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December 3, 2007 11:55 a.m.

With Alzheimer's, you can still have a good life

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By Angela Lunde

Here at the Mayo Clinic, I, along with my colleague from the Alzheimer's Association, facilitate "Memory Club," a group for persons with early Alzheimer's disease and their care partners. Here is what one of our former participants shared:

I worked as a computer engineer for 35 years. Several years ago I was having some problems. Things were not right. I had tests to see how my memory was. I was told I had Alzheimer's disease. I was 64 years old. I wondered if they could fix my Alzheimer's disease. I wondered how many others were like this. I wondered why me, I was too young.

Things have changed for me over the past couple of years. I spend more time looking for things. I get more frustrated. When I start to say something the words float away — that's the hardest.

I don't mind telling others about my disease. I want them to know why I am struggling. Telling others helps me cope.

I have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. I have 2 sisters. I have good friends. Being with others who accept my disease helps me cope.

When I am around people I usually have a good joke. I can't change the past, and I can't change what the future brings, so I choose not to worry about it. Humor helps that.

I participate in an early stage support group with others going through a similar situation. I find it helpful to be with others like me and see how they are handling it. Alzheimer's, from what I can tell, is not going away anytime soon. My support group helps me cope.

Most of all, my wife makes it possible for me to cope even though I know it is hard for her. She worries about the future.

Someday they will fix this disease. People are working hard on it everyday. I don't let this disease get the best of me. You can have this disease and still have a good life. It is important for people to know this.

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16 comments posted

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April 10, 2008 10:39 p.m.

I thought tremors might be a symptom of AD. The wife has been on Aricept and Namenda for a long time. I will need Information on whether this is a side effect of the meds or a symptom of AD.

- Rich

March 31, 2008 2:30 p.m.

My mom is 91 years old and has been taking Aricept for 1 year. Her doctor recommended that she taking Namenda, too, about a month ago. After finishing the starter kit, she was experiencing body tremors yesterday, but was conscious and ate well. Has anyone experienced this as a side effect of taking Namenda?

- Linda

January 9, 2008 8:05 a.m.

My sister keeps pushing Xango for every thing. It will cure all the aches and pains help you sleep better, have more energy etc...has anyone tried this juice?

- Teresa

January 6, 2008 1:10 p.m.

I am sure my husband has dementia but I wonder if it is going into Alzheimer's disease. His main symptoms seem to be sleeping a lot and inability to retain information. I have just answered the same question 3 times in the last half hour.

- Jane Brown

December 28, 2007 11:51 p.m.

Marion, I am sorry for your difficult situation. You really must care for yourself. Is there a family member on whom you could rely? Have you asked others for support or assistance? Ask... look for help. You cannot do everything and you are not expected to.

- Pennie

December 28, 2007 8:59 p.m.

A good article for those in the early stages.

- Bill

December 24, 2007 5:38 p.m.

Our daughter is 54 and has Alz but she seems so depressed. Her color is not good and she is losing weight. Is this normal ---she has had it about 3 yrs???

- myrle benton`

December 20, 2007 12:16 p.m.

Gloria - My husband also sleeps a lot , but still has a good appetite and physically feels ok. We both think it is because he is so bored since he cannot do the things he used to be able to do. He is also on Aricept and Namenda.

- Nancy

December 18, 2007 6:36 p.m.

Thank you Kathleen, yes I did follow through with my appointment and plan to go back in 2 weeks, she really helped, mainly because she is not in my situation and could see what I was going through in a different light. Sometimes it helps to talk and I thank you for your advice, God Bless you.

- Marion

December 11, 2007 9:07 p.m.

I certainly do find that the information you furnish in your health letters and the Alzheimers comments from th differest individuals and any comments are very worthwhile. My husband was diagnosed with AD 7 yrs. ago and I still take care of him at home and I appreciate everything I can read and it helps me get through this. He sleeps so much and this concerns me - however, he seems to feel quite well and still has a good appetite. He is so tired, he even falls asleep while he is eating. He take Aricept, Namenda, Celexa and Risperodone. Do you think a change of medications might help him be more awake? He does not get much exercise.

- Gloria

December 7, 2007 5:12 p.m.

I am not sure about red wine but a friend of mine told me that he had started taking resveratrol based on a doctors suggestion about six weeks ago. My friend was experiencing chronic fatigue and was having trouble sleeping. I asked him how it was working out and he said that he was taking a type of resveratrol called biotivia Transmax and that after two weeks the results were subtle but undeniable. He said that he had more energy during the day, was more alert throughout the day and was sleeping less but waking up more refreshed. So based on his experience I decided to give it a try. I have had similiar results after just one week. It is only recently that I have heard about it anti-aging benefits. There is something to this resveratrol, I have no idea if I will live longer but I can tell you that I am living better now.I also understand that some neuro-surgeons in the country are running informal clinical trials using resveratrol to treat dementia. No word yet on how it is working

- david thomas

December 5, 2007 5:18 p.m.

Marion: I think you are probably suffering from depression along with generally being worn out from dealing with your husband's disease and now cancer treatment. Making the appointment with a mental health clinic is a step in the right direction, and don't delay or put it off. You sound like you need a few days respite away from your daily situation. Do you have a family member who could give you help? My husband has frontal temporal lobe dementia and can be very trying and upsetting - and I have had days that sound like what you are going through. You need a break for a few days to recupe your strength before you get sick too.

- Kathleen

December 5, 2007 10:01 a.m.

In reference to aricepta& amenda. my wife is going into her ninth year with demrntia. I think that it has been a salvation for us both.Perticularly namenda has seems to calm her.My problem is her fear of every thing.She is afraid to leave the house day or night> We live in darkness at sun down for fear of people seeing her. Fear just consumes her;as we have not eaten out in four years. Cell phone and short term shopping is about it, but we still get along pretty well. Chuck

- Chuck Divine

December 4, 2007 10:19 p.m.

My wife and I are 77 and have had a good life. She has ALZ for about 3 yrs and compared to others I know she is doing pretty well. I seem to be healthy but fight depression.Excercize helps a lot. I often wonder if the Namenda and Arecept really help.I can't imagine how hard it must be on you and your wife with the cancer treatment Arnold Swenson

- Arnold

December 4, 2007 7:15 p.m.

I;ve written before, spouse has Alz, and is going through radiation for cancer, and I have finally thrown in the towel, as I am so angry inside, that I am unable to cry, or express myself to others, so I made an appointment with a mental health clinic, I need someone to help me cope with my feelings, right now things are really in the pits, he is really suffering from the radiation treatments, and I am suffering right along with him.

- Marion

December 4, 2007 6:32 p.m.

Yes you can have a good life after diagnoses.I have lived with AD/Vascular dementia for 10 years I still do pretty much what I want when I want. The drugs DO help believe me or I wouldn't be writing this.........

- Lynne Culipher