How does Alzheimer's progress?

I found the book Contented Dementia by Dr. James Oliver a great help in managing Mom's anxiety and making day to day living more manageable. It made a lot of sense and helped get her 'back' to a more enjoyable memory and keeping her moods level.

Hi OLDAGENEWS, if You log into U-Tube, and request 3-Minute video which explains the progression of Alzheimer's.
You will find this very informative, and very helpful. I did. Good Luck.

I didn't notice being Violent. They have strength you didn't think they had. I know 2 women who had to put their husbands into NHs at this point.

Stay connected with this group. They were my lifesaver! Get a good geriatric psychiatrist who will help guide you with medication decisions. Get counseling for yourself. You will need it. I was hurt, angry, confused by things my mom started to say....they were so not like her. I did not understand that Alzheimer's could change personalities and increase paranoia to such a level. You will need to learn how to cope and diffuse situations instead of escalate them. This is super important. Get a good elder care attorney if you do not have one. I am thankful that my mom was very specific about what she wanted and did not want..ie food, water , DNR etc. Develop a support system now....ie, I was very fortunate to have found some older ladies that were so much better than agency caregivers. These women really were able to talk to my mom, read to her and keep her company when I had to run out for meetings. Talk to your friends and make sure they drag you out of the house to do some fun things here and there. You will need it. And do not feel guilty.........you are going to go through a WIDE range of emotions....and some of them will surprise you............anger and resentment will well up and you will be shocked how you feel. Remember you are only human. Emotions are okay. Learning how to handle them is key. Be patient with her and yourself. And think past the point......set things for you to look forward to. Know the journey is not easy. But we will be there for you. I lost my mom Thanksgiving. And this group helped me through everything. All the best.

Yes, read everything you can from Alzheimer Org. And keep reading. Anything that can happen at any stage, can happen at any stage.
My husband lost his ability to speak first. And also all types of communication.... writing, nodding his head, any noise for yes or no. I never knew what he thought or wanted or needed or if he hurt, for over 6 years.So read all you can, expect anything and everything.

gladimhere described exactly what some mornings are like w my alz husband. My husband was diagnosed 8 years ago. He also experiences sundowners. During the day he can act normal, kid around & talk about when he was younger to strangers & they have no clue until he asks same questions. In his 7th year confused who I am many times thinks I'm his sister. Has no clue he is.84

Sunrise syndrome? I thought there must be a morning term for the disorientation! We have those mornings often around here. I always recognize them immediately as they are the days that mom is out of bed at 6:30 am. The blinds are open, lights are on, and mom has no clue where she is and concerned that she should be doing something somewhere somehow.

My mom was diagnosed ten years ago and had problems for a number of years before that. Best wishes as you begin this journey.

Sundowners syndrome is frequent with late afternoon or evening increased confusion often with agitation is very common. And regardless of how much educating you do of yourself, some new behavior will come out of left field! And always remember the adage "once you have met someone with Alzheimer's, you have met someone with Alzheimer's". While there are stages that are defined, there will most likely be a cross section of behaviors from all stages. I wonder if anybody with this dreadful disease has ever followed the guidelines defined.

My ADW was diagnosed in 2009. Every, and I mean every, person is different. I learned from the alz.org group https://www.alzconnected.org/ It is a anonymous board and you can ask just about any question regarding alheimer's. read the "36 hour day" which is heavy reading and "Kisses for Elizabeth"

I have been collecting information regarding Alzheimer's on my blogs. One is
"Alzheimer's Support by Experts for CareGivers": Organizations and Associations | Government Local, State, Federal, International; Medical Centers, Hospitals, Schools and University's.

https://www.alzheimersnavigator.org/ will help create an action plan to meet your specific needs. The 24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 is there to answer your questions.

Be prepared for Sunrise Syndrome,(sun´riz) a condition in which there is unstablecognitive ability upon rising in the morning. The mind is filled with
delusions that are frequently observed in people with Alzheimer's and
may include include beliefs about theft, the patient's house not
being their home, a spouse is an impostor, belief an intruder is in
the house, abandonment, spousal and paranoia. The person may carry
over content of a dream. Sunrise Syndrome conversations may involve
the production of unintentional false statements,(i.e. confabulations).

caregivers must learn to speak dementia as a second language

When Glen Campbell was told that he had Alzheimer's he replied:
"I don't feel it anywhere," "Where do I - what do I do? Like, what?"

“You may think you know what you’re dealing with, but believe me,
you don’t.”
John Huston as Water baron Noah Cross in Chinatown

You take it one day at a time. Go to alz.org and watch some teepa snow videos on youtube. Proper medication in the early stages helps to slow things down and buy you some time.

Access the Alzheimer's website (alz.org). they have terrific information there. On this site, enter your search in the search box and you will obtain good information. Everyone is different and progresses differently. Lot's of posters here have traveled this road so feel free to come, ask and yes, even rant.