My Dad Has Alzeheimer's

11/16/2013

"Eat lots of raw vegetables! Chew at least 20 times before swallowing! Drink water three times a day!" These are the instruction that my father would repeat over and over as a gastrointerologist to his patients. My father is a famous doctor in the medical world. He is in medical history books as one of the innovators for endoscopy. If you ever had a polyp removed with a scope, the instrument your doctor used is the very instrument that my father invented back in the 1970's.

Sadly, my father has Alzeheimer's now. He was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. It has been very hard for me. His memory lasts for about 10 minutes and he forgets what we talked about. He even forgets that he ever saw me. My husband and I are going through similar struggles with our parents. His mother has Alzeheimers/dementia as well. Watching your parents grow old is so hard...

3 Comments

Debbie Babbitt

11/15/2013 10:28:33 pm

So glad to have found your blog through your facebook page. My mom has been sick with MS my whole life, so I understand the sadness over an ailing parent. I have cared for Alzeheimers/dementia patients through home care services that I have provided. When it is not your parent who is loosing touch with time and memory it is a blessing to just be there with them and love them in the moment. The issues of identity and value become very sentimental when memory is lost. Love still rules and still reigns in our hearts. Be encouraged - you still love and are loved. My heart is with you, deb

Karen Shultz

11/15/2013 11:21:14 pm

Erica, so sorry to hear about your Dad and Frank's Mom. Todd's Mom has Alzheimer's and his Dad has Dementia. We spend time with them each week and it has been so hard watching the decline. It takes so much patience to repeat the same stories over and over in such a short time, and I do struggle at times. I love them so much though and I have to show it by being joyful and giving even and especially when I don't feel up to it. They are so amazing, even through all this. They love the Lord, and they love people so much. We are throwing them a 60th wedding anniversary celebration this month, and will share so much of what they have taught us by example. His Mom is my hero, when her caregivers come over she invites them to sit down, and asks how she can serve them. Even when she forgets their name she is so sweet about saying, " I know I should know your name but I have forgotten it, you are so beautiful." Of course they have all fallen in love with her and Todd's Dad. Thanks for sharing. Love to you and the family, Karen

Marcia Lamb

11/16/2013 02:01:25 pm

My mother also had Alzheimer's for about 10 years. She was an RN. It was most difficult when she no longer knew me. I didn't like how troubled she was when I called her "mom" so I took a different route. I told her she reminded me of my mother...I expressed my love and told of fond memories of her. It delighted her that she and my "mom" had so much in common. Create treasured moments though the loss is painful. God bles you & Frank!

My Dad Has Alzeheimer's

Leave a Reply.

Author

Archives