Loving and Living Alzheimer’s

**lengthy blog My mother aptly chose the topic and title for this one.  Disclaimer..she is also responsible for my ability to find humor in the oddest of places. For some unknown reason, Randy fights Mom when she tries to administer his medication.  Whether it be verbal refusal or locking his jaw and pursing his lips, he usually renders her defeated. He has recently become unable to swallow his pills, requiring them to be crushed and mixed into liquids.  Even in this form, he makes her work for success.   Last night, as I was out for a bit, Mom was on med duty.  After 4 attempts to ensure the entire liquid dosage was taken, she gave up, figuring he'd ingested "just enough".  He was manageable and agreeable. Shortly thereafter, and much to Randy's delight, a pizza delivery arrived.  Our roomie accepted the delivery after confirming with the delivery driver, that I had ordered it.   I had not.  He had not.  Texts and phone calls later, it was determined our son had not.

Yesterday he forgot how to eat.   I think of myself as well versed in regards to what is coming in the next 18 months.  I've read the textbook behaviors and struggles that are part of the normal decline. Yet, when they happen, the shock and grief are overwhelming.  Maybe this is true in all of life's journeys when the ending is already known and I've just never paid attention. Per normal Monday routine, Randy spends the afternoon with Julio (best knickname!).  Lunch and as much activity as he can tolerate, which is minimal. It was a good afternoon and I am told he ate well, with a bit of assistance.  One outing per week is generally it for him, as it wears him out.  He was happy and sound asleep by 7pm. He woke around 7am yesterday morning, took his meds and drank a couple sips of coffee.  Back to sleep almost immediately.  He woke again at 10:30am and everything was off.   Unable to speak words, just grunts in reply to my questions.  Glassy eyes, unable to focus on any obj