My Story

Difficult situation

Written by LisaF

My Dad was diagnosed with alzheimers approx 2 years ago and has been on Aricept for about a year. He is generally ingood health and is still driving after an assessment. He is okay on familiar roads and tends to stick to those he knows. Dad is happy in himself but I know he knows all is not right but of course doesn't believe there is anything wrong with him. You know the story "Everyone else has lost their bloody marbles"
His much younger wife is having great difficulty in correctly handling/living with his condition. She argues with him, calls him stupid and her answer is to leave him for hours, hoping he has settled when she returns. She says her only sanity is to get away from him. I have always been htere for her but she doesn't invove me unless by default or I confront her.
I know how important it is for me to retain a healthy relationship with her for Dads bebefit, it is so frustrating.
I am so concerned for my Fathers wellbeing, he is having a difficult time as it is without having added conflict and agitation. I explain that he needs routine, motivation, stimulation, not to be excluded and treated differently. Yes she needs to have her time and she has ample of that. She will not let things slide, always has to have the last word.
I lost my Mum when I was a teenager and I often wonder how different this stage of Dads life would be if my Mum was sharing it with him - 'In sickness and in health'.