Expert: Alanna Shaikh - 3/16/2008

Question
I lived with my grandfather and grandmother since I was born. My grandmother died a couple years ago and he misses her very much. I did cement work like laying sidewalks and adding on garages. Also, he had cows and pigs to feed. Once she passed, he kept feeding them until recently. He got rid of all the animals and has not been able to work because he can't even stand up for long. My cousin said that he told him he was lonely. I left for school in 2001, my grandma died in 2003, my sister moved out and my mom bought here own house and visits him on sundays now. I was reading some article about loneliness and how it is linked to alzheimers. I am afraid that maybe him being lonely has made him more vulnerable to get alzheimers. He only has an 8th grade education, but he could add numbers very fast. Now he said he cant think sometimes. I think he may have had a little stroke on Tuesday. After he came from church, he called my uncle. My uncle came to the house and he was talking crazy, pacing and standing in the dark.There's a man in Oklahoma named Gosh and he is very close to a treatment for this disease. I guess I didn't really have a question. I just needed someone to talk to. It's going to be hard for everyone. I think I am the only one who has come to reality that he may not be the same again.

Thanks for listening!
Teray

Answer
Dear Teray,

I really doubt that the link with loneliness is all that strong. There an awful lot of factors that affect susceptibility to Alzheimer's.

This is going to be hard for all of you; you are right. But be brave, and hang in there. Just do your best for everyone involved

Could someone from your grandfather's church visit him weekly?

Best,
Alanna