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Alzheimers?

Mom has become super forgetful & confused, more so after she had her stroke. From her mobile phone, she called me in tears one day. She suddenly remembered that her favorite brother, my Uncle Caye, passed away. A late christmas card she received from my widowed aunt triggered the memory & it felt so fresh and raw for her, as if it happened that very same day. So she called me at once & asked if I was going anywhere that moment because she wanted to come & visit me at my house to tell me that my uncle passed away. She couldn’t stop crying.

I told her gently – Mom, we live together now. You stay with me don’t you remember? Come home any time you want I’m just here. And then I too was in tears after that call. I felt so bad for her, so sorry that she has to be this way now. From a proud, intelligent, independent woman, she is left at the mercy of people around her for clarity & guidance. Lucid one moment, confused the next. She has some good days & a lot of bad days. Which is why I don’t “allow” her to go out on her own even with her nurses save for her regular places of comfort. But in the mall or anywhere else where she can get very disoriented, I make it a point to always be with her. Or MIL accompanies her, like to church & the grocery if I can’t make it.

To distract her, the squad went to the mall after her return for a donut/coffee run, and some people watching while we’re at it. She can never stay put in the house now. Mom walks around all the time, goes out one door & comes in through the other. She turns on the light switches & turns them off again. Even her caregivers can’t keep up with her anymore & they force her to sleep, sleep, and sleep just so they can rest! Problem is, the naps keep her awake at night, and she keeps our home well-lighted in the wee hours. She has a thing with darkness now, ayaw nya ng madilim.

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I’m back to driving a van again. It seems like ages ago when we used to transport the kids & their million & one equipment’s in a van kasi nga hindi magkasya sa SUV lahat ng gamit. I thought I was over that phase.

 

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Life’s a bitch when you don’t have a driver. Thank goodness for valet parking. It’s so stressful to have to drop off the golden girls, look for a parking space, then rush back to find them. @_@ Super thankful for days when I can get a driver to take us around.

 

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OMG. I am now part of the senior citizens club, lol! ;)) The more I don’t have time for girlfriends. Or any friends in general for that matter (buti pala at kokonti lang!). My 24 hours is just not enough to divide between the hubby, the kids, the parentals, the home, and of course, the pet! Pwede bang magpadagdag ng oras in a day please?

 

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Diet? What diet! Kap will be SO UNHAPPY to know that I am eating my way to an early grave due to my frequent afternoon delights with mom. She doesn’t like watching movies or tv shows. And because she is now blind as a bat, she can’t read anymore. So the next best thing is to eat & shop. Both mortal sin kay Kap my Kap! 😛

My strategy to combat this night-time waking & walking is to tire her out in the afternoons so she can sleep the whole night through. And so, we walked & scoured the mall buong maghapon, just bummin’ around & looking at things that interest us.

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Went to Healthy Options to buy my peri-menopausal vitamins & supplements. This is NOT the time to get hot flashes & the crazies. I have to be alert at all times for mom. Evening Primrose Oil for my dry skin, rheumatism, high cholesterol, and HOPEFULLY weight loss! Biotin for my thinning hair, brittle nails & pallor skin. Also good for diabetes & mild depression (believe me, I’m on the brink, lol!). And Black Cohosh for hot flashes management & my estrogen/hormone deficiency. We also got Mom some vitamins & minerals for senior citizens to keep her body & mind strong & healthy. <3

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S-A-L-E, a woman’s best friend. Found some nice tops at 500 pesos only for mom. She gamely tried on stuff after stuff. Also one way of using up her too-much-reserved energy! 😉

 

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This nice black top is from JILL in Rustan’s ATC. On sale from almost 2k down to 500+. Great deal right? And the material is light & breezy, perfect for our climate. I make sure that mom always has a light sweater & shawl in the bag that her nurse carries around for times when she gets cold.

That same night when Ate came home from school & kissed her gramma, she asked her customary question – Hi Amah love what did you do today? Her lola replied – Oh I was just home, I didn’t go anywhere. Ate asked again – You didn’t go anywhere with mommy? She replied – Did I see your mommy today? I don’t think so. No I didn’t see her today.

