Where can I find other people caring for aging parents with dementia?

  My mother has early stages of dementia; her doctor
  thinks tiny strokes are the cause. She has periods of confusion;
  she lives alone, and I am worried about her. Other people must
  have already dealt with issues like. . .should she move? stay
  put? when should she stop driving? What might happen next?
  Could better exercise and diet help? She doesn't move around
  much - would some aerobic exercise help or hurt? She drinks
  very little. Doesn't hydration play a role in brain function?
  For that matter, every body function? I don't know where to
  start, but I need to help her. She is frightened. I am worried.

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

_
Roxanne,
   Dementia is a difficult and draining illness for the sufferer as well as the caretaker. It is important your mother follows up her physician inorder to monitor her progress. Her physician can help you determine when she would be suitable for placement in a nursing home or an assisted living situation as well as other issues such as driving status.  Healthy living such as diet and exercise are important for everyone including your mother. If your mother's dementia is vascular in nature the most important step is control of her blood pressure.
The following is a ist of web sites that can help you.
                    www.alzheimers.com, www.alz.com, www.chpublishers.com,
Many communities have CARDA(Chapter of alzheimers and related dementia) which can provide you with other resources.
This response is provided as general information only. Check with your doctor for any health related questions. If you wish to make an appointment with HFHS call [phone]
Sincerly,
HFHS M.D.-SW  
*Keywords: Alzheimer's, Dementia