Sleeping by Day, Wandering by Night & Doing Fine

During my July visits with Dad, I have observed his continual memory decline but his overall physical health has improved. He is no longer in hospice care, he is eating more, and most importantly, he is drinking plenty of fluids.

It seems like every time I visited Dad in July he was in bed asleep, yet, according to the night time staff, Dad is awake at night and walks around.

During one of my visits when he was sleeping, I nudged him a little. He opened his eyes, smiled and said to me, “Hi dad.” Then he closed his eyes and went back to sleep. Instead of trying to wake him, I just sat at the edge of his bed and watched him sleep, probably the same way he used to watch us when we were young children. It is moments like these when it becomes so overwhelming in realizing just how much has changed as we’ve grown older. In many ways, it has not been fun but it has provided the opportunity to appreciate life more.

I took Dad for his follow up visit with his neurologist this past Friday (July 27^th). He answered a few of the memory test questions correctly, such as correctly stating the current month and season but he couldn’t answer any of the other questions posed. His doctor confirmed that he is in the late Alzheimer’s stage. However, as long as he continues to eat well and drink fluids, which will minimize any complications that could negatively affect his health, he should be just fine.

If I were to have taken a photo of Dad during my July visits,
most would look like this one!

Two Sons with Their Dad

Our visit with Dad

Yesterday, July 7, Bruce and I met at "the home" for a visit with Dad. Bruce had arrived about a half-hour before I did so they had a bit of one-on-one time. When I arrived Dad was engaged in a conversation with Bruce but I couldn't figure out what the conversation was about. Bruce indicated that he couldn't follow what Dad was talking about either.

That's the way our visit went with Dad; nothing made sense to us but we could tell that in his mind he knew what he was talking about. He kept referring to one of his nephews that looked like Bruce but couldn't remember who it was other than he may have been a sergeant.

Dad had difficulty searching for words to express his thoughts. For example, Dad kept slapping his forehead and I asked him why was he doing that. He said he wanted to keep the "thing" from getting out or protruding. He was referring to a mole-type growth on his forehead. I asked him what it was and he called it a "pecan."

Throughout our visit Dad kept referring to Bruce as Jay and at times he thought we were his uncles. He spoke of his sister, Noemi, and said that she spoke well and that his other sister, Patsy, was starting to talk and form words. I figure at that moment he was in the late 40s.

Also, for the first time since he's been in the nursing home, he did not recognize the photo of his parents. He said he was trying to figure out who they were.

This visit was difficult because we could see how Dad is sinking deeper into the depths of dementia, He may have some good days in the future but more and more Dad's times, places, events, and people are becoming more muddled.

Dad has lost more weight, he is now at 123 lbs. He is eating less again but is doing well taking in liquids. And the staff informs me that he does get out of bed to move around late at night.

Here is a video where you will see Dad slapping his forehead and calling the "thing:" a pecan. You will also hear him joking and making mimicking sounds.

Bruce & Dad having a good laugh

Dad Explains His Sister's Nickname: "La Chata"

Dad's sister, Noemi, sent a birthday card last week and I read it to him. His sister signed off using her nickname, "La Chata." I asked Dad who gave her that nickname and what does it mean. His reply are recorded in the following short video:

Here is a photo of Dad holding the card from "La Chata:"

According to Dad's nurse, he is doing as well as can be expected. Late evenings are his best times when he tries to get up and walk around (with assistance). He is eating most of his breakfast, but lately seems to not want to eat lunch. He has also been very cooperative when it is time for a shower (this is a huge change as he is usually very resistant!).

That's for this update. Maybe La Chata can confirm how she got the nickname?