How long has your loved one had dementia or Alzheimer's?

Some funny comments here I have to agree!! It could be true that subtle signs are there for many years, idk. My dad would call me by the dogs name back when I was in HS??? I have done the same with my kids, or calling my son by his sister's name or visa versa. Many people tell me they do the same thing, does it mean we all have a preset for dementia/Alz, what activates it?? Again idk...My mom is the 4th sibling out of 8 to develop Alz, all four have lived into their 80's and beyond. With my dad, there is no set time line other than his dad had it too. From diagnoses to passing, my dad lived 7 years. Mom was diagnosed in late 2009, she was diagnosed sooner than dad because we knew what we were dealing with having gone through it before.

This post and comments were very funny. Especially, "What is a Nazarenes?" That was hilarious. Your comment about being driven to drink was funny, as well, Brandywine. Yes....maybe it's true....the signs of dementia are subtle but exist for quite some time as they slowly make their way to the full blown hard-to-disguise mental condition. You've had a long time dealing with dementia people, and I agree....NOT a fun 40 years! Good luck. I can relate!!

Nazarenes is a religion, sort of a descendant of Methodist, but more ... devout? extreme? The ones I know are very nice.

What is a nazarenes?

Its been 13 years since our lives were changed forever, in so many ways. I am now 81, my husband 82. In 10 days we will be married 61 years, in sickness and in health.

brandywine. i have personal beliefs that people who arent wound very tightly turn into fullblown basket cases later in life. yes, i think demented behaviour begins at a very young age for many people. they can be brilliant and successful and still be emotional or mental toddlers. thats only my opinion based on experience with both parents. they were hell fire fanatical nazarenes. thats a mental illness in itself.