My dad has early dementia started

[Juniper54]

My father is in his early 70's and still lives at home with my mother. She just called me to let me know that she took my father to the doctors last week for a check up and she got a call today letting her know that he has the onset of early dementia started. She's very worried that she will no longer be able to care for him and she wants to know what I think she should do. Has anyone else here ever experienced anything like this? Did you help take care of your family member or did you have to place them in a nursing home?

[amsmomm]

My grandfather went through this. My dad moved in with them for the last three months of his life. It was horrible! Gramps got really mean as the dementia got worse. Good luck!

[Kidless]

This happened to my dad.  Being very independent people, mom took care of him as long as she could.  When it became evident she was no longer able to do so, we helped her put him in a nursing home.  By that time, he was having mini strokes and was just not my dad.  My brother and I both lived too far away to give daily help so this was the best plan for him.

[Camie]

That is really sad.  I've know a couple of people who've gone through this and I know it's not easy.  It is not easy for family members and will be difficult for your mom as he progresses with this disease.  She will need a lot of support and may end up having to put him in a constant care home.  There comes a point where they need to be watched constantly or they wander off, eat something they shouldn't or do something they shouldn't. 

[shayn]

I'm sorry. It stinks getting older. I hope that he is able to stay home for as long as he can. Safety is the key factor. As the disease progresses, he may need to go into a home.

[Tango]

That is really sad, Juniper54.  I've seen a friend of ours go through this.  It's alright to care for them at home as long as you are able to keep watch over them.  Once they start disappearing on you or no longer listen to you, it may be time to put them in a home.

[breanne]

Early dementia or late dementia is never easy to deal with.  I think my father-in-law is going through this as well.  He would never say that he has it because he has this strong personality and thinks he's always right.  There are signs that show up, like forgetting things or buying things he doesn't need and not remembering why he bought it.  There are also the personality changes that are hard to deal with.  It's not Alzheimer's but more like parts of the brain shutting off.