Is Alzheimer's disease painful in the last stages?

I wonder because my husband is in the first stage of Alzheimer's disease. I have heard Alzheimers patients screaming really loudly and I wondered if it was because of the pain.

Alzheimer's disease in and of itself does not cause the person who has it pain. The problem comes in when they are in pain and are not able to verbally tell someone they are in pain. It could be something as simple as a headache or stomach ache but if they can't communicate that then it can be a problem.

As a caregiver it will be important to try to distinguish when your husband is in pain or if he is just crying out from frustration or confusion. Usually you can do this by judging facial expressions but it is not an easy task.

Good luck with this. Remember to get as many members of your family as you can to help you. We did this when my grandmother had Alzheimer's and it was still difficult. Don't try to go it alone.

Only psychcologically. Have you considered "Aricept"?

Honestly? I'm sure that they are aware of there being something wrong with them, which when trying to communitcate with a loved one find, that they can't. I had a grandparent who lived for 6 yrs after her diagnose. Spend as much time with your husband. Be patient with him and join a local support group in your city. If there isn't one, ask your doctor for a recommendation.

Alzheimers is completely painless, even in the last stage. I'm not sure why you are hearing patients scream, but it has nothing to do with their Alzheimers. Sometimes patients get frustrated and confused, and that can cause them to become combatant and yell- but there isn't any pain involved. Most patients just gradually return to their past history, forgetting things and people, even when or if they have eaten. Time ceases to exist for them. I've taken care of many Alzheimer's patients, and it's always harder on their families than it ever is for the person involved. Of itself, Alzheimers isn't a deadly or painful process. The brain doesn't feel pain, and it's just a process where the memory function fades away. I'm sorry your husband has been diagnosed with it, and I hope your doctor is offering him some of the current treatments to help stave it off a while. I assure you, it will be much harder on you than it will be on him. But there is no pain involved.

I've taken care of 2 patients that had it and believe me, they act like they are in dire straits but it's mostly in their mind. The disease is so frustrating to them, it makes everything all blown out of proportion. You will find a huge sense of relief when the final hour comes (whenever that will be, who knows) mostly because there is no cure and you will be glad he is finally at peace. Do not feel guilty about leaving him with someone and take a much needed break because in the final stages he cannot be alone. You will answer the same questions over and over and it won't seem to satisfy him. Do yourself a favor and prepare for this. Call the Alzheimer's assn and find out the best way in your situation. God Bless!!

My name is Bobby and I am a nurse from Melbourne, AUS who provides a support and advise service via the internet. I also work in aged care and have knowledge regarding this illness. One great reference that I have learnt a great deal from can be found at:

http://live-with-alzheimers.com/?id=Ama

It is one of the better written resources and is easy to follow. I highly recommend it to many of my patients families who are trying to cope with the illness. Please do not hesitate to provide some feedback if you read this as I would be interested for my own statistical purposes to see the outcomes and whether I continue to utilise it with clients and patients.

Regards
Bobby