This! After I spent the whole afternoon making her aliw & entertaining her so she doesn’t get bored or sad. Geez! But I don’t mind that she forgets our shenanigans. Our dates are more for my sake than hers anyway. She may forget our moments together, but these are times I will forever treasure in my heart when one day she leaves this earth. At least I can say I gave daughtering my best shot. <3

What is Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment.

Alzheimer’s has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer’s treatments cannot stop Alzheimer’s from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.

CLICK HERE to read about the 10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s.

Source: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp

—–

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My fear is that she may have Alzheimer’s and that one day, she will totally & completely forget me. Ok lang Mom kung balang-araw malimutan mo ako. Pero ikaw, hinding hindi ko pwedeng makalimutan. Thank you for being my Mom. I love you always & forever. In this lifetime or the next.

I am definitely bringing up my suspicion the next time we visit her neurologist. I hope & pray it’s just simple pagu-ulyanin. :'( Please God.

And! it’s my birthday tomorrow! \m/ All I wish for is good health & safety for the people I love. Yun lang po dear Lord -I already have everything (and everyone) I could possibly need or want. Thank you so much Lord, Amen. Thank you too, Mommy, for giving birth to me, for taking care of me & loving me the best you can. I am forever grateful. :-*

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30 Comments

  • Reply Noel Q

    I’m crying so hard right now… praying for the best for your mom, Jane! And advance happy birthday!!! Love you!

    February 19, 2016 at 8:16 am
    • Reply sugargospice

      Thank you Niel for always encouraging & supporting me. Love you! :-*

      February 19, 2016 at 8:25 am
  • Reply Jackie Uy

    Ms Jane, you are doing a really great job being a mom, a wife, a sister and a daughter (daughter in law too!) 🙂 Happiest birthday to you! You are God’s gift to your family, and your family is God’s gift to you 🙂 May you be blessed even more and continue being an inspiration to your readers like me! 🙂

    February 19, 2016 at 8:20 am
    • Reply sugargospice

      Huhu thank you for lifting my spirits Jackie. I have to learn how to spread my time equally so I don’t neglect anyone without meaning to. My life now belongs to Kap & the kids but I want to make sure that mom is also in good hands & company. Thank you for your words of affirmation & boosting my sagging spirits. <3

      February 19, 2016 at 8:29 am
  • Reply Erika

    this made me cry! how old is your Mom? My Lola is turning 84 and like your Mom ganyan na din sya. When I visited her last month I asked her sino ako. Si Elena daw ako. wala syang apong elena! alam nya start ng letter ng name ko pero di nya masabi hay! naiyak talaga kami kasi we didnt expect ganon mangyayari sa kanya. Tagos sa puso yung sinabi mo na kahit makalimutan ka nya sya hinding hindi mo makakalimutan 🙁 HUGS!!!! I will continue to pray for your Mom and your family. Cheer up it’s your day tomorrow!!

    February 19, 2016 at 8:46 am
    • Reply sugargospice

      Thank you my dear Erika! <3 She's 84 like your lola. Natatakot tuloy akong tumanda huhu.

      February 19, 2016 at 8:51 am
  • Reply Med

    Awwwwwwwww birthday girl!!!
    This is a very beautiful post and a great reminder to spend time with my mom, too!
    Once again, thank you for sharing your life with us.
    I know you will have a very happy birthday coz you are surrounded by your loved ones.

    February 19, 2016 at 10:05 am
    • Reply sugargospice

      Thank you Meding my love! :-* Getting O-L-D ahuhuhu!

      February 19, 2016 at 10:07 am
  • Reply Tiffany

    Hi Jane, Your post was again very timely. I was just reading an article on Dementia and came across this text below. I guess it also applies to those who live with elderly parents or family. You are a good daughter to your mother, and mother in law, too. God bless you,

    If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live.
    If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.
    If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.
    If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.
    If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.
    If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.
    If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.
    If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.
    If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.
    If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.
    If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.
    If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.
    If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.
    If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original places.
    If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.
    If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.
    If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.
    from https://thepurpleelephant.org/blogs/blog/18695303-16-things-i-would-want-if-i-got-dementiao

    February 19, 2016 at 12:46 pm
    • Reply sugargospice

      Huhuhu this made me cry. Thank you so so much Tiffany for sharing this with me. It’s so apt with what we are experiencing right now. These is perfect, and a helpful guideline for me to follow. I so appreciate this message. And you. :-*

