Mum diagnosed with Alzheimers

[Menopausalmum43]

My mum is 70 just been diagnosed with Alzheimers. She lives with my dad and its apparently early stages. She is waiting for an ECH to determine if she can go on medication. I see the very worst end of this disease in my job. Its all very raw and I need hope. Please tell me any positive stories about people experiencing a slow decline and remaining functional for years. She lives with my dad, has a part time job and is a sudolu and cryptic crossword doer. Please tell me anything that's has helped. I'm looking at nutritional supplements and research papers.

Everyone is different. The disease will look different for everyone. Just be really patient and kind to her and to yourself. I look back to before my mam’s diagnosis and I regret that I was impatient because I didn’t understand that she was ill. Now I try to be gentle with myself and so, so kind to her.

My MIL has Alzheimer’s and we’ve had a few good years of her being a dotty old dear who was lovely to be with. Nothing lasts forever, all you can do is enjoy the good times when they happen.

It's impossible to say as everyone is different. My granny had a very slow decline over about fifteen years (started as endless repetition and forgetfulness, lack of agency, but didn't get really bad until the last three years). For other people it's very sudden.

It's rotten for a 70 year old with possibly still quite young grandchildren though.

I'm sure other people will say this, but please get power of attorney sorted/signed now...

I am so sorry to hear about your Mum's diagnosis.

I'd push for the medication if at all possible, it does help the decline speed and can possibly also perk her up again in the short term.

There are also groups she might be able to attend, which are also meant to slow the decline, things like Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.

She needs to keep social and active and make sure her hearing is checked too.

She is very very active, still works, walks about 4 miles a day. Goes to the theatre, the pub, out for tea, to her sisters looks after my son. I love her so much 💗. I'd swap her this myself.