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Old 04-29-2008, 02:39 PM
jkee
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
Question care giver for alzheimers

Hi, I have been caring for a lady for the last 2 years. She has the short term loss and other stages of alzheimers. This saturday she slept 3 hours and then sunday she was up all night. Sunday and Monday she was very perky as far as asking questions over and over not knowing all of the sudden that we were in her house. Then this morning, Tuesday she was having hallucinations and has been sleeping all day. I wondering if she has crashed because she didn't sleep for 2 days and hallucinating because of that. I called the Dr. and they wanted us to bring her in for a urine sample but there was no way we could. She has been on namenda, aricept and at one time zyprexa. She was on zyprexa for 2 years and had a fall so while she was in the hospital and nursing for 10 weeks she wasn't taking it. Last night was her first night back on it. I would appreciate any thoughts of others have experienced. I have been cleaning for her for 20 years and when her family found out she had this disease they asked if I would take over her care. We found someone to live with her when I can't be with her. Thanks
  #2  
Old 04-29-2008, 07:02 PM
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QueenAngie
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Welcome to the board!

There is a special place in heaven for dear people that care for others with Alzheimer's. You must have a lot of patience.

No answer for that particular medication from me.

Is she eating and drinking adequately? Maintaining her weight?
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  #3  
Old 04-29-2008, 10:47 PM
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JeanLynn81
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Join Date: Jun 2006
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The thing about Alzheimer's is that it fluctuates wildly in the beginning stages. One second my great grandmother was fine, and the next she would freak out because she thought we were strange people that broke into her house. It can be very frightening.

Because of these wild fluctuations, it can be very difficult to say if it is the medication, or lack of sleep, or whatever. I think if it continues, and the doctor wants to take a urine sample, then find a way to do it. She can't always find the words to tell you what's wrong. Its your job to find a way to understand.

Good luck, and Angie is right...you are a good person for taking on such a difficult task!
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Old 04-30-2008, 05:11 AM
jkee
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
Originally Posted by QueenAngie
Welcome to the board!

There is a special place in heaven for dear people that care for others with Alzheimer's. You must have a lot of patience.

No answer for that particular medication fro
Is she eating and drinking adequately? Maintaining her weight?
Yes, she has a good appetite and has maintainig. This lady has taught me paience I never knew I had. The love for her and my walk with Christ has been my help.
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