It’s difficult to pinpoint when my dad first started showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s. People get forgetful as they age. They lose their confidence about things. Sometimes they get confused. When I think back, I clearly remember my dad having some cognitive difficulties and lapses in judgement at my son’s wedding in November of 2007. I suspect his early Alzheimer symptoms started well before that. Sometime in 2008, my mom told me that Dad was having touble with knowing what day of the week it was. He always thought it was Sunday. That was the true beginning of our journey as an Alzheimer’s family.
My posts about Alzheimer’s are primarily about my interactions with my dad and my own personal response to having a loved one suffering from this insidious disease. There are many sites online where you can find more helpful information about the disease and its course.
April 19, 2013 – My father left this world on January 26, 2013 after our mother was diagnosed with cancer and they both were moved to a nursing home and assisted-living facility respectively. You can read about my journey through their final days and my moving on through grief here.
Links to stories about Alzheimer’s—
What does someone with Alzheimer’s actually die from? – March 24, 2013
Reunion in heaven – January 26, 2013
Alzheimer’s and after the loss – January 24, 2013
Ten things I’ve learned since December – January 22, 2013
The small things – December 16, 2012
Lights in the darkness – December 13, 2012
A love story – December 8, 2012
Looking for a place of rest – November 29, 2012
How hard do we try? – November 19, 2012
Thirteen things Dad can still do – October 10, 2012
Mixed messages and Alzheimer’s – August 20, 2012
The strength we require – July 25, 2012
Love is all that matters – July 11, 2012
A power outage away from disaster – July 2, 2012
A study of perseverance and devotion – June 27, 2012
Scrapbooking with my dad – June 13, 2012
Don’t cry Daddy – May 24, 2012
The Alzheimer’s roller coaster ride – March 29, 2012
When Dad has a bad day – March 22, 2012
Everything in its time — changes to accomodate Dad’s needs – February 28, 2012
Now I know — a story of mothers, daughters, caregiving, and Alzheimer’s – February 9, 2012
Some things I just can’t do – January 25, 2012
Remembering Dad on his birthday and two new calculators – January 18, 2012
Thank yous and laughter – December 26, 2011
The clothes dad wears – December 20, 2011
Christmas gifts for my mother – December 15, 2011
Holidays and phone conversations – November 25, 2011
Resolving a quandary – one communication success story with Alzheimer’s – November 9, 2011
Alzheimer’s surprises – October 19, 2011
We’re doing okay — living with Alzheimer’s – September 19, 2011
Why didn’t my doctor tell me? — or who’s taking care of the Alzheimer’s? – September 2, 2011
Managing expectations — Alzheimer’s ups and downs – August 25, 2011
Let’s hear it for the home health aides – August 19, 2011
Alzheimer’s — an endless stream of loss and decisions – August 11, 2011
Communicating with a Whiteboard—Caregiver makes minor breakthrough – July 22, 2011
Suggestions for the prevention of Alzheimer’s – beginning today – July 20, 2011
We can only do what we can do — Buddy’s story – July 19, 2011
Possible breakthrough in early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s – July 18, 2011
It’s always Sunday – July 10, 2011
Comments are wonderful — and a response to Sally – July 7, 2011
A matter of faith – June 29, 2011
Do not resuscitate – June 24, 2011
A light show from the heavens – June 20, 2011
Father’s Day – June 19, 2011
Genealogy and Photoshop – June 11, 2011
Gold nuggets and Paula Dean’s macaroni and cheese – June 7, 2011
A time capsule in the driveway – May 27, 2011
A return to Legoland – May 5, 2011
Successfully navigating one senior maze – April 28, 2011
A few unrelated ideas with an entertainment – April 26, 2011
Lost in a maze of senior services – April 20, 2011
Working on the ’55 Chevy – April 14, 2011
Three good things in the newspaper – April 7, 2011
Celebrating spring – April 3, 2011
Wind, walks, sun, and sedum – March 18, 2011
Why – March 7, 2011
Remembering your happiness – February 28, 2011
One small victory – February 25, 2011
A rainbow over Paris – February 15, 2011
Building a ’55 Chevy – February 8, 2011
Christine M. Grote 