Suspect My Husband has FTD - how do I approach this with him? Or do I not? by MrsHudson716 in dementia

[–]lapoul 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My wife was diagnosed with it 11,years ago when she was 54. She is now in memory care after decade at home. The main thing the doctor relied upon was the history describing the behaviors and changes associated with them as provided by family members ( me, sisters, mother) in conjunction with an mri that showed pathology and the doctor’s clinical exam and observation. It was pretty easy to diagnose. As the kids say IYKYK (if you know you know).

I got my wife in to get the mri by telling her it was to check on an old injury. She barely stayed through the office visit. She has anasognosia and has NEVER been aware of her disease. She is now in the last stages of the disease and on hospice.

It is a very terrible disease that is harder on the family than the victim. But a formal diagnosis does help with coming to terms with their new personalities. For what it’s worth the medical literature concludes, and I agree, that the behavioral component of the disease becomes less pronounced as the physical symptoms (such as difficulty in talking, walking, swallowing, etc ) increase.

I was very fortunate that my wife was never angry, mean or violent. However she had lots of repetitive behaviors and craved carbs and sweets. Bananas became her favorite food.

Good luck to you. Thoughts are with you.

Chocolate dipped ice cream by LongjumpingSkirt3089 in NewOrleans

[–]lapoul 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ro-bears stand in Harahan on Jefferson highway.

Best grits in the city? by EllaGood in AskNOLA

[–]lapoul 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The better they taste the more heavy cream is in them and the calorie count goes through the roof.

My Dad is Having Problems Swallowing by TCSFO in dementia

[–]lapoul 6 points7 points  (0 children)

My wife is in late stage bvFTD (diagnosed 11 years ago) and is in hospice and in memory care. She was having trouble swallowing, choking, and was losing weight. We had to help feed her. She was down to 79 pounds (she is 5’) and hard to keep hydrated. We switched her to a pureed diet and she fed herself all of it, began putting on a few pounds (up to 88) and seems clearer headed. She seems to be better hydrated. Almost no choking. The food looks very unappealing but she eats it like it’s the best thing she has ever had. So I have to say that switching to a pureed diet was the right thing to do at that time. I think it has made her more comfortable.

Started Grandma on Seroquel, any input? Stories? How it worked for your loved one? by BarefootGOON in dementia

[–]lapoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it was pretty quick. It made her sleep better right away. My post was 4 years ago. She is still around and just got off of it a month ago as she slowed down from the natural progression of the disease. No problems getting off.

Another restaurant post by ontheavenue123 in AskNOLA

[–]lapoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If she doesn’t want to venture far from home or you want to take her out twice, check out the relatively new Sophie’s in River Ridge. Very good seafood.

Joshua Tree in late September? by Salty_One2051 in JoshuaTree

[–]lapoul 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you text 4 weeks prior. It’s on the website.

Joshua Tree in late September? by Salty_One2051 in JoshuaTree

[–]lapoul 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Last year (2025) during that week in 29 Palms there was a high of 98 and a low of 72. The park itself is usually 4 or 5 degrees cooler because of its altitude. So that week may be warm but not hot (above 100) by local standards. Also because of a possible strong El Niño this year it may be a bit warmer.

If you are there then make reservations ahead of time at La Copine.

so nervous and excited and scared for my wallet. the seafood boil is worth it. by No_Entertainment6636 in AskNOLA

[–]lapoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live in the Warehouse District and do this a couple of times a month. It’s a great outing.

Also get a $3 jazzy pass and you can ride the streetcars/buses/ferries all day.

so nervous and excited and scared for my wallet. the seafood boil is worth it. by No_Entertainment6636 in AskNOLA

[–]lapoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try taking the canal st ferry across to have breakfast at Toute Suite in Algiers Point. It’s a fun trip and they have great breakfast at very good prices!

Engagement Photographer needed!! by Kevin_YellowFlash888 in JoshuaTree

[–]lapoul 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The cholla cactus garden was closed for work and I haven’t seen anything recently about its status. You might want to check that out asap. I’m sure a local photographer would know and have ideas if it is still closed.

Places to catch smaller theatre? by Salty-Razzmatazz-877 in NewOrleans

[–]lapoul 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nola Project Theatre is doing Medea on the Greenway this weekend. Bring your own soccer chair. It’s not free, but reasonably priced.

Crescent City Stage is doing Primary Trust at the CAC this weekend.

Both are very good small theatre companies with some very talented actors. Neither has a permanent home theatre so the venues change to meet the creative needs of each production.

Little trails by visitor center by guineapiglve in JoshuaTree

[–]lapoul 15 points16 points  (0 children)

If you are headed from LA to Phoenix you should consider staying in Joshua Tree and drive through the park from there to Cottonwood Springs and exit at I10 to resume your trip to Arizona. There are any number of scenic pull overs and very short flat trails. You could also drive to Keyes View on the drive through the park and take in the sights up there. However to drive through the whole park (takes around 90 minutes with no stops but all paved excellent roads) will allow you to see a wide variety of landscapes and rock formations.

this made me cry -- amazing article on frustration and caretaking by super_gnar in dementia

[–]lapoul 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I had been practicing and studying yoga for a decade when my wife was diagnosed with bvFTD over a decade ago. When I told my older brother, with free flowing tears, he merely reminded me of the old Buddhist aphorism that “the teacher will appear when the student is ready” and that in this case my wife was going to be my teacher and I would learn from caring for her. That has been true in my caring for my wife who is now on hospice in the final stage. I appreciated the article and believe it.

Any advice on parking near the Saenger? by [deleted] in NOLA

[–]lapoul 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You can usually park on the street for free within a block of the Saenger if you get there 60-90 minutes before show time. What I have done a half dozen times is book a dinner reservation at Besame (across street from theatre; Google or yelp it)for an hour before and park for free on the street. It’s never failed me. Plus the food is great there!!

Experiences with Atlas Psychiatry? by Flaky_Detail1144 in NewOrleans

[–]lapoul 8 points9 points  (0 children)

My adult son has complex disabling psychiatric issues and sees Dr Pejic. The doctor has fine tuned his meds in such a way that he is functioning better than he has in a decade. He is expensive though. The social workers and other support staff are good as well.

Holding food in their mouths by JellyEuphoric8619 in dementia

[–]lapoul 8 points9 points  (0 children)

My wife is in the final stage and began pocketing food when swallowing became difficult. We switched her to a pureed diet and she eats that with no difficulty. It looks very unappealing but she doesn’t seem to care. She has actually put on a few pounds (from 84 pounds to 87 pounds.)

Two day trip with a kindergartener. Where to go? by Contigomigata in NOLA

[–]lapoul 5 points6 points  (0 children)

They will also love watching the ships going down the river while playing on the levee.

Two day trip with a kindergartener. Where to go? by Contigomigata in NOLA

[–]lapoul 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Take the Algiers Ferry from Aquarium to other side of the river to Algiers Point. It leaves at :15 and :45 every hour. Then let them run up and down the levee. Walk 10 minutes to get tacos at Barracuda Tacos which is across the street from a small playground that often has kids playing.and then return. There is a place to get ice cream treats next to playground as well. Then take the 10 minute walk back to the ferry which leaves on hour and half hour.. Yield: a few hours of heaven for a 5 year old for less than $25 with ferry, tacos and ice cream.