I am the caretaker of my 72 year old father. I am wondering if he may have Alzheimers onset.

Hi,

Behaviour problems is one of the symptoms of Dementia but also of some other diseases. I recognize the shouting part which is very difficult to handle and is the number one problem for caregivers. Seeing the person change whom you love is very hard and confronting. Keep in mind that he is probably shouting at you because of his disease, it is not the person itself. If you could understand his behaviour than you will probably accept it and don't feel hurt when he does it.

You should indeed see a doctor, there are many ways in which you could reduce the caregiver burden. I always tell people that they should seek help in order to be capable of caring for their loved ones as long as possible. By not searching for help, you will get a burn out and after that your father will not have someone to take care off. What works very well for Dementia or a Somatic disease is daycare. This is a place where people visit a few days a week. The person will have some professional care and a meal and some entertainment. In the evening he will go home again. The good part is that the caregiver will have some time for himself and by that being capable to give care without starting to burn out.

If it is Dementia (Alzheimer is not the only form, just the most wellknown), the doctor could also give medication to reduce the shouting. This could be a fase in Dementia and will pass by eventually.

Good luck wit it and don' t hesitate to find some help in caregiving. Don' t feel guilty by seeing a doctor behind his back, or against his will, you need a professional oppinion.

I think you need a doctors opinion. Plus I don't think you should put up with the shouting. I'd write him a note stating that you want to be there for him and that you care for him very much but that if he is going to be angry and frustrated that it makes it more difficult for you to communicate with him.

Try burning some essential oils in a oil candle burner when in his presence as these may help to relax him. The following essential oils are useful for dementia and Alzheimers disease. Basil, Clovebud, Peppermint and Rosemary. Follow instructions as per box.

Also take a look at your fathers diet. Make sure he is getting the best possible nutrition. Vitamins that support the nerves are the B Vitamin group. Vitamin B3 supports schizophrenia and B12 to prevent neurological disorders. Seek advice before giving such Vitamins to a person.

Good food sources include porridge oats, eggs, milk, fish, liver and fortified breads. I hope this helps.

I agree with some of the others here... My Dad suffered from Alzheimers for many years before he died of complications. His symtoms included confusion, inability to 'think' for himself, and severe memory loss.. but very little aggressive behavior such as you describe. I believe Alex is right.. it sounds dementia related, and your dad really should be seen by a physician. There are medications that could help him, which would make it so much easier for you, the caretaker as well. I know how hard your job is. Keep your chin up...

We can not neglect on health. When we don´t know the better to do is to a doctor. Maybe your father are not listening very well and that irritates him.

HI YOU SOUND LIKE A VERY NICE PERSON.your FAMILY IS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE YOU!! THAT IS AWESOME THAT YOU ARE CARING FOR YOUR PARENTS.MAYBE THE NEXT TIME HE GOES TO THE DOCTOR YOU CAN ASK.BUT USUALLY PEOPLE FORGET A LOT WHEN THEY HAVE THAT.HOPEFULLY THIS START LOOKING UP FOR YOU GOD BLESS YOU!!

Well, if your dad was not a difficult person before and now you are noticing that he is a bit strange you should take him to a doctor, so he can be evaluated. There are many kinds of senior's mental health problems ( dementia, for example), however just a doctor can help you with this question, if he really has changed ( your mother is the best person to tell you) he may be suffering from something serious. Good luck!

If this behavior is a departure from how he used to be, definitely see if you can have him evaluated by doctors.

Many things could be going on with his brain.

I, myself, have neurological lyme disease which has affected my brain chemistry, moods, short-term memory, IQ, and also now problems with gait. Basically have the equivalent of stage 3-4 alzheimers because of this bacteria.

Disseminated lyme disease doesn't effect everyone exactly the same and because testing is only about 46% accurate, it's difficult to diagnose without seeing a lyme-literate doctor.

Anyway, my dad, although not the most agreeable person to begin with, became even more irascible with Hydrocephalus("water on the brain"). Mood/dementia, gait and urination issues is the triad of symptoms, but my dad had the first two (mood and balance problems).

Have you ever seen older people walking with a shuffle?

Most doctors won't do anything about Hydrocephalus in the elderly from what I gather, which I think is a societal malady.

But my mum insisted on a procedure for a shunt and he's doing better.

No No No , that's not nice but why he does being means to you ? Don't being upset ... go and tell someone about what is happening ???