Looking back on the time I first suspected my parents of having Alzheimer’s was when I noticed my mother exhibiting strange behaviors. She became very paranoid and began accusing my sister of stealing from her.

In February, 2006 my sister brought to my attention that our mother and father had something wrong with them. She visited them every Sunday and said she particularly noticed strange behaviors in my mother. I lived 1300 miles away from my parents, but hopped on a plane to check things out for myself.

Webster's dictionary defines competent as "having enough ability to do what is needed; capable". The key word here is capable. In regards to dementia, whether one is considered capable or not may differ from person to person.

When I was taking care of my parents, whom were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I prayed daily for God’s guidance. Through prayer I knew that no matter how bad or how difficult things became God would carry me through it. I read many books on the subject of Alzheimer’s.

What to do when an Alzheimer's patient becomes aggressive ... and what not to do:
Scientists know that many Alzheimer's patients go through periods of swearing, screaming, pilfering, wandering and other combative behaviors.

Being sole caregiver of my parents, both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the same time presented me with many challenges. In the beginning of my care giving for them I knew it was imperative that I obtain a better understanding of not only their heath care needs, but also long term care.

It is our memories that keep us alive. It’s the memories of our past that we share with our children and grandchildren. As my parent’s Alzheimer’s progressed, I would bring out the family photo album daily in hope’s that a picture would stir a memory.

As I reflect back on the past when I was taking care of my parents, who were both diagnosed at the same time with Alzheimer's, I often found that it was very easy due to the stress of caring for them to neglect my own needs.