What to do with my grandfather?!


Question: My grandfather has demetia and other signs of Alzheimer's. He acts like a two year old and is a jerk to almost everybody. He'll even ask the most annoying questions ('what's for dinner' when I just told him seconds ago), forget information my mother and I told him plenty of times, and read everything aloud (the road signs like, "bridge may be icy" and "no turn on red"). My mother will ignore him and tells me to do the same, but I think we should remind him of what he is doing or what he forgot. I don't know what I should do and my mother won't take him to the doctor about it or take him to a nursing home. Help!


Answers: My grandfather has demetia and other signs of Alzheimer's. He acts like a two year old and is a jerk to almost everybody. He'll even ask the most annoying questions ('what's for dinner' when I just told him seconds ago), forget information my mother and I told him plenty of times, and read everything aloud (the road signs like, "bridge may be icy" and "no turn on red"). My mother will ignore him and tells me to do the same, but I think we should remind him of what he is doing or what he forgot. I don't know what I should do and my mother won't take him to the doctor about it or take him to a nursing home. Help!

My grandmother had advanced Alzheimer's before she passed and I can certainly sympathize with the situation you're in. If your grandfather has dementia or Alzheimer's, the behavior he's displaying may very well just be part of his disease. When he's asking "what's for dinner" after you just told him, it's because with the Alzheimer's he truly doesn't remember. I sincerely doubt he's trying to be difficult because I can only imagine how difficult it must be losing your mental capacity.

With my grandmother, we spent a great deal of time almost teaching her like a child - showing her how to eat with a fork and spoon, saying things like "hi Grandma" so she'd remember who we are, etc. It was a very trying time for all of us but also a very rewarding time knowing that we were taking care of her.

Considering the signs though, your grandfather needs professional help. There are some truly wonderful places and people who specialize in working with Alzheimer's patients (I know because my grandmother was a resident of such a place) and they can help ensure that your grandfather's time is pleasant and satisfying. They also will work with you as well in finding the very best ways to help your grandfather (and each other).

It may be worth it for you and your mother to find someone to talk to as well as undoubtedly this is a very difficult time for you. There are people who have gone through the exact same thing you're going through and support is available.

You have my very best wishes!

I am going thru the exact same thing with my grandfather who is in stage 3 Alzheimers. What you are describing sounds like stage 1. Do not ignore him all the time with his questions, he needs to be reminded. Please urge your mother to consult his Dr about it. There are drugs that can help, especially in his early stage. I hate to say it, but its only going to get worse from here, not better. WebMD had great info on this subject. Do some research. Good Luck.





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories