This is extremely confusing to me. Is this common? He has yet to have a bowel or bladder accident - doesn’t yet use protective garments nor does he need bed protection. So even though his memory is trashed his body isn’t. I can’t figure out what stage of Alzheimer’s he is in.
All demented people are different, there is no one size fits all.
Even though we would like to put them all in a neat little box , as for stages , they don't always match up.
It's best to just think in terms of beginning, middle or latter stages.
Enjoy this part of luck you have, try not to think to deeply into it.
Thinking of you, and hang in there 😔
Until about 1 1/2 years ago she could start these activities in her own. Not incontinent. But does sleep 16-18 hours a day. From this forum I’ve learned to let that go as she is 90 and at this age is entitled to do as she pleases (within reason).
But I will say I believe so much of the sleeping during the day is depression or boredom that became a habit early in her journey because my dad kept the tv off, activities and interactions to a minimum because he couldn’t stand the constant questions and chatter from her during those activities. Her dozing in and out kept her quiet and the questions to a minimum. And that’s all he could deal with. Looking back I should have intervened earlier. I didn’t live close by and didnt really get what was happening at the time. If I had to do it over again I’d have gotten her a caregiver earlier that could accompany her to activities and kept her occupied. I say this hoping it may help you or others earlier in the journey.
I do realize my blessing that she still knows her family members, is happy to see us and still continent. Dreading the day that starts - I don’t think I’ll ever get her to change to briefs.
Good luck to you. We’re all praying for you.
And if your loved one in fact has Alzheimer's verses any of the other dementias, his decline could go on for many more years as Alzheimer's is the slowest progressing of all of the dementias, so the incontinence just hasn't kicked in yet. But don't worry...it will, so like I said please enjoy this calm before the storm, as often it is incontinence that will break the camels back.
My LO has been showing cognitive signs for about 5 years (in hindsight) and has only become incontinent (bladder) in the last year or so. There are definitely other physical signs though.
We are awaiting diagnosis so I am hesitant to look into ‘stages’ until I know what type of dementia we are dealing with as symptoms and progression can vary by type. Beyond that, I think they can also vary person-to-person. I know, not very helpful.