Alzheimers, when an old friend starts to slip

CookieNBabe · May 25, 2007

An 80 year old friend, gambler, and former pari-mutuel clerk from so. cal racetracks is starting to forget what he is saying, and not gambling well at all, leaving winning tickets on the table, vouchers, etc. Then I found out that he got lost driving home a few weeks ago, and kept it a secret, when the cops took him home, and impounded his car a few days.

He is aware enough to be embarrased about it now, and 80% of the time he is still sharp as hell, but Im worried about his safety and health.

He lives alone, no kids, no wife, and has a small pension he exists on.

What would you do. He is very stubborn, as all gamblers are, and Ive not mentioned my opinion to him yet. It just became obvious this week. (Im 53, and known him since 1976).

DNoonan · May 25, 2007

This has happened to someone in my family. It is really sad to see man, I know. I would delicately encourage him to go get tested ASAP, there are meds out there that can slow down the progression. It could be either demetia setting in or Alzheimers.

He will likely need to move to assisted living for safety....sooner than later.

Fighting_Irishman · May 25, 2007

Alzheimers is only going to get worse. There is not much they can do for him. Hopefully family and friends will step in and offer to help. Your best bet is do not let him go to the tracks alone and offer to drive. I used to work at an assisted living building for geriatrics and we had a lot of Alzheimers patients and what a terrible sight. Its especially tough on the family, but they do have good and bad days.......Good Luck.

FI

winbet · May 25, 2007

Its amazing how quick Dementia strikes at that Age, like DNoonan said, get him tested immediately. The test is very simple and if its Dementia, which is more likely, He will have to adapt to some extent like having set procedures to avoid problems due to memory loss. My old man wouldnt remember that I Phoned this morning but can remember long term things from 60 Years ago as if they were Yesterday, very weird. GL. :103631605

GameBreaker · May 25, 2007

He's lucky he's got someone like you around who pays attention to how he is doing and cares about him.

Make sure you follow through on what you've noticed, intervening in the situation could make a big difference in the rest of his life.

CookieNBabe · May 25, 2007

It probably is the onset of Dementia, but I wasnt aware of a standard test for it. That helps. I will subtly coax him into the doctors office soon, so he can get tested.

Guess the best thing to do is watch him till he slips up again, (which unfortunately wont be long) then set up the appointment at the doctor, drive him there, and follow thru on it.

He has enough to go the assisted living route, and that sounds like a good idea, as he is forgetful about cooking, where things are in the apartment, etc.