Hi Laura,
I'm 25 and my mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's almost 6 years ago. It's really hard isn't it?! I hope you and your dad are doing okay and still finding things to smile and laugh about.
What do you think your coping strategy is for dealing with all this? I'm guessing from the fact that you've been speaking to people on here that you've already taken the best piece of advice I could give you, which is to talk to people and let them support you. It took me a very long time to cotton on to that, so nice one for getting there so quickly! I think the one other really important thing to do is to let yourself feel sad sometimes - my sister saw a counsellor who suggested giving herself a bit of time each week to just cry. It can be so hard when you are caring for others to let yourself do that, or to let yourself do that without worrying that it means you're not coping, but I think it's really important.
Struggling with the impossibly difficult task of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's is so tough. I have found it especially difficult to accept because my mum, like yours, was so young when she was diagnosed, I feel like she was stolen from me far too soon. I don't know what stage your mum is at and whether she is still able to to communicate with you, but I'm sure she is immensely proud of you and how you are dealing with such difficult things. Keep talking and keep feeling proud of yourself for being so strong.
To the young gentleman who also replied to you and expressed how difficult it is to have to step up and look after your family while all your friends are living responsibilty and care-free - I take my hat off to you, sir. I was slightly older than you when my moment came to look after my younger sisters and to support my dad, but I know how hard it is and how much you have to sacrifice. Again, I hope you realise how proud your dad would be of you, and I hope you give yourself time to be an irresponsible teenager!
I hope you are both being kind to yourselves and ensuring you look after you as well as your families around you (it took my boyfriend a very long time and even some shouting to get that one through to me!)
With compassion and support,
Annie