For clarification purposes, and further research
Posted on 12/11/2017 1:33:07 PM PST by Red Badger
If you have to explain a joke, it ain’t funny...unless of course, you have to explain it to LucyT...
I think you are correct...my 91 yr old MIL eats pretty much sugar and carbs, with occasional vegetable and protein. She’s suffering dementia now (we just got her in Assisted Living 2 days ago). BUT her labs come up fine....course she was an alcoholic...so maybe she’s well preserved!
My incredible mother recently succumbed to dementia after suffering for several years. The last two years her downward progression became increasingly faster. It was very hard, on her, and on my siblings and myself. Her frequent UTIs were a constant struggle, and when they got out of control, her confusion was out of this world. I lost my mom one bit at a time, over the course of a few years. So difficult to watch. I hope and pray that this is a breakthrough that helps to turn the tide against this terrible disease. I would love it if another family could be spared what mine has been through.
I love you, Mama, and I miss you, especially this Christmas season!
***Beyond that we were always close and she did so much for me for so many years I could only consider it my privilege to care for her. The hardest part was not what I might have considered my sacrifices to do it but helplessly watching that *@#$ disease steal her memories and mental abilities in an ultra-slow motion fashion. And she was aware that that was happening and it upset her. That tore my heart out.***
The only thing I can think of to say is “ditto”. Cruel, cruel, insidious disease. I think every caregiver, especially children of a parent with dementia, could write a book about their experiences with their loved one.
I am extremely thankful that all of the necessary circumstances existed so that I could be there for her and do what had to be done to take care of her properly. But I would never ever be critical of someone who decided that they just couldn’t take it. It is that hard as you, unfortunately, know.
I will keep you and your Mom in my prayers.
I only have a few tidbits of advice.
1. As best as you can, try to get your Mom to talk about family history or anything that she is still able to remember. Record it on your phone if possible, or take short videos. They will be extremely comforting in the months and years to come.
2. Give her lots of hugs. Hold her hand. Stroke her hair. Comfort her as best as you can. If she wants an ice cream cone instead of more water, consider indulging that request. Her smile with be so worth it!
3. Treasure as many moments with her as you can. Even her confused musings can be humorous when viewed with love. My Mama didn’t recognize me the last couple of years, but at the very end, told the doctor that my name was Kitchen. She got the first letter right! If I could only hear her call me Kitchen now, what joy it would be!
4. Keep love, instead of the difficulties you’ll be enduring, at the forefront of your relationship with her. Love will fend off an awful lot of what can only be thought of as pain, and will make it bearable.
God bless you and your Mom.
Beautiful advice! I endorse it all a thousand times over.
I often felt like the only thing I could do for my mother (mundane tasks aside) was to make her laugh as often as possible. Thankfully I was able to do that almost to the end.
Our mothers must have both had the gift of an amazing and nearly incurable sense of humor. We did a LOT of laughing together! It is GOOD medicine!
Maybe a few beers would do her good!..................
For clarification purposes, and further research
Y’all should read the book....The End of Alzheimer’s, by Dale E. Bredesen, MD
See post 91....may be useful to you
I mix organic raw Cinnamon, Turmeric, Ginger, extra virgin Olive Oil, A Cider Vinegar with The Mother, and Cayenne Pepper in approx 6 oz glass of water once to twice per day. It is NOT the tastiest drink you’ll make.
Many people don’t like Walmart. I’ve been ordering online from them for close to a year. Never had any problems at all.
The link below is the Cinnamon I buy...
https://www.walmart.com/ip/BIOVEA-100-Organic-Raw-Cinnamon-Powder-1-lb/55231340
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.