Worldwide Sharing
A WONDERFUL listing of ICQ and IRC numbers whose
members are caregivers and want to network with others dealing
with Alzheimer's Disease. Very good connections & support!
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease which
affects memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. It is the
most common form of dementia.
There is no evidence to show that Alzheimer's disease is
inherited.
Alzheimer's Disease is the 4th leading cause of death in the
U.S. From onset until death, the disease lasts from 3 - 18 years
with 8 years being the average.
Some symptoms:
Memory loss that affects skills
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Language problems such as forgetting simple words, speaking
in incomprehensible sentences or substituting inappropriate
words
Disorientation in time and place
Poor or impaired judgement
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Mood changes or behavior changes
Changes in personality
Loss of initiative
Signs of Caregiver Stress includes:
Depression
Headaches and/or stomach aches
Sleeping difficulties
More easily upset
Cry and/or get angry more
Often catch colds
Feel you cannot cope anymore
Cannot concentrate
Eat, smoke, and/or drink more
Depending on the person, stress signs differ.
The Little Boy And The Old Man
Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."
Said the little old man, "I do that too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
"I do that too", laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
"But worst of all", said the little boy, "it seems grown-ups
don't pay attention to me."
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
"I know what you mean", said the little old man.
(author unknown)
