[lisaschon]

My dad is 84 next birthday. He has always been very fit and well. Here are some of the things that are concerning me:

He does get very confused now (sometimes he says he feels like he is going mad)

Does not remember conversations even 5 minutes afterwards.

Normal tasks like operating the microwave get him in a pickle now (he has been operating the microwave for years with no problems)

His walking has slowed drastically but he does not have the parkinsons gait.

He has always been very opinionated and nothing could change his mind once it was made up about something - but now he seems to be making up stories and really sticking to them.

He has always had a slightly explosive temper and quick to accuse people but in the last 2-3 years he has increasingly had it in for my son (his grandson) accusing him of all sorts of things and no matter how much you prove him wrong he will not budge. Is it normal for either people with Alzheimers (or general old age to be like this)?

He has started to move and hide things, then after everyone has been looking for a couple of hours, they mysteriously appear again ( he has been observed doing this).

He does get confused and loses his bearings when out and about. (Hasn't got to the stage where he gets lost though, he seems to remember after a few moments).

He does not want to go to any new places. He had an argument with one of his son's in a restaurant earlier this year and it really un-nerved him when he got up to leave and couldn't remember the way out. He now refuses to go anywhere new.

I would really appreciate people's opinion/suggestions on whether this is dementia/general old age coming on or possibly the onset of something else.

If I suggested that he visits our doctor he would most likely state that I thought he was going mad and he would not be happy.

I hope some of you will reply with some suggestions as both my parents live with my family and we are all getting concerned. My mother also knows that things are deteriorating but we would like some idea of what to expect.

Lisa

[Irish 1]

Hi Lisa. My name is Martha and my father was having many of those symptoms over the last 5-6 years. I'm no doctor, but it sounds like dementia which is common in older people. He functioned quite well at his home by himself for quite awhile. My sister and I would check in daily. When he started thinking the neighbor was getting into the house and stealing things I moved in. Confusion and frustration are very common, but he always knew who his children were, and most time grandchildren. If family members see him or speak with hem everyday, it helps alot. Sometimes to help him remember things or people, I would think back to a time or event that would help him bring that name or face into focus. He always laughed and said "Oh yes !" That would lead to his remembering many more stories about that person and helped his attitude tremendously !!! You need to get creative and be very patient. It is frustrating to all for sure. But hang in there and persevere. We lost my dad Sept 30 this year to pnuemonia at age 87, but he was my caring, loving Irish "DA" til the end. God bless you !!!

[queenofthreeg]

My father is in his mid 60's. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's two years ago. My family and I had our suspicions. He does some of the things that your father does. he lashes out at my mom even though we convince him that she is not "out to get him," he forget only seconds later. He doesn't hide things but, he does lose almost everything. I have moved in with my mother and father to help look after him. To me what you describe is mild alzheimer's. It sounds like it would be hard to ge him to a doctor to do some test. In that case you treat it as though he does. I have learned in the short time that I have lived with them that it is a very long hard road and the worst part is that it doesn't get any better. But, learn to adjust when you notice that it has decreased more and take advantage of the times that seem good. If he starts in on your son try and change the subject to something that you know he likes to talk about. When my dad starts talking about how much my mom is against him I shange the conversation to home improvements he has a lot of obsessive compulsive behavior about the way the house looks. I hope things get better for youand your family. Remember when things get tough and he starts in a bad mood know that it is not personal.