Hello all!
Really not sure how to begin this, but I feel this is the right forum to explain my situation and how I'm feeling, as well as hopefully get some advice and support from fellow members going through the same experience.
My Dad was officially diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in July 2021 at the age of 58. We noticed signs for a number of years before this, dating back to 2017. Memory issues primarily, which have gotten worse over time.
In January of this year, he moved into an assisted living facility. I'm finding it incredibly difficult to watch my Dad fade away, and so quickly. There's a substantial difference in him from his diagnosis to now.
I'm 29 and just feel this is so unfair.. His mum (my Grandma) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 70 and sadly passed in 2015 at the age of 75. He always had an inkling he may get it. But, if that was the case, why couldn't it be in another 10 years at a minimum?
It's been very difficult to see him having to give up work, driving, and now living on his own. I try my best to keep my emotions at bay when I'm with him. However, when I go on a night out with friends and have a drink, I'm in floods of tears.
What I would like to know, if anyone has been in a similar experience (and if you don't mind saying)... What is the general prognosis going forward? I don't want to pessimistic, but I want to have somewhat of an idea of how fast this is going to progress. Sadly, I've read that early onset speeds up much quicker the younger you are.
Thank you for reading. Much appreciated.
Really not sure how to begin this, but I feel this is the right forum to explain my situation and how I'm feeling, as well as hopefully get some advice and support from fellow members going through the same experience.
My Dad was officially diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in July 2021 at the age of 58. We noticed signs for a number of years before this, dating back to 2017. Memory issues primarily, which have gotten worse over time.
In January of this year, he moved into an assisted living facility. I'm finding it incredibly difficult to watch my Dad fade away, and so quickly. There's a substantial difference in him from his diagnosis to now.
I'm 29 and just feel this is so unfair.. His mum (my Grandma) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 70 and sadly passed in 2015 at the age of 75. He always had an inkling he may get it. But, if that was the case, why couldn't it be in another 10 years at a minimum?
It's been very difficult to see him having to give up work, driving, and now living on his own. I try my best to keep my emotions at bay when I'm with him. However, when I go on a night out with friends and have a drink, I'm in floods of tears.
What I would like to know, if anyone has been in a similar experience (and if you don't mind saying)... What is the general prognosis going forward? I don't want to pessimistic, but I want to have somewhat of an idea of how fast this is going to progress. Sadly, I've read that early onset speeds up much quicker the younger you are.
Thank you for reading. Much appreciated.