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Joined: 5/17/2013
Posts: 2
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My husband and I are both 47 and have been married for 23 years. He was diagnosed 3 years ago (issues for years prior to that). Until today I've been able to handle all the frustrating stuff that happens everyday. Until now, the hardest thing has been being responsible for everything on my own. Suddenly a profound loneliness has hit me. He's not really there anymore.
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Joined: 3/21/2012
Posts: 439
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oh, Jen....i'm so sorry for the lonliness that you're experiencing today. I can feel it in your post, if that's possible.
we can't replace the physical being, but we are here emotionally for you. please come here often. we want to encourage and support you.
you are in my prayers.
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Joined: 4/30/2013
Posts: 1
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Jen
My mother just passed from alz and when I went for memorial service in Calif I inherited my brother whom was diagnosed last year. This has been a very hard transition for me, for the first time in my life I find myself going from care free to having to care for my bro.
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Joined: 12/6/2011
Posts: 3326
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My mother had to care for my father when they were in their late 40's. He began to show symptoms around 45 and she had 4 children and her mother to care for, too. She is an amazing woman. Her heart breaks now, because 3 of her 4 children have AD. Unfortunately, at the age of 88, she's beginning to suffer from dementia, too. We need to demand a cure.
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Joined: 5/17/2013
Posts: 2
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Thank you. I probably should have come here sooner. I guess I haven't wanted to dwell or rehash... or give in, maybe.
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Joined: 3/21/2012
Posts: 439
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none of us are giving in! we're giving a loud and clear voice to that inner voice that we've been afraid to let out. we're in this together....a common thread unites us. we laugh, cry, support and encourage one another. i have found out so much from this board....given resources......to questions that i wondered about but didn't ask but that someone else had the courage to ask. i,in turn, was helped.
please come here often!!!
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Joined: 12/9/2011
Posts: 13690
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Hello Dear Jen and a very warm welcome to you. We are so glad you have found this wonderfully supportive place and over time, you will find yourself as part of this extended family and will find many new friends.
I would like to offer you the option of not only "talking" here on the "Young-Onset Forum", but to go to the "Spouse/Partners Forum" and posting there. That is the Forum where most of our couples caregivers are. You will find quite a few with early onset and many experiencing similar issues as you are dealing with and many also dealing with loneliness. Please do go over and take a look, there are quite a few interesting threads there and you will find many couples issues being addressed.
Please do however, feel free to post on whichever Forum you wish, and many of us post on more than one.
Also, if you wish some professional input, the Alzheimer's Assn. has a Helpline at (800) 272-3900. If you call, ask to speak to a Care Consultant. Consultants are highly educated Social Workers that specialize in dementia and family dynamics. They can be very helpful and supportive and there is no fee for their service. Quite often, they can also help with locations and numbers for support groups within our communities.
With very best wishes,
Johanna C.
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Joined: 2/13/2013
Posts: 2965
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I am so sorry that this is happening to you. It is hard. I have to admit this message board has been a very big blessing in my life. The people here are wonderful. We are all in this thing together and together we will make it.
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Joined: 11/29/2011
Posts: 514
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JEN, welcome to our online family. You are very welcome here and we strive to make a safe place to find find support and advice.
I agree with Johanna that you might also want to become active on the Spouse/Partner Forum. It deals more with providing support for the loved one (LO) who is the caregiver.
We still recommend that you come back to this forum for those with AD because you can ask us for input from those of us who actually live with AD.
Never hesitate to call the Helpline if you ever need someone to speak with. Sometimes a real live voice can be better than messaging. They can give you an immediate response. 
I would love to hear more of your experiences and interact. Many others feel the same way.
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