Patient Comments: Alzheimer's Disease - Describe Your ExperiencePlease describe the symptoms you or loved one experienced with Alzheimer's disease.
Comment from: Zola, 65-74 Male (Caregiver)
Published: July 01
Unfortunately, so many of us find out or realize too late that our spouse/significant other has Alzheimer's. In my case, my husband was an attorney who handled all of our business, banking, and finances. When his memory began to concern him, he went to his family for help and gave them power-of-attorney, etc. and their "help" ended up costing us our home and all of our money. For the past two years, I have struggled to care for him; fight his family and numerous lawsuits against him; endured the embarrassment of bad credit; and wondered how in the world I could have been so blind and how in the world he could be so clever as to keep all of this from me. Now that I am aware and angry, I cannot confront him because he remembers so little of any of what he did. I found that joining an Alzheimer's support group to be immensely helpful. Still it is difficult to cope with the irregularity of life and his new habits. I feel helpless; have had to take on duties unknown to me and pray that I do the right thing for him as well as for myself. I have discovered that so many partners were not aware until the disease was beyond stage one. Bravo to all of you out there having to go through this. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Mel, 35-44 Female (Caregiver)
Published: November 29
My mother-in-law has had Alzheimer's for almost five years now. She is only 66 years old. She cries all day and some of the night. It is because she hallucinates all day and night, fighting with this girl who wants to take her money and food. It is really heartbreaking to see her like this. I have to give her a lot of drugs to help her sleep. She has vivid nightmares and is scared all the time. Now she is having difficulty remembering to swallow. We are just trying to make it from day to day. We are considering putting her in a home, but it is a very difficult decision to make. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Gatormama, 75 or over Male (Caregiver)
Published: November 25
My dad was an incredibly smart man, so to see him with Alzheimer's is heartbreaking. My step mother and I had to put him in a nursing home on their 32nd wedding anniversary. She just could not care for him at home anymore. She has done a great job taking care of him for about five years, but it is too hard now. Sometimes I look at him, and I think he knows who I am even though he has not said my name in years. It is bad enough when your parent dies and you can no longer communicate with them, but I think it might be worse when you can sit with them and still not be able to really talk to them. It is hard to explain to my children what is wrong with him, but I hope they learn about unconditional love by watching and helping us take care of him. I would not wish this disease on my worst enemy, and I pray my kids don't experience this with me. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Published: July 29
My husband first experienced confusion and loss of memory in March of 2000 while undergoing rehab for alcoholism. Being home seemed to help him until 2006 when he gradually began experiencing dementia and/or Alzheimer's symptoms. He now has four to five hours a day where he wants to get a "greyhound" to "go home." Also, he thinks I am his sister and believes he has rented a car (he hasn't driven in five to six years). His personal hygiene is in the tank — it's necessary for him to change two to three times a day. He dresses himself with help when he has an accident in his clothes. Without long-term insurance for his care, it is becoming stressful to care from him. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: deanchilton, 55-64 Male (Patient)
Published: July 24
I am 60 and about 11 1/2 years ago I noticed that I was forgetting things that my wife and children were telling me. As time has progressed my memory has gotten worse and I have other symptoms of Alzheimer's. I know longer drive because I fall asleep at the wheel. I can not sleep very wetland my appetite is very bad. I have not been to a doctor yet. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: riffyone, 75 or over Female (Caregiver)
Published: July 24
My mom is in the last stages of the disease and has stopped speaking for the most part. Her name is and she was a vibrant, active person before this disease took over her mind and body. She was a force to be reckoned with and always did things in her own way no matter what. I know that there is no cure for this disease but it is vital that everyone knows how important it is to find one. I have written a book describing the journey from the beginning until now and provided resources, information and more for anyone that needs to get help. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia
Question: Has a friend or relative been diagnosed with dementia? What are her/his symptoms?
Alzheimer's Disease - Warning Signs
Question: Do you have any of the warning signs of Alzheimer's? Please discuss your symptoms and concerns.
Alzheimer's Disease - Home Safety
Question: In what ways have you made the home safer for a friend or relative with Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's Disease - Medications
Question: If your relative is on a medication for Alzheimer's, what changes have you noticed?
Alzheimer's Disease - Driving
Question: What motivated you to take away the keys or car from your loved one who has Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's Disease - Treatments
Question: What stage of Alzheimer's disease are you or your loved one currently experiencing, and have any treatments been effective?
Alzheimer's Disease - Prognosis
Question: What is the prognosis for your friend or relative who has Alzheimer's disease?
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I believe my new husband has early Alzheimer's. He fits the criteria very well. I sometimes feel anger towards him for repeating stories I've heard many times and not being able to do things well, like cooking and he is quarrelsome- every conversation we have, he insists on being right about everything even when he obviously is wrong. He misplaces things all the time. He also interrupts when others are trying to talk. I feel guilty for feeling angry at him but his behavior is getting increasingly obnoxious and unpleasant. Is there some way I can cope without feeling angry?