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Hi everyone,

My dad was diagnosed with LBD/vascular dementia around February of

this year, but I suspect it may have been at least 2002-2003 or even

earlier when symptoms appeared. He has been a diabetic

(uncontrolled) for 20y or more and also hypertensive. He has

diabetic retinopathy (end stage) and hasnt been allowed to drive

since last year.

I'm sure the diabetes was a precursor to LBD and I'm trying to keep

it in check. Along with insulin and 4 BP meds, he is on Geodon 80mg

bid. He was originally started on Ativan (as needed), Cogentin,

Haldol(monthly) and Aricept. and progessively got worse in a span of

days. he was admitted and then they stopped all meds and started

back with just Geo.

He was on it (Geodon) before, but was in denial about having a

problem and refused to take the meds , The psych then put him on

Haldol, but warned it could intensify the dementia.. which it did.

He was so bad off in the hospital and the neurologist tried every

test she could, but found nothing conclusive about why he

deteriorated so fast. We were at a point thinking of putting him in

a NH but he only had SSD and his finances were a mystery even for my

mom. We're also considering having him go back to his homeland (but

a nurse would have to be trained) Since he has been home he has

stabilized, but his memory is still bad and he needs help with daily

functions.. bathing, dressing etc. he still has some disorientation,

hallucinations which mainly happen in AM

My mom is ailing as well and is on O2 24/7 she cannot do more than

talk to him, so I have to keep my eye on her as well. I do most of

the washing, cooking, cleaning for him, so she need not worry, but

it is more than I can handle. I stay with them and one of my sisters

helps when she comes home in the evenings.

I'm in the process of getting him mediCAL to help get a caregiver to

help. I'm in the process of getting Conservatorship/DPA and I'm glad

to have found this site, because i have felt so alone in this and

frustrated with the system. I will say that the Caregiver resource

Center has been more helpful than any social worker from the hospital

yn

Caregiver for Dad 71y/o in California