      February 19, 2016 at 3:08 pm
      • Reply Tiffany

        HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I prayed that all your wishes and dreams for yourself and your family come true in His time. Thank you very much for sharing part of yourself to us.
        Hugs,

        February 22, 2016 at 9:58 am
        • Reply sugargospice

          and thank YOU for the prayers. It really means a lot to the family, Tiffany. :-*

          February 22, 2016 at 11:21 am
  • Reply jo

    naiyak naman ako dito Ms Jane…You are such a good daughter..
    Happy birthday! One year na pala since me and Reah met you in person! Still kilig till now…I wish that everyone in your family will have good health always…

    February 19, 2016 at 2:38 pm
    • Reply sugargospice

      Hi Jo! Oo nga ang bilis ng panahon diba? We need to have a reunion with Reah & Niel haha. Sya naman daw ang mag-blow out! ;))

      February 19, 2016 at 3:03 pm
      • Reply jo

        oooohh! i would love that Ms Jane!

        February 19, 2016 at 4:18 pm
  • Reply Susan F

    Dear Jane,
    Your loving mom may not remember the very recent events, but i assure that she can NEVER forget you because she has you in her heart FOREVER.
    God bless,
    SusanF

    February 19, 2016 at 7:29 pm
    • Reply sugargospice

      Thank you so much for that wonderful reminder Susan. Yes, no mother can ever forget her child. <3

      February 19, 2016 at 9:06 pm
  • Reply KassTastrophic

    Gosh MommyJane, naiyak ako while reading this post.
    Especially the part where you said you gave “daughtering” your best shot, and that your mom may forget you but you will never forget her.

    I pray it’s just a case of “getting old” aka ulyanin, and not anything serious. 🙂

    Advanced happy birthday, Mommy Jane! Lechon na yan!

    February 19, 2016 at 9:13 pm
    • Reply sugargospice

      Oo nga. Sana Kassie. :'( Here’s hoping for the best. And thank you for your friendship! :-*

      February 19, 2016 at 9:45 pm
  • Reply Ida

    Happy birthday Jane! May God bless you always 🙂 you have a big heart and you are a blessing to your family xxx

    February 19, 2016 at 11:07 pm
  • Reply Jane gatchalian

    Hi Jane,

    I so admire your love in action for the mommies. Your mom is so blessed to have you as a daughter.

    Hope u show your mom the pictures you take pf your trips with her to help her remember how blessed she is to have you.

    I remember reading before that you tried the Clear start of Unicity. Hope you try the Bios Life c ( for cholesterol) and the Bios Slim as well. The products helped me with my constipation, high blood,. It helped lower my cholesterol as well in 2 months! Lost weight too!

    Try the salmon omega for your mom and mom in law.

    Do stay healthy as I always look forward to reading your blogs.

    Take care.

    Jane (tukayo)

    February 20, 2016 at 12:02 pm
    • Reply sugargospice

      Hi Jane. Yes now that you’ve reminded me I would like to try the food supplements you mentioned. The cleansing worked well for me, thank you for the suggestions. Mwah! :-*

      February 20, 2016 at 6:52 pm
  • Reply Bambhie

    Happy Birthday! May all your wishes come true.

    😉

    February 22, 2016 at 1:16 pm
  • Reply Pagzy

    I got teary eyed reading your post. God Bless you for taking time with them!!!

    February 26, 2016 at 9:40 pm
    • Reply sugargospice

      Come & join us? I am now part of the Senior Citizens club haha! 🙂

      February 26, 2016 at 10:12 pm
  • Reply Alaine

    I can very well relate, my mother at 74 is suffering from AD, So sad kasi di nya kami kilala but often tells us na love nya kami. She often mistakes me as her elder sister or a friend. Really breaks my heart! My mother is an architect and has a very strong personality and character when she was still on her normal senses. Now she is helpless and in the later stage of AD, she definitely lost her memory but the only consolation is that we still have her.

    AD is a dreadful disease!

    March 4, 2016 at 11:31 pm
    • Reply sugargospice

      huhu yes it is. Sadness. Hugs to you, Alaine. <3

      March 5, 2016 at 1:08 am

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