My Grandma Has Alzheimer's

[Michael P]

Boy, nothing like that to kill a day.

We've known Grandma was less sharp for a while now. Little things, memory problems, disorientation. We sold her house and car and moved her up to Nebraska, close to my uncle and his family. She lives in an apartment community specifically for retirees, and they have a little shuttle that gets her where she needs to go. It's worked out.

But she's slowly degrading, and the doctor has pretty much handed down the diagnosis. It's sad; she's one of the sharpest, most joyful women I've ever known, a real treat to be around, and watching her degrade is going to be torture. My dad's holding up well, but he keeps his emotions pretty close to the vest. He was stoic when Grandpa had cancer, too. I remember my brother commenting on how odd it was.

Anyway, Alzheimer's sucks for everyone involved. I didn't really need a reason to be for medical research, but I've got one now. This sort of thing shouldn't happen to rapists and murderers, let alone sweet old ladies who like to sing lullabys.

[Z-man]

I thought about saying some well meaning but ultimately frustrating words, but decided to settle on "Damn, that sucks."

Damn, that sucks.

[JeffreyWKramer]

I'm sorry to hear this, Michael. Sorry for your grandmother, your family and for you. Alzheimer's is very difficult for all involved.

Be there for your family. Let your family and friends be there for you.

If you'd like to chat some time, I'd be glad to.

[Puma]

I'm echoing the "damn, that sucks"

not much to add

[Sir Tim Drake]

:( Very sorry to hear that, Michael.

[Dee3]

**Hugs**
I'm soor sorry Michael. That's just horrible and I feel for you. My grandmother had Alzherimer's and in the end she was back in her childhood in Ireland and really did'nt know what was up.

[Nikita]

So sorry to hear that Michael. That is a bummer. There a supplements that some people have used to slow the process down. (along with meds) I'll see what I can look up for ya.

*hug*

[Deathstroke]

Michael, I'm truly sorry to hear this news about your grandmother.

[heretic]

I wish I could say something more helpful or less trite than "I'm Sorry."

I was never that close to my Grandfather, but his degridation from the same thing tore my mother up... and his throat cancer killed him before the mental deterioration went from serious to catastrophic.

Be strong.

HTG

[Beatnikman]

Michael, I'm so sorry to hear this, bro. My Grandma had Alzheimer's, too, and she lived a lot longer than anyone expected her to, and that was both blessing and curse. In a way it was nice to have her around longer, but she did continue to get worse and worse.

I don't mean to be a downer, but it is a rough road ahead for you and your family.

PM anytime if you want to talk, bro, and I'd be happy to give you my number, too.

[Hecate]

My Grandmother Died July 7 2003 at seven thirty in the morning, she did not suffer long and for that I am grateful. Our whole family was suffering with her and we all had a great relationship with her, their wasn't anyone in our 90 members only family that did not have a close relationship with Gram, she was filled with so much love and warmth, she is the only one to make me cry.

Dude, I am so sorry to hear about your gram getting Alzheimer's, All of my prayers are with you and yours.

GOD Bless.

[Samurai]

The mother of one of my best friends for 15+ years was just recently diagnosed with Alzheimers too. Very sorry to hear about it Michael. Try to spend as much time with her as you can.

As for being stoic, I know how that is. My dad is usually the same way in front of me, but he lets his guard down around my mom (and a few times with me too...) I try to do the same... the situation with my mom's cancer is the hardest our family has ever been through, bar none. But constantly breaking down and bawling would do no one any good, least of all her. It's important we try to keep her spirits up as much as possible. But I have my own apartment, so when I go home and I'm all alone, then I can cry.

[Brian Cronin]

I'm sorry, Michael.

-Brian

[Solaris]

Altzheimer's sucks. I'm sorry, Michael. :( Prayers for you and your family, including Grandma.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'm sorry too, Michael.

[Typo Lad]

As someone who's granmother is also undergoing similar problems, I feel your pain. If you ever need to talk...

but you know the rest.

[Roquefort Raider]

Ack, that's awful, Michael.

Alzheimer's has to be the most horrible thing that can happen to someone. Its unstoppable destruction of dignity and of identity is a cocktail made in hell.

My dad has been diagnosed four years ago, and to see that strong, intelligent man turn into an empty shell has been pretty horrible for all who loved him.

My best wishes to your grandma and your family.

[fly on the wall]

**Hugs**
I'm soor sorry Michael. That's just horrible and I feel for you. My grandmother had Alzherimer's and in the end she was back in her childhood in Ireland and really did'nt know what was up.


Sounds like your grandmother got off easy, even if you did not, watching her.

For some people the disease is hellish and painful. They suffer. I had a friend whose mother had the disease early (40s) and she was in mental pain as her mind dissolved. Screaming and violent outbursts. And she would eat cantaloupes whole, rind, seeds and all. Poor thing. She started showing symptoms when her daughter (my friend) was only 12.

Another friend's mother got Alzeheimer's and cut a couple of fingers off while pruning the bushes, and kept cutting. My friend drove up and saw the blood and her mother pruning away-- that's when they knew something was definitely wrong.

My grandmother didn't have Alzeheimer's, she had brain cancer. They burned the brain cancer out with radiation, which succeeded in burning out much of her brain. I don't quite see what the point of that was.

After granny had her brain fried she was totally wacky and said the funniest things. Looked at the world in the strangest way. She was quite demented but in happy breezy way. So it wasn't so bad. No pain or fear.

Anyhow, it's a hell of a planet, eh?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Micheal , I am sorry about whats happening to your grandmother. Alzheimers Is a sad disease that hopefully In our lifetime will be taken care of. Doctors are still researching and most say a cure could happen sooner or later.

:(

[Nate C.]

Very sorry to hear, Michael.

[Rallura]

I am sorry to hear that Michael. It's a rought thing for everyone to go through. Both my great-aunt and grandmother on my mother's side had it.

[DarlingNikki]

i am saddened by your news. i hope you and your family will find the strength necessary to make it through the tough time ahead of you. good luck, and don't be afraid to vent here if you need to.

[Nitmo]

I've never personally had to deal with Alzheimer's, but from what I hear, it must suck.

I wish you and your grandmother all the best of luck in dealing with this.