her 54 year old mom. I think of her so very often and wish she would return to update us. But she was in deep denial that at her mom's young age this simple HAD to be something else. Not Alzheimer's.
The earlier the case in terms of years, the often more dramatic the progression it seems to me. And sadly, because the body itself is young, life goes on.
Please start with videos such as all of Teepa Snow you can find. And know the internet is your friend. Facebook has support groups for family members and Alz.org will have information for you to access.

I am so sorry. I am glad you are on the Forum and will have access here to our own search bar at the top of the timeline. Also lookup Early Onset Alzheimer's specifically and either join or consider STARTING a support group.
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It is a shock no doubt about that. My stepmother had FTD, we noticed the issue about 13 years before she passed, so her decline was slow until the last 6 months before she passed, the shade rolled down quickly.

I think Geaton777 has given you some good advice.

If you add a little prayer in there it wouldn't hurt. Accepting what you cannot change or control might help you deal with this terrible disease that has no cure.

Sending support your way, keep posting it will help!
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Bgrizzly808 Feb 16, 2025
Acceptance is the only thing I have, Unfortunately this is a natural and rare occurrence. Thank you so much for you support
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First, I am sorry for your moms diagnosis. I hope that other things have been ruled out before her diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's, which can go on for 20+ years.
So the best thing you can do is to educate yourself as much as possible about this horrific disease so you'll be better prepared for what is to come.
I always recommend the book The 36 Hour Day and Teepa Snow(a dementia expert)who has lots of videos on YouTube and has written many books as well.
And because Alzheimer's is actually the slowest progressing of all the dementias, the fact that you say that your mom is rapidly progressing(which is NOT normal for Alzheimer's)makes me think that perhaps your mom was misdiagnosed.
So I hope you're getting second and third opinions from reputable neurologists before you're accepting the diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's.
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Geaton777 Feb 16, 2025
Yes, my good friend's Mom was diagnosed in her mid-50s and it went on for almost 20 years. The reason for an accurate diagnosis for a disease with no current cure is that a cure may come about soon since there are is so much research and clinical studies for treatments going all the time, and AI will help push that faster.
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I'm so sorry for this dismaying news. Please make sure she had a thorough physical to discount any other causes for this diagnosis. Many health issues, like a UTI, vitamin deficiency, tumor, medication under- or over-dosing (like for thyroid meds), high blood pressure, COPD, etc. can create dementia-like symptoms but some are treatable and the symptoms go away. She needs a full physical anyway, every year, so that if she needs medications (for depression, anxiety, agitation) her primary will be able to do that without your Mom having to jump through hoops. If she is still able I encourage you and the others to help her get her legal ducks in a row while she can. One can still legally create important documents with a lawyer even with "some" dementia. The bar is pretty low and the attorney does the in-office assessment. Your Mom will need a trustworthy, willing, and competent PoA, a Advance Healthcare Directive and POLST, a Pre-need Guardian assignment, a Last Will. I would not DIY this, She should get the professional advice of a certified elder law attorney, and maybe even an estate planner, Medicaid planner for her state, and financial planner, since she is so young. There are also lots of good books and videos on YouTube for educating herself and yourself, so that you aren't blindsided by anything. May you gain wisdom and peace in your heart on this journey with her.
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Bgrizzly808 Feb 16, 2025
Thank you Geaton on your valuable insight, I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on my mom’s condition. I really appreciate your advice
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