aggressive behaviour

[maeve]

I can wholly sympathise with the lady dealing with behaviour problems. Iam having the same problem with my sister. She is being very demanding in her wants and totally unco-operative. I cannot give her my attention all the time because I still have to manage a house and all that entails. Her latest trick is shouting for me with the lamest of requests at 4am. Is this behaviour part of PSP and how long will this go on for. It is getting very tiring trying to cope with this.

Maeve

PS Any tips welcome!!!

[anniemay]

I have coped with similar problems with my husband for 6 years. He has a slow progression of the illness, and mental ability appeared to be unaffected for most of that time, but now I realise that he was making very bad decisions and of course needing instant attention for his physical needs. He was kept on sinemet for a long time, as he had first been diagnosed with Parkinsons, but the medics seemed to think that it would help him to continue to take it. When he stopped taking it (of his own choice), his mood improved, and since coming off all medication except painkillers he is much easier to talk to, but that may be a phase of the illness rather than the medication, we will never know. However, he is not any worse without the medication so he's staying off it. Now he is a bit less demanding, because he will let me explain to him what is helpful and what is not, but I think its a condition of the illness that they have to have what they want, when they want it, and lose all ability for compassion to others or thinking things through. Once you realise that, its easier to cope with - for 5 years I thought it was personal! You need loads of compassion and to get away for even short periods when you do not have to worry about your sister will help keep you strong. I am sure there are many others willing you the courage to continue.

[maeve in reply to anniemay]

thanks for your insight into this problem . I have taken her to our GP this morning and he has increased her anti-depressants dosage in the hope this may?? help. This will be reviewed again in the New Year. If it helps a little will be something. I am insisting on more regular respite but my sister is not happy about that even though she goes into a lovely caring nursing home with wonderful staff. She just wants to stay home. What do you do - I need that break.

Keep smiling- thanks

Maeve

[anniemay]

You are right to have regular breaks, it means you are better able to meet your sister's needs when you are caring for her, and that is what is important for both of you - whether or not she realises it, you are doing the best for her,

good luck,

Ann

[FranR]

My Dad used to wake my Mum up at all hours with bizarre requests and prompts as to who was who on TV etc - he would forget people's names and need to know them right that second or get very on edge. Unfortunately since his diagnosis in 2009, Dad's condition has gone downhill so quickly, and he can no longer walk, talk or communicate at all - very hard to cope with and so upsetting to witness for all his family. It's a real struggle for my Mum - I know for a fact that Mum would rather have the talking 'on edge' demanding person back than watching her beloved slowly slip from her and turn into an unresponsive stranger. How cruel that this disease should take someone so quickly in such a horrible manner. Please make the most of days with your loved ones - even if they are quite challenging - it's lucky for some that the disease's progression is relatively slow. How I'd love my Dad back as he once was, or even just to still be able to tell me he loves me.

Best wishes to everyone

Fran

[jillannf6]

hi

i know i am aggressive as well and it is v dificult for others to deal with it

My partner thinks i am an aggressive person and diid nto kwwo me b4 the PSP -but he is not interested in reading the blogs at all

So i have to admit to him tha ti AM demanding and require things instantly as it si so frustrating when i cannot ge t or do things for myself- hw says i do bothign for him it i s all a 1 way process...

Brave of you to post this blog;

love jill