Slowly Alzheimer's progresses; there are weeks when I don't see any progression at all. This past week has been a week of moving forward with Alzheimer's. David's been waking up more frequently during the night, with more than usual confusion. However, last night was a normal night.....one never knows.....it keeps the caretaker off balance, never knowing what to expect.
David does relatively well during the day. We attended a wedding Friday evening, and he was fine, but after he goes to bed the confusion kicks in.
He's been talking to himself for some time, but he's doing it a lot more now. It's like he's trying to tell himself what's happening or what he sees.
One of the first things our daughter pointed out to me before David was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, was David's inappropriate laughter.....laughter is a good thing, but it was laughter over every little thing, like he was trying to fill in the gaps with laughter. His laughter is a lot more right now, and I must say that I'm so thankful for laughter rather than tears.
David does relatively well during the day. We attended a wedding Friday evening, and he was fine, but after he goes to bed the confusion kicks in.
He's been talking to himself for some time, but he's doing it a lot more now. It's like he's trying to tell himself what's happening or what he sees.
One of the first things our daughter pointed out to me before David was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, was David's inappropriate laughter.....laughter is a good thing, but it was laughter over every little thing, like he was trying to fill in the gaps with laughter. His laughter is a lot more right now, and I must say that I'm so thankful for laughter rather than tears.
Most of the time, he has a wonderful attitude. Today he told me that he missed singing in the choir. However, he said, "it's a good thing I'm not singing in the choir anymore, because I'd be too confused." Then he said, "but I sure enjoy listening to the music."
This disease is so unpredictable! Even though last week was hard, I'm thinking/hoping this will be a good week.
And I say, "thank you God for David's sweetness."
24 comments:
Such a rocky road Aunt D. But I am so glad he enjoys music still...and that he knows what would confuse him more. I am so inspired by you...you are given a terrible disease to deal with, and yet you still create beauty around both of you...your home, music, church, friends... Even though it's progressing...I am convinced it's happening more slowly than if you weren't in his life caring for him so dilently and with such devotion.
Tell Uncle David I love him!
Love you! L~
Absolutely love the picture with this blog. Dolores, you may be tiny in stature (at least to us with mile-high bodies), but your spirit, your determination, your character, your integrity, and your love for David flow from you as though you were a jillion feet tall. How I admire you for showing the true meaning of selflessness. You are in my prayers. I miss seeing you so very much.
yes, the mumbling, the night, well not exactly terrors, but distress is/are taxing on all in that bed.
I don't sleep as well as I use to, vigilance is costly isn't it?
hugs and of course prayers for your peace of mind, hug David and know I love you both, judi
You are blessed to have such a kind husband. He looks so sweet. This is a horrible disease. My husband has early-onset, but unfortunately he is often agitated and verbally is mean spirited to me me and my daughters. It's a difficult road, but with the help of the Lord, everyday we get through. Somedays that are more difficult like today, He blesses me with something lovely like finding what you wrote today.
Thank you for writing these words. Sometimes my husband sings and talks to himself all day and then other times he seems perfectly normal. You are right it is a challenge for the caregiver.
Karen
What kills me is how you both deal with this by looking at the positive. David could be so miserable with himself now, but he seems to take everything in stride.
I know about "keeping caretakers off-balance" - sometimes I never know what to expect. I can only hope to deal with it as positively as you do!!
Dolores, I read your blog several times and I think you are doing a great job with David. I understand the problems at night. I have terror dreams and wake up completely lost. Some times I wake up and don't know who or where I am. I have that if I lay still and look around, I will eventually find myself. But the one thing that really helps is a touch from Judi or her asking me if I'm all right. I think you do this David in some ways.
Praying to God that this WILL be a good week. The picture of you and David is fabulous...what a wonderful looking couple!
I admire you, Dolores.
Friends,
Susannah
Oooh, I like what Judye said. I couldn't have said it better.
Praying for a good week for you and David. ((hugs))
Music does calm the soul dosen't it!
My MIL laughs at inappropriate times as well,she dosen't know how to respond and thinks laughter is correct ,it IS certainly better than tears.We just celebrated her 90th Bday, I will post about it soon.
Diane
Hugs, Jenny
Love the photo Delores! Laughter. What a Wonderful thing. I hope you Laugh, BIG today swetheart!
(((HUG)))
Dolores, I am thinking of you and praying for a good week for you and David. Dementia is so unpredictable. I think the emotional exhaustion is worse than the physical. It seems the emotional side is always there in the background...I am so thankful for God's promises. Even tho we walk thru rivers of sorrow, He has promised they will not overflow. Laughter is a good thing and I agree, so much better than tears. Take care! Big hugs to you! Mary
Love the photo of you two! Praying that this is a good week for you both.
Hugs,
Karla
Delores, looking at the photo of both of you, I can see how much you love David and I can imagine how much you hate this disease and what it is doing to David and your lives. Thank God he is doing as well as he is. May God send showers of blessings to both of you this week.
This is a beautiful photo of the two of you!!! I'm like David...music makes me happy too!!!
Just catching up...so sorry about David's Lily!!! She did bring the two of you a lot of joy and had a very happy but short life...bad things happen...
I'm sure it's been hard on you when he talks at night. Glad you could go to the wedding and enjoy it. You always put positives in your posts. It's good David recognizes his own confusion.
Hugs and prayers,
Carol
I am hoping with you, Dolores, that it will be a good week for you and David....Christine
A good week will be a blessing, and laughter instead of tears is a blessing. You are so very good at remembering the blessings and being thankful for them. You are a blessing too.
You have such a beautiful spirit and attitude about this journey. God bless you.
awww...great photo!
it amazes me that he can be aware he doesn't remember (if that makes sense). you have shed so information and though everyone is different, it helps us not to think or treat everyone one way.
big hugs.
Music is such a calming thing around our home, laughter comes and goes. Sometimes jokes that were never said are now said, life progresses and regresses, the caregiver stands still and wonders why..... all we can do is be grateful for "all" the good times no matter how long or short they are. You're always in my thoughts darling... many many hugs ~lynne~
I just love the photo. Hoping for goos nights for you both! Love Jean
You are a one of God's angels here on earth. Pure and simply. You are on a road that I pray I never have to walk with my husband....or he with me. I walked this road with my dad for a short time...but with my mom for 8 long years. I took care of her in my home for 6. She is now in a wonderful assisted living facility. She is 90. No cancer, no heart disease. nada. She could live to be 100. Prayer keeps me grounded. I am so glad I stumbled onto your blog. I am adding you to my favorites.
Blessings to you both~
Carol
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