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This is extremely confusing to me. Is this common? He has yet to have a bowel or bladder accident - doesn’t yet use protective garments nor does he need bed protection. So even though his memory is trashed his body isn’t. I can’t figure out what stage of Alzheimer’s he is in.

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Kartyjb: Be grateful that he is not yet incontinent.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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Hi Kat. Seems like you are describing my mom. She has “cognitive decline” for the last 12-15 years. She has no other health issues. Takes no medication other than an allergy pill. Dresses herself if the clothes are laid out for her. Soaps and brushes her teeth if shower is started and toothpaste is put on toothbrush. Although shower is always a struggle.
Until about 1 1/2 years ago she could start these activities in her own. Not incontinent. But does sleep 16-18 hours a day. From this forum I’ve learned to let that go as she is 90 and at this age is entitled to do as she pleases (within reason).

But I will say I believe so much of the sleeping during the day is depression or boredom that became a habit early in her journey because my dad kept the tv off, activities and interactions to a minimum because he couldn’t stand the constant questions and chatter from her during those activities. Her dozing in and out kept her quiet and the questions to a minimum. And that’s all he could deal with. Looking back I should have intervened earlier. I didn’t live close by and didnt really get what was happening at the time. If I had to do it over again I’d have gotten her a caregiver earlier that could accompany her to activities and kept her occupied. I say this hoping it may help you or others earlier in the journey.
I do realize my blessing that she still knows her family members, is happy to see us and still continent. Dreading the day that starts - I don’t think I’ll ever get her to change to briefs.
Good luck to you. We’re all praying for you.
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Reply to Mmccontex
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Onthehill Oct 20, 2024
Wow sounds like you are describing my 90 year old mom. Mine is on year 9. She sleeps when she is bored or depressed too. She does wear pads though. She still knows to brush her teeth on her own without any prompting. For showers I lay her clothing out and she showers herself without complaint. Her Dr. says she’s in moderate late stage of Alzheimer’s.
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Generally and as a rule incontinence occurs at late middle to late stages. I would say be very thankful this isn't on the scene yet. I sure wish you luck.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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What a great gift to you! This diagnosis brings so much misery, I’m glad you have one important bright spot
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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Kat, I am so sorry you are going through this.

All demented people are different, there is no one size fits all.

Even though we would like to put them all in a neat little box , as for stages , they don't always match up.
It's best to just think in terms of beginning, middle or latter stages.

Enjoy this part of luck you have, try not to think to deeply into it.

Thinking of you, and hang in there 😔
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Reply to Anxietynacy
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Does your husband have a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s? How is he doing with Activities of Daily Living and Accessory Activities of Daily Living?

My LO has been showing cognitive signs for about 5 years (in hindsight) and has only become incontinent (bladder) in the last year or so. There are definitely other physical signs though.

We are awaiting diagnosis so I am hesitant to look into ‘stages’ until I know what type of dementia we are dealing with as symptoms and progression can vary by type. Beyond that, I think they can also vary person-to-person. I know, not very helpful.
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Reply to Peasuep
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Kartyjb Oct 16, 2024
Yes he has been diagnosed. Testing started during Covid with the doctor not comfortable offering a diagnosis because other health issues could have been causing dementia, so she just referred to it as cognitive decline. Office visits were only virtual. Once she met him in person in April of last year she called it immediately. His meds are finally under control now that I administer them, and he is reasonably pleasant most of the time. Still able to dress himself although he doesn’t shower unless he has a doctor’s appointment. He eats very little but does drink throughout the day. He likes Monster Drinks so you would think that would give him energy, but he still sleeps a lot.
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All I will say is...enjoy it while it lasts as all good things must and will come to an end.
And if your loved one in fact has Alzheimer's verses any of the other dementias, his decline could go on for many more years as Alzheimer's is the slowest progressing of all of the dementias, so the incontinence just hasn't kicked in yet. But don't worry...it will, so like I said please enjoy this calm before the storm, as often it is incontinence that will break the camels back.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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