Tuesday, February 17, 2009


I am a little crazy here today. Dad’s common law wife called to say that he is not sleeping well. Mostly, he sits in bed and wakes her through the night saying he is seeing things in the corner and stuff like that. It just started last Tuesday. He has been extremely healthy. But I am worried because his dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer in his seventies and now his oldest sister is in a nursing home suffering from the same thing. Dad turned 75 on January 31st. I talked to him for 35 minutes yesterday and there were no indications that something was wrong. But Kat said that it happens at night. I pray that his seeing things have to do with him being sleep deprived. I am not ready for this. I know he’s not.

I was in high school when my grand dad was diagnosed. But I remember how hard it was on my dad. Prior to putting his dad into a nursing home, dad had to get up in the middle of the night searching for his father because he formed a bad habit of walking away and getting lost and not remembering. Darn, Darn, Darn, I am not ready for this. I know Dad’s not either. Pray for him.

9 comments:

Gina said...

Prayers are out and on the way...has he had a CAT scan lately?

chele said...

Has he been to the doctor?

I'll keep him in prayer.

Anonymous said...

Rose, my work for pay is directing a senior center. There are a lot of resources available. I strongly encourage you to contact the Alzheimer's association. They have great information for children/caregivers. They have great resources too. There are many dietary causes for the symptoms you described. And, medicinal interactions will also trigger the symptoms. Please not only insist that he go to the Dr., but take him. Talk to his physician if you are able. This is a transitional point that most adult children are not ready to deal with. How does one get ready to parent their parents??? I pray for you, your dad, and Kat the strength to navigate through the upcoming life transitions, the courage to face life difficulties, the peace to live in the present, the power to trust in God in new ways.

kathi said...

My Grandmother went this route, it was so hard for everyone. It was like there just wasn't a light on behind her eyes. She was the sharpest woman I'd known, and it broke my heart. I know she wouldn't wanted to have lived that way, and thankfully she didn't for very long. This was over 20 years ago, I hope there has been a lot of advancement in medicine since then. Praying for your dad.

Bunny Brown said...

Praying for you and your dad and his common law wife.

I remember reading something called Sundowners syndrome. It was when elderly people display symptoms of dementia only after the sun goes down.

In agreement with those who have suggested a quick trip to the doc for evaluation.

Believer said...

I was thinking medication, but you already know why. I'll definitely put him on my prayer list.

Rose said...

I've made Dad an appointment and I will go with him. Other than high blood pressure pills he does not take any other medicine. But I look up Sundowners Syndrome and shared it with Kat and his symptoms on come doing the late night. His companion listed the same signs I read in the literature. Thank you all.

TJ said...

Rose, your family is in my prayers.

BostonPobble said...

Prayers for your dad. Prayers for Kat. Prayers for you. And hugs, too, because hugs are good.