I'm finding it more difficult to remember what our life was like before Alzheimer's snuck into David's brain and started stealing pieces ..bit by bit. 
I've said this before, and I'll say it again....... I'm so thankful for wonderful pictures that capture the special moments. David was/is a wonderful PoPe to his grandchildren.....right now I really miss how he inter-acted with the children before Alzheimer's started taking over....
As I've looked back in time, ... 1993 is when I started noticing subtle changes in David. I started having some suspensions about the possibility of Alzheimer's. That's been 16 years ago, and it doesn't seem possible that Alzheimer's started then, but I believe those subtle changes were the beginning............................................................ 
David retired in 2003, and for the first time in our lives, we were together almost 24/7. In 2005, it was getting more obvious to me that something was definitely wrong. 
2005 - Our doctor thought I was worrying needlessly about David, so he gave him the 'mini mental state exam' to pacify me..... What a shock it was for me and the doctor, when David scored 18 of 30 questions. I 'thought' IF he did have Alzheimer's, he was in the very early stage......and he scored '18'
2005 - Our doctor thought I was worrying needlessly about David, so he gave him the 'mini mental state exam' to pacify me..... What a shock it was for me and the doctor, when David scored 18 of 30 questions. I 'thought' IF he did have Alzheimer's, he was in the very early stage......and he scored '18'24 to 30 is Normal
20 to 23 Mild Cognitive impairment
10 to 19 Middle to Moderate
0 to 9 Late stage.......
2006 we went to Houston's Baylor College of Medicine - Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center, hoping and praying that maybe he had something other than Alzheimer's.....After several days of testing, it was confirmed that he indeed did have Alzheimer's in the middle stage. 
The doctor ask if he was still driving, and he was...........the doctor said he shouldn't be driving. Sweet man that he is, he willingly reached into his pocket and handed me the keys, and he's NEVER mentioned driving again. I know I am blessed with his attitude, because driving is such a hard thing to give up! 
2006 we went to Houston's Baylor College of Medicine - Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center, hoping and praying that maybe he had something other than Alzheimer's.....After several days of testing, it was confirmed that he indeed did have Alzheimer's in the middle stage. The doctor ask if he was still driving, and he was...........the doctor said he shouldn't be driving. Sweet man that he is, he willingly reached into his pocket and handed me the keys, and he's NEVER mentioned driving again. I know I am blessed with his attitude, because driving is such a hard thing to give up! 
6 comments:
Dolores, I know how hard it is when they tell you for sure.. when they put a name to it.. in the back of our minds we always "hope" they are wrong.. we've just discovered the medication they have Bill on he shouldn't be taking so back to the drawing board. I dread the day he has to give up his keys.. he struggles with me driving him in they city now..These past few weeks I've been taking tons of pics.. and like you go back to the earlier ones and can see a noticable change.. and like you am glad I have those earlier photos and memories to see me thru the rough days... beautiful post..
hugs ~lynne~
You know, I think you've just made me realize how important it is to take pictures!...I'm not good about picking up the camera at those "opportune" moments, but I'm realizing how thankful you must be for them now!
I remember so well when you first told me about Uncle David's AD. I was saddened for both of you...and of course for all of us. But you have handled it with such DIGNITY and STRENGTH! I am truly inspired by you!
I love the pics! I think my favorite is David in the chair reading...so sweet!!
Love you!! L~
So many wonderful pictures! So many wonderful memories! I'm very thankful that many of the grandchildren got to see Pope the way he was and that they have those memories of playing and being silly with their Pope.
When I read this it made me sob... I miss my daddy that I once knew...but as you said, thank you God for Aricept and Nameda! We can still love and hug on him. Daddy is still that sweet soft spoken man... I will forever be my daddy's girl!
You've been such a solid rock and foundation Mom and I am so proud of you! I love you!
Hi there Delores! I love that you have captured on film so many wonderful memories to look back on. I can see how warm and special David is just by looking at his smile in most of his pics.
You give your thanks to Aricept and Namenda, as time goes on you will gain a new respect for Respitol. :)
xoxoxoxo
Donna Marie
Hi Dolores,
Your pictures are all wonderful. It was interesting to me to read about how David was diagnosed. I think the family members see signs and become suspicious long before anyone else does. I am somewhat surprised that the Dr. didn't take you more seriously when you first brought it up. I am glad that you are finding Aricept and Nameda to be helping. My mom was never able to tolerate them. Too many side effects.
As always I am inspired by your upbeat attitude.
Thank you for your recent visit and kind thoughts.
Hi Sweetie, I hope this finds you all having a good day. This isn't such a good day for Mr. P.. so an hour at a time darling.. keeping you and yours in our prayers..
hugs ~lynne~
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