Hi there, just thought I would introduce myself. Im a 52 yo male teacher. My older brother (67) is just entering the 'moderate' phase of Alzheimers Disease from the initial 'mild' stage. Our mother ( now deceased) had Alzheimers for many years so I am well aware what the road ahead holds.
What has struck me immediatley, reading the various entries, was how many times I thought: 'I know just how you feel' or 'so its not only me'. It has been a comfort to feel that other people do know what you are going through, so for that ..my heartfelt thanks.
To be honest my prevalant emotion at the moment is shame. I feel ashamed that I am irrrited and annoyed that the big, strong, humourous and dignified man I knew is being replaced by a forgetful, contrary and unreliable 'stranger'. It shames me that I am relieved that I'm not his primary carer (His wife is) and have the option to lessen my contact with him. I shames me that I'm more concerned about how this is affecting ME rather than giving him my love and support. Finally I am ashamed that I dont have the moral courage to says the things that I want to tell him before he forgets me - I love him- he was the best brother a man could have. But men (especially gruff Glaswegians) dont do that do they? Besides if you do say them your admitting that it has beaten him and thats just too painfull for ME.
My only advice to people starting on this long difficult road dont leave out the things that you need to say because it 'wasnt the right time'. Say them and say them now.
What has struck me immediatley, reading the various entries, was how many times I thought: 'I know just how you feel' or 'so its not only me'. It has been a comfort to feel that other people do know what you are going through, so for that ..my heartfelt thanks.
To be honest my prevalant emotion at the moment is shame. I feel ashamed that I am irrrited and annoyed that the big, strong, humourous and dignified man I knew is being replaced by a forgetful, contrary and unreliable 'stranger'. It shames me that I am relieved that I'm not his primary carer (His wife is) and have the option to lessen my contact with him. I shames me that I'm more concerned about how this is affecting ME rather than giving him my love and support. Finally I am ashamed that I dont have the moral courage to says the things that I want to tell him before he forgets me - I love him- he was the best brother a man could have. But men (especially gruff Glaswegians) dont do that do they? Besides if you do say them your admitting that it has beaten him and thats just too painfull for ME.
My only advice to people starting on this long difficult road dont leave out the things that you need to say because it 'wasnt the right time'. Say them and say them now.