My Alzheimer's Journey
Part 160 - Alzheimer's Really Does Suck
Hello, Everyone.
Welcome to the new subscribers. You are now a member of My Alzheimer’s Journey family.
When I moved the research articles to a separate publication, I stated that the primary reason was to give clarity to each publication. There is a significant difference between the two publications. In addition to the obvious difference in topics, the writing styles and voices are distinct.
Starting today, My Alzheimer’s Journey will be even more personal, casual, and raw; than it has been in recent months. In a sense, I am taking the blog back to its roots. I believe most of you are interested in learning about my personal experience living with Alzheimer’s. My goal has always been to openly share my life as someone living with Alzheimer’s. The objective is for everyone reading this blog to learn from my experience.
Even if you are not directly impacted by Alzheimer’s, I believe my experience provides valuable insight into how to manage the challenges all of us face as we wander through life. Additionally, I want to learn from you. Let’s make the blog a conversation.
Today’s subject, ‘Alzheimer’s Really Does Suck’ is exactly how I felt the past couple of weeks. Between, chills, frequent memory failures, increasing confusion, trembling hands, and depression, Alzheimer’s did a number on me. This past weekend, I was alone with the cats since Linda went to visit family. That really sucked!
There is little doubt that my Alzheimer’s is advancing. It seems that the progression is centered on motor function and behavioral changes. I do not believe my cognitive abilities have decreased much in recent months. Regardless of how this awful disease progresses, the impact on quality of life is significant.
Last week, I had to sign closing documents for the house we sold in South Carolina. A notary and a witness came to our Chapel Hill apartment for the signing. My hands were trembling so much that I could barely sign the documents. This was embarrassing for me; although, Linda and the notary told me not to worry about it. I tried not to be concerned about my trembling - but, it bothered me.
I am becoming increasingly easily agitated. This seems to happen in the mornings and evenings. Yesterday, Linda’s flight arrived at the airport near our home about 3:30 in the afternoon. I had scheduled an Uber to pick her up. There were all sorts of challenges for Linda to get from the plane to baggage claim to the Uber. Her wheelchair complicated the journey. Something hiccuped with Uber (the driver was at the airport, but the ride request vanished from his system.) Bottom line, I was chatting with the Uber help desk, messaging the Uber driver, and texting Linda - all at the same time for an intense twenty minutes. I became agitated, confused, and overwhelmed.
A year or two ago, I could juggle multiple tasks, manage several projects simultaneously, and easily keep several lines of communication going at the same time. Not only could I do those things, I remained relatively calm. Not today.
There are many triggers for my agitation. I believe the list of triggers is increasing. Linda and I know the triggers, and we do our best to avoid them. The most common agitation triggers are loud noises, chaotic activity, and frequent interruptions of my activities.
The best remedy when I get agitated is to spend time with Big Bit, my emotional support cat. She is the best at calming me down.
Staying busy is also important for my mood. I am not very good at watching movies or television for long periods of time. I like to be productive. Therefore, I spend hours every day researching and writing. Working on our online store also keeps me busy.
Speaking of the store, I did a major remodel and reorganization while Linda was away. We decided to remove all products not related to Alzheimer’s and caregiving. Greg’s AZ Store is now living up to its name. Take a look, and please don’t be bashful to shop a bit. Suggestions for store improvements and products are always welcome.
I will focus on the research publication the rest of this week. You can expect another blog post Saturday.
I am deeply appreciative of your support and dedication to following my Alzheimer’s journey. It would be very lonely without you walking beside me.
Greg’s Alzheimer’s Research Report
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Go Fund Me (amounts greater than $25)
Buy Big Bit A Treat (small donations)
Amazon Wish List (things that Linda and Greg need)
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While out for a walk today, we met a woman who was lost. Perhaps not AD, but clearly a memory issue. She was close to a mile from the memory care center when she asked us for directions. You would have no idea she struggled except that she couldn't remember the way home or the name of the place. If she hadn't said she had memory issues I might not have noticed her repeat a few things. Her destination wasn't far from home, so we gladly walked her over there. I hope she finds someone to walk with and think it's something we as a community should do more of.