Lindy, I am glad your brothers outcome is so positive. While I
haven't given up on my dad, I don't ever expect him to come home
again. The only medications he is on are vitamins and some heart
stuff, no psycho type drugs at all. I have consulted with a neuro-
psychologist and she said that progress in these cases is measured in
6 month to one year increments. My dad is pretty far gone though and
his short-term memory loss is expected to be permanent. The stories
the man comes up with are pretty funny sometimes. It amazes me how
much detail he can put into absurd things that never happened! Dad
washed his own face (with a little help) yesterday and we considered
that great progress!! Driving a car again is out of the question!!
Did your brother get scared? My dad is obviously confused and gets
scared. He just got moved to a home close to me and I think that
accentuated the insecurity. At least dad retained his sense of humor
though! Humor is the only way we can deal with most of this because
when I think about it too seriously I get totally depressed. I guess
though these patients have no real awareness of their situation.
It's scary to discover that this can happen to someone. 4 months ago
my dad was functioning with a brain and now he's someone else
entirely. After some discussion and consideration though we did
realize that he was showing symptoms even then. Thanks for your
response, I can use all the positive stories!! JP