My brother has vascular dementia
By lhw7661
@lhw7661 (51)
United States
April 28, 2008 3:42am CST
My brother just turned 77 and has dementia. The last 2 years have been awful for him. He resides in a 'hospital', has good and bad days, but lately more bad than good. Until the last month he kept asking to go home. Dementia is so heartbreaking for the patient and for the loved ones. All of his friends have stopped visiting (they say they don't know what to say to him). I visit about 2 times a week and never know what to expect. Yesterday I fed him breakfast (he needed help and wasn't getting it) and he did recognize me. Is it awful to wish he would go deeper and deeper into his own little world of oblivion? I know it will be hard to walk in there and get no response but his lucid moments are so sad.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@kieungoc (232)
• United States
29 Apr 08
I'm sorry about your situation. It's a b**** getting old huh? I think how you're feeling isn't awful at all. Especially if he's not in pain. I am sure he knows who you are most of the time, maybe he just doesn't have the energy? I do not know this disease at all, but it sounds like it sucks! I am the oldest of 6 kids and I always think to myself how weird it's going to be to have to go through this with my siblings. I hope things get better with you at least and I am sure you have other family members that love and support you through all of this.
@dianne17k (587)
• Philippines
28 Apr 08
I don't know anyone with dementia but I could only imagine what's it like for the person and his loved ones. It must hurt seeing your once very able brother slowly losing everyday skills we take for granted on a daily basis. I'll have you and your brother in my prayers. Take care...
