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Basic InformationMore InformationLatest NewsWhite Matter Anomalies Similar in Mild TBI, Alzheimer's DiseaseConcussion Damage Looks Much Like Early Alzheimer's: StudySaturated Fat May Make the Brain Vulnerable to Alzheimer'sScientists Find New Clues to Early Onset Alzheimer'sLow Blood Sugar May Raise Dementia Risk in Diabetics: StudyFor Alzheimer's Caregivers, a Much-Needed BreakEmotions in Alzheimer's Linked to Changes in Brain SizeAlzheimer's Patients Mimic Emotions of Those Around Them: StudyScientists Can't Replicate Surprising Finding on Alzheimer's TreatmentSleep Apnea in Seniors Tied to Alzheimer's in StudyExperimental Drug Seems to Aid Memory in Mice With Alzheimer'sHigh Blood Sugar May Add to Alzheimer's Risk: StudyLiving Long May Protect Against Early Alzheimer's, Study FindsGeneral Anesthesia Not Linked to Raised Risk for DementiaMediterranean Diet Might Help Stave Off DementiaSex Lives Often an Overlooked Casualty of Traumatic Brain InjuryGene Studies Could Point to New Alzheimer's TreatmentsGenetics Linked to Abnormal Alzheimer's MarkersAlzheimer's Patients May Face Looming Shortage of NeurologistsBrain Changes Seen in Relatives of People With Alzheimer'sExercise Benefits Physical Functioning in Alzheimer'sExercise May Help People With Alzheimer's Avoid Nursing HomesNewly Created Rats Designed to Speed Alzheimer's ResearchGene May Double Risk of Alzheimer's in BlacksAnnual Cost of Dementia About $200 Billion in U.S.Heart Risks May Also Point to Dementia RiskResearchers Test Implanted Brain Stimulator for Alzheimer'sEarly Thinking Problems May Signal Future Dementia in Parkinson's PatientsA Third of U.S. Seniors Die With Dementia, Study FindsHigh Blood Pressure May Add to Alzheimer's Risk, Study FindsFDA Wants to Relax Approval Process for Alzheimer's DrugsSingle Concussion May Lead to Lasting Brain DamageExperimental Alzheimer's Drug Shows Promise, Study FindsImproving Eating Habits Cuts Depression in DementiaHealth Tip: Spot the Early Stages of Alzheimer'sAtrial Fibrillation Associated With Cognitive ImpairmentMore Regular Meals May Improve Dementia CarePossible Therapeutic Window ID'd to Treat Memory ProblemsFor Alzheimer's Caregivers, Patience and Compassion Are KeyWhite Matter Hyperintensities Tied to Alzheimer's DiseaseAntioxidant Capacity of Diet Not Tied to Dementia, Stroke RiskDamage to Tiny Blood Vessels in Brain May Raise Alzheimer's RiskWomen With Alzheimer's-Linked Gene Show Faster Cell AgingNumber of Americans With Alzheimer's May Triple by 2050Review Finds No Evidence Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Are InfectiousPET Scans Helpful, But Not Definitive for Alzheimer's DiagnosisU.S. Launches Extensive Alzheimer's StudiesData Suggest Depression Doesn't Precede Impaired CognitionDementia, Late-Life Depression May Be LinkedFuture Astronauts May Be Exposed to Alzheimer's Risk Factor Questions and AnswersLinks |
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How Do I Handle My Mother's Decline?Sun, Apr 8th 2012My 87-year old mother has been independent all her life. She's paid her own bills, managed two homes, lived on her own happily. She's a very bright lady, but she's losing her memory and doesn't get around as easily as she used to. She's aware of this and is frightened. So am I.
I'm relieved that in a month Mom will move into an assisted living residence, but this doesn't change the fact that my mother is changing before my eyes. I hate the thought that my mother can't manage her own affairs anymore. I'm afraid that one of these days she might not know who I am and I'm ashamed to admit that I'm hoping she passes away before this happens.
I need to help her face her frailties, but it's so hard when I'm having such a tough time myself. I have a sister but we're not much help to each other. We live a distance apart and I've become even more frantic when I talk with her because she's having a harder time with this than I am.
How do I accept my mother's decline? I realize I'm not alone. Many adult children have had to face what I'm going through but I feel alone with this. What advice do you have to help me get through this difficult time?
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