I'm caring for my 65-year-old husband with early-onset Alzheimer's and my 16-year-old son. How can I deal with this?

Many younger people get alz. sometimes the well spouse covers it up and no one realizes it or they do bring it up as I did the last time my husband was in rehad and the social worker told me I was wrong but I had noticed for about 6 months before he would ask questions that made no sense or make wierd statements so I knew somethings was going on and I realized with a friend soon after her husband passed away and her family did not get it for a long time and a quite young nurse was let go from her job and was reported to have alz. soon after I would think support groups would tell you the sameo do check out the info others have given you and good luck and keep us up to date.

I'm sorry tpeterson3000 I read your question wrong . I thought it was your dad or dad-in- law. I see now it is your husband. I pray you have many yrs together before he needs 24/7 care. Get him on alz's meds. They slow it done . Hang in there and God Bless.

Here are some links as promised.

http://wellspouse.org/
http://www.afamembers.org/general-results.php?process=basic_search&state=CA
http://www.alz.org/index.asp
http://www.leezasplace.org/

I have been caring for my mom for years now. My son is 20 now. He has been though alot. He wants me to put her in a home. And has for years. It really has took a toll on him. We have no time together. It cut into many activities that I could of and should of shared with him. Get as much help as you can. Get everything in your name as soon as you can and put you and your son first .If everything is out of your dads name it is easier for you to get help,money and care for him at no or low cost . I know it sounds bad but it is life. Of course take in account his feelings but tell him the pros and cons. Call all the places the other people had mentioned and get all the info you can early. It is hard but really my mom would of wanted me to do that and I'm sure your love one would too even if they don't or can't show it.

Education....about the disease and the effects it has on family, friends and especially the primary caregiver. Check social service in your area that can provide monetary or respite help. Make sure your husband is taking Aricept or a drug that can slow the progression. There are some new programs designed especially for teens. I know things are difficult, I have been caring for my mom who was diagnosed with AD 12 years ago.
If I had begun educating myself then instead of later the journey would have been a little smoother. Good luck...I will look for some websites that you can browse.....

I have a couple of suggestions for you---1. try typing in the alzheimres spouce in you browser-as this site is unique and about issues of AD with a spouce--there is a place for you to leave a message--and it will be returned. 2. I would contact your closest chapter of the Alzheimer's Association...it is a place to learn-as well as to share ideas and to vent. I suggest you do this sooner rather than later-as you may be able to slow down the progression of this disease..Lastly--and very important-DO NOT FORGET ABOUT YOU!
Good luck on your caregiving journey!
Hap