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Mrmoose Asked October 2019

Looking for best article to explain Alzheimers to my dad to help him be compassionate to my mom, who has Alzheimers.

My 85 year old mother is in the middle stage of Alzheimers and lives with my 88 year old father in their home. My father does not understand Alzheimer's and gets very curt with her and sometimes yells when she repeats a questions several times. He completely loses his patience with her and has accused her of lying when she states something as the truth or blames someone else like a doctor's office by saying that they never call her back, when in fact she spoke to them that same morning. (I call it "her truth"). I have tried to explain to him that it is the Alzheimers, and she cannot process his answer(s), which is why the question is repeated and that her short term memory is lapsing. How can I explain to him what she is going through and that she is not lying. He is an educated man and I am at my wits end as to why he does not understand what she's going through and he is making matters worse by his reactions. We are working toward assisted living for both of them and currently have a nurse coming in to give my mom her medications. I live near them and visit often and talk with them every day. It would be best if someone could recommend a good article for my dad to read, as I have tried to explain it to him many times. I am looking for something that explains to the caregiver what makes the person with Alzheimers not capable of processing new information and how best to react to them. I have been to Alzheimers.org, but haven't found anything that is on point. Any input is welcomed. Thank you.

AlvaDeer Oct 2019
A few questions here. Is this the way your Dad has always treated your Mom?
What is your Mom's reaction to this treatment?
You say that your father is not suffering from dementia and is a very bright man. Then something about this doesn't ring true, because dementia isn't really rocket science.
Given that this seems to be the way of it, and I doubt a visit to her doctor with your father would help matters, I don't know that I would have them placed in care together. I know at my brother's ALF there are cottages, and each seems its own community with a lot of visiting between them for activities in the main lodge. I wonder if that would not work for them.
So sad to see, I am sure. Wishing you good luck and wish I had a clue of an answer. If your Dad still enjoys reading at all I recommend Oliver Sacks essays on the brain that is not our norm.

notrydoyoda Oct 2019
If he cannot be reasoned with either, then you may have two with dementia?

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lealonnie1 Oct 2019
Check this site out: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving

There are lots of tabs to click on within this website to gain insight & information about the disease, caregiving tips, support, etc.

Best of luck!

Mrmoose Oct 2019
I will definitely check out the videos you recommended. Thank you

Mrmoose Oct 2019
He does not have an impairment. He is very sharp, just very stubborn and old-school

vegaslady Oct 2019
Have you considered that he may have some impairment himself?
Hnow about Teeps Snow videos?

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