New to the forum.

[mllecfox]

Hi everyone,

My name's Caroline, I'm 23 and I just wanted to introduce myself because I'm new to the forum. Three of my grandparents suffer from Alzheimer's (with very different symptoms) and as I'm currently living away from home at university, I notice a huge decline in all of them each time I go back. I find it quite distressing to see them as they are now because I still like to think of them when they were younger and healthier but I like to make as much of my time with them when I'm home as I can. They all looked after me and their other grandchildren when we were little so now it's our turn!

Nice to meet you all,
Caroline

[BeckyJan]

Hello Caroline and welcome to Talking Point.

It must be very distressing to see the decline of three of your grandparents especiallly as you have had an excellent relationship with them. Whilst I am sure you are busy whilst at University you will get plenty of support and advice here whenever you need it.

There are several members now in your sort of age group so I hope that some of them will be online and catch up with you shortly. I am sure you will get masses of support from other members (whatever the age ).

Best wishes

[Billie61]

Hi Caroline,
It's nice that you have happy memories of time with your grandparents.

This is such a sad illness, more for the immediate family than the sufferer most times.

My MIL is happy most days, even though we all feel frazzled. Her memory now lasts about 5 minutes for 90% of things, just the occasional time that she remembers something from longer than that.

[Grannie G]

Welcome to Talking Point. I`m so sorry three of your grandparents have dementia. x

[mllecfox]

Thank you all for your kind words and introductions. It's quite reassuring to know that this forum exists and we are all going through the same difficulties.
Caroline

[melz]

My daughter is in exactly the same situation as you, having been very close to my mum at one time. She now finds it hard to come home and see the decline in her, and the uncharacteristic behaviour. I try to get her to talk about the good old times a lot, and treasure old photos and memories. It is like a sort of strange grief for her, and i'm sure for you too. You were (and still are) lucky to have them in your life. Melz x

[Biddy88]

Hi Caroline

I'm new here too! I joined because my Mum has Alzheimer's but when I was growing up my Nanna had it too, so I can understand how you must be feeling. I live a 7 hour journey from Mum and each time I visit I notice a lot of difference in her. This is such a cruel disease because it's like we're grieving for someone we've lost but they're still with us. I'm really glad I found this site and I'm sure you will be too.