Re: How on earth do I cope? -

[Guest guest]

Hi, . I remember when we were first told that my mother might have LBD.

Since I had researched the various dementias ahead of time, that phrase reduced

me to tears quickly. So, all of us can relate to your plea.

My mother was diagnosed early in 2006 and has lived in an Assisted Living

Facility, at her neurologist's insistence, since mid-2006. Her decline has been

erratic at times but her behavior has been easy to manage. Whether that was

because of her normal personality being somewhat easy or because she has had the

continual care of a knowledgeable neurologist is unknown. My first piece of

advice for you is to help your mother find a neurologist in your area that has a

background with dementias and, particularly, LBD. There are medications that

can be helpful and others that can be harmful. The first line of defense is

always the caregiver but a good neurologist is a must-have. A good pharmacist

is also helpful... If you provide the group with a general location for your

parents, there might be some suggestions from people in the same area.

This list has a link on the left-hand, blue border called " Files " . If you will

take some time to look through those files (FAQ, Inservice by Janet Colello, LBD

phases, medications and many more), you may find information critical to your

understanding of this disease. Your mother can benefit from your sharing of

this knowledge, too. Knowledge and education is supreme in dealing with this

disease.

Best wishes in this journey,

Lynn in Florida

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>

> I'm a new name around here

>

> My name is , and in late December of 2010, my father was diagnosed with

LBD. It's been a very scary, rough road with him. My father is a master

manipulator, and also extremely belligerent since his diagnoses.

>

> My writing here is mostly to find support and to ask how all of you have coped

with dealing with this disease.

>

> It's been extremely scary.....he has always dealt with depression and became

especially depressed while sick in the hospital. Before he was discharged, I

removed all guns/ammunition/sharp knives/etc from our house, as he has had

suicidal thoughts in the past. We had to take his car keys away and he became

extremely angry, attempting to hide his discharge paperwork that said 'no

driving' and even calling a local tow company to get is car so he could have a

new key made.....things like that.

>

> He has used extremely hurtful words towards all of us (my mother, brother, and

myself), cursing and directly calling all of us names.

>

> I'm away at school full time, but upon returning home this evening I

discovered that my mother caved and gave him his keys back until his next

doctor's appointment. He went tonight to pick up pizza (against everyone's

wishes) and it took him 3 hours to make a 10 minute drive. I'm extremely

worried.

>

> I just......feel so helpless. I know it's the disease talking when he says or

does awful things, but he's always been someone that I haven't really gotten

along with....I have no idea what to do.

>

> How do I deal with this?

>