Do you think it's possible for me to care for Mum through all the Alzheimer's stages; to the very end?

It's really hard to answer your question without knowing more about you, your background, experience, personality, tolerance level, etc.

I do know of someone who cared for her husband with ALZ from diagnosis until death, but she also was a full time homemaker, had help during the last years, and definitely wanted to do it.

I think the challenges that make you question your decision might come at the stages of hostility and complete immobility.

What you can do is learn as much as you can about the condition and its stages, make short and long term plans, including how you will cope with changes and what help is available to assist you during those changing periods.

Develop alternate and fall back options for each stage. Identify situations that you think and/or know you can handle, and those which you are sure you couldn't handle, and again, develop options for those stages.

I would also contact the local chapter of the ALZ Assn. and ask if they hold the Creating Confident Caregiver's Course. http://www.alz.org/mglc/in_my_community_58958.asp.

I took this free course, which deals with ancillary issues that affect elders who don't necessarily have either dementia or ALZ. It's definitely worth it and will give you a lot of insight into dealing with ALZ.

It's so hard to say at this point. Don't make any promises to yourself right now because if the time comes when you can't care for her on your own you're just going to beat yourself up over choices you may need to make. Keep an open mind and be open to all options as time goes by. Read the articles Freqflyer suggested and keep in mind that what's right for one person isn't necessarily what's best for another. Take it one day at a time.

Johnjoe, this website here has excellent articles about caregiving... one has to do with elders who have Alzheimer's. Click on the link below, now scroll down the various articles.

https://www.agingcare.com/Alzheimers-Dementia