I am 26 and my father is 51. He was diagnosed with AD almost a year ago. The diagnosis was very hard to accept, but I had been aware that something was wrong. I live away from home, and I remeber telling my stepmother "That's not my Dad" when I went to visit. He has always been a very intelligent man, and he was unable to do very simple things like writing a cheque.
I try to visit as often as I can, but with a family of my own and a full time job it is hard. Trying to speak on the phone is a challenge as he is often too tired, or forgets the topic of conversation. I manage to keep up a brave face while I am visiting, but then get really depressed for weeks afterwards because I have already lost the Dad I know and adore. I know I'm not the only person going through this, but I can't seem to stop grieving. My husband is finding it hard to deal with me, and sometimes I wish I could pack up and stay with my Dad, because I feel like he needs me more.
I try to visit as often as I can, but with a family of my own and a full time job it is hard. Trying to speak on the phone is a challenge as he is often too tired, or forgets the topic of conversation. I manage to keep up a brave face while I am visiting, but then get really depressed for weeks afterwards because I have already lost the Dad I know and adore. I know I'm not the only person going through this, but I can't seem to stop grieving. My husband is finding it hard to deal with me, and sometimes I wish I could pack up and stay with my Dad, because I feel like he needs me more.