Echodelta
Member
My dad was diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies in 2008. That form of dementia is associated with Parkinson's disease which he was diagnosed recently to having as well.
Since November 2008 he has been living with my sister in California. Last month something happened where he went from high functioning to what is termed as moderately severe. We think it may have been a new medication. I flew down in April to help my sister. Among other symptoms our dad began having were tremors, hallucinations, speaking in his native tongue, speaking gibberish, & began to speak about death a lot. He also lost use of his legs and had to be confined to a wheelchair. The next day, our dad passed out and he was rushed to the hospital where he remained for 5 days. Slowly our dad's cognitive awareness returned and his hallucinations and delusions declined. After 5 days he was transferred to a skilled nursing home for physical therapy. He stayed there for 4 days before returning home. I myself had to get back home to Washington.
Since my return, I've been reading much about dementia and watching videos about the disease. Next Saturday, I am heading back to California to be with our dad again.
Recently our dad has begun to use my sister's family against her. He has always been manipulating and had this keen focus on money. My sister and I talk almost every day and I know that our dad's manipulations are causing a great deal of stress. He has started saying rude things to those looking after him. We know it's his dementia. My sister does not want to lash out and hurt him but we both feel he needs a reality check. I wish I could head there sooner but I'm unable to. I've tried speaking to my dad over the phone and he just blows me off. We really don't want to send him to a nursing home yet.
Please prayer for my dad to help him understand that his family still loves him very deeply. Please pray for my sister and her family as well.
Thanks,
Ed
Since November 2008 he has been living with my sister in California. Last month something happened where he went from high functioning to what is termed as moderately severe. We think it may have been a new medication. I flew down in April to help my sister. Among other symptoms our dad began having were tremors, hallucinations, speaking in his native tongue, speaking gibberish, & began to speak about death a lot. He also lost use of his legs and had to be confined to a wheelchair. The next day, our dad passed out and he was rushed to the hospital where he remained for 5 days. Slowly our dad's cognitive awareness returned and his hallucinations and delusions declined. After 5 days he was transferred to a skilled nursing home for physical therapy. He stayed there for 4 days before returning home. I myself had to get back home to Washington.
Since my return, I've been reading much about dementia and watching videos about the disease. Next Saturday, I am heading back to California to be with our dad again.
Recently our dad has begun to use my sister's family against her. He has always been manipulating and had this keen focus on money. My sister and I talk almost every day and I know that our dad's manipulations are causing a great deal of stress. He has started saying rude things to those looking after him. We know it's his dementia. My sister does not want to lash out and hurt him but we both feel he needs a reality check. I wish I could head there sooner but I'm unable to. I've tried speaking to my dad over the phone and he just blows me off. We really don't want to send him to a nursing home yet.
Please prayer for my dad to help him understand that his family still loves him very deeply. Please pray for my sister and her family as well.
Thanks,
Ed
