Byron - I'm very sorry your father and your family is going through this. I can only imagine how frightening it must be, for everyone.

I don't really have any advice to offer but wanted to relate that my grandfather had what the doctor's called 'mini strokes' and they would cause in him forgetfulness, strange behaviors, and mood swings (big ones). These mini-strokes were subtle enough that when he had them, they didn't really cause any other outward physical signs besides the ones I just mentioned. My father appears to be experiencing the same thing, as well...one time Dad went for a walk and was about 4 blocks away from his house and suddenly couldn't remember which way to go to get home and he ended up wlking around for at least an hour trying to find his way home. My mother says his temperment and forgetfullness are getting worse, too, which leads her to believe he's suffering these mini-strokes just like my grandfather had, as Grampa acted similiarly.

I believe there are medications and treatments that can help control these but don't know for sure as I was pretty small when Grampa was alive and dealing with it, and my dad hasn't gone in for a formal evaluation of his situation. And I'm sure these days, medicine has advanced a lot since my grampa was alive.

I guess I just wanted to offer that up as a bit of hopefulness to you regarding your father's situation, that once they find out what's wrong, it can be controlled.

I will keep you, your family and your father in my thoughts. Stay strong.

Ocean said:

Likewise. Take care.

Byron, that's a tough situation...old timers are so used to having their run of things,
it feels to them that you're invading their liberties when actually you are just trying to
help. My father in law just passed in December, and he was going thru the start of
demenia...it was tough on my wife because she was worried for her father, but also for
her mother's safety, because he would do some strange things toward the end, including
not recognize some of his own children.
We were considering a group home for him, somewhere where a nurse could provide care,
and save his wife some of that task. He would have hated that...it's a blessing that we
didn't have to make that decision for him.
What can we say but be there for him as best you can...
May your faith lead you through this tough time.

Ocean said:

cosign, Kylie...Byron it's tough when someone so close is going through bad times...I'm here if you ever need to talk
[This message was edited Thu May 20 16:57:12 2004 by Natisse]

spend as much time with him while you can. love him and understand he's ill. i'm sorry this is happening to you, byron. take care

I hope you find a source of strength from those that care about you, Byron. There are plenty of them here

My thoughts are with you

If you need to talk buddy, I'm here. You're in my

hey stay strong man. just be there for him.

You have lot's of friends here thinking of you Byron.

Hi Byron,,
So sorry to hear about your dad...
My mum passed away last april,,I never realized how much red tape there is~~ mum only had 50.$ left in her account,,but the crap me & sis had to go through,,,It was insane,,& we BOTH had power of attorny~~

I'll be damed if Im gonna let the GD Bank keep anything. We also had $$ coming to us from mums pension,,& Income tax. But,,,thats a LONG story,,I wont bore you~ Good luck to you~~

you know what is cool about the ORG? That when you or a friend/family member is hurting, or in need of support, the peeps here are sincere and supportive. Much Love and many prayers to you, Byron. All the time.

Byron I'm not sure what to say to this...

I'm sorry for him and your family and you you will all remain in my prayers.

I love you my dear friend and you know if you ever need anything I'm here for you... always.

Good luck with everything mate. Hopefully treatment will help things alot if the cause is ascertained.

Thanks again to everyone who's given words of support and encouragement, either on here or in orgNotes.. ...I've had quite a lot of stress lifted from me from your posts. You're so right, Bluesbaby...many people here are indeed very sincere and supportive. *smile*

Just an update, but so far the testing hasn't shown up anything physical leading to his paranoia and word-disassociation...I don't know if that's a good thing or not. But hopefully by next week something concrete will be discovered.

Just wanted to say thanks again...you've each been a wonderful help.

Was you Dad in the Viet Nam war?

I ask because I had a friend who was in the war, and later in life he developed the same type of symptoms..

He thought the FBI was after him, and would hide, and bury stuff.. With a little help from his friends, and testing. It was found that he still had residuals of the war in his soul...

Now I am not saying that he is cured, but he has a handle on his life.

Take care of your Dad Byron, he is your gift from the Creator.

i am so sorry to hear about your Father

My thoughts are with you...I hope everything goes well...

Byron said:

U're welcome hun, always Take care, hope he's gonna be fine

I can't imagine what u must be goin through. But be strong n positive is da only advice in any time of sadness i can give...i know it's hard...but no matter how unwell a person is dat u hold dear to you, remaining strong n positive is not only good for you, but it's good for them too Best of luck Byron

A very difficult situation. Someone with dementia needs a calm and familiar environment. Hopefully, he can be transferred soon and have a comfortable routine with as little stress as possible. Perhaps the symptoms can be treated to some extent. With the Alzheimer epidemic, there are good programs out there for people with gerotonpsychiatric conditions. I wis him well and I wish you strength. All you can do is stay as constructive as you can, and I know you are already doing that.

Much love to you and your family.