The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Or, do you know of online support for those who are there caretakers? I'm trying to gather information and, like with anything, the more you read, the more questions you get sometimes. DH isn't at the point of repeating himself or anything yet, but has a host of other symptoms. As I don't anticipate him staying sober when he leaves the rehab facility, I would love to visit more with people who have gone through this. Thanks!!
((((Jenn))))...the sources for alcohol related dementia are many...Google it and/or Wiki it and also ask the staff at the rehab facility he is at. Might want to have him in on any of the discussions regarding that part of alcoholism...which is known as "end stage" alcoholism. Keep coming back...great question. ((((hugs))))
I have googled it and come up with a lot of info, but not really forums or support groups. Maybe I just need to keep looking. It's just nice to talk to someone who's been there, yk? Like here. You can read all about alcoholism but it's not the same as talking with people who have been there. Unfortunately, I don't think his counselor is real well versed in this. Keith has been in a rant since last week and today he was threatening to walk out so she and I talked again. I found out from her tonight that, ever since he checked in, in Nov., he's been showing a lot of cognitive issues - memory, confusion, not able to process things. Obviously you have to give them a little time at first, but I sure wish she would have told me sooner. Now he's in a rage and I'm public enemy number one in his book. I asked her to please work hard at getting calmed down and work toward getting me off his hit list so that we can get him to cooperate with seeing his doctor.
Well, he just called now and seemed to be a lot calmer than earlier. It's so troublesome to see these "drunk" behaviors when I know he's sober. So, so sad. And having to explain to the kids that this is the "New Dad". Sigh. I'm really struggling to not get overwhelmed by everything, even though I know God is in control. I just feel like my brain is too full.
I am part of a support group called MemoryPeople on Facebook, www.facebook.com/groups/180666768616259/ You can get help through the Alzheimer's site www.alzconnected.org. This site has a message board and a chat room that I've used, that is quite helpful. The type of dementia you are referring to is often called "wet brain" or Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. It occurs from a thiamine deficiency due to malnutrition. Symptoms include: irregular gait, confusion, confabulation (telling of events that did not happen and believe them to be true), dementia, hallucination, loss of control over eye movements. My mom has Alzheimer's, ut the regular kind, not wet brain. My old boss (who I still stay in contact with has Wernicke) They are basically the same, in how it effects the caregiver. Feel free to private message me if you have any other questions, wildrose.
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I can Overcome all things through my HP who strengthens me.
Thanks, "overcome". I have been reading quite a bit about dementia both alcohol related and not. He doesn't quite fit the criteria for Korsakoff's syndrome, but it seems like there is also alcohol related dementia that isn't Korsakoff's too. I guess I'll know more after meeting with the doctor. His issues seem to be primarily processing skills that have been getting worse over the last few years anyway. I don't know what to say to him anymore because he takes everything the wrong way. I tried to make conversation on Friday about how one of our kids was going to be at church much of the day Sat., preparing for a Mother's Day breakfast they were doing and he responded, "Well, that's her choice, not mine!" Umm. . . . guess we aren't going to talk about that either! lol It's like living in Alice in Wonderland where the words change meaning in mid-air. He's been like this when he's drinking for a long time so I'm used to it, but it's a little surreal to have it happening while he's sober. Anyway, thanks for the FB link. I am meeting with someone from our local Alzheimer's group next week. He's having 3 hours of cognitive/psych counseling this Friday and we meet with the doctor for results next Friday. Thanks again and God bless!
