Alzheimer's disease

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• April 4, 2010 12:08 p.m.

  I live in Australia and am about to turn 55. When my mother was 65 she was diagnosed as being in the middling stages, we had noticed changes from 5 years earlier. My grandmother (Mum's mother) and her twin sister both died of Alzheimer's. Two of my mother's cousins are currently afflicted, as was her brother. When he diagnosed Mum, the gerentologist told my sister and me that we had a 70% chance of also getting it. Each birthday now feels like a toll sounding as i cannot see a future beyond 65. Mum and Nanna lost the ability to function at all once they turned 66, yet they lived (for want of a better word) till their mid 70's. My family members suffered horribly, their memories took them to cruel and fearful places that we couldn't retrive them from. My grandmother's suffering and death irretrevibly damaged my mother as her's did to me. How could i possible put my loved ones through such agony. Quite simply, i can't and i won't. My close friends understand and support me but my family are in denial. It makes me feel very alone. I believe giving us the legal option of being able to access euthinasia when the time comes would give us much comfort. I do not want to break the law, but i want to die humanely and with dignity. It would also provide doctors, nurses and beds for patients with curable illnesses, something i'd much prefer. Does anyone agree?

  - Julia

• March 27, 2010 12:11 p.m.

  What is the best way to deal with the Power of Attorney, Guardian, 1st born Son, when he fails to visit, contact, or write to his own parents after putting them into an Assisted Living Home for Alzheimers because he feels that they are "cognitive impaired and delusional" and not the parents he remembers? My Parents would have benefited better staying at home and having care givers and meals on wheels. Dad was active and happy doing house and yard work, now he feels like he is incarcerated, because he can't do anything and none of the other Residents can communicate much less know where they are, except my Mother.' Mom and Dad spend a lot of time in their Room together and can't interact with the other Residents because the other Residents "can't talk or can't hold a conversation, much less even know where they are". Many of the Residents are total care, and there are a few that are spoon fed. It seems that my Folks have to wait for the Staff to settle the others or get them up and dressed in the morning, before they give my Folks their Medications. Being in a Dementia Home, I have noticed, as has my Mother, that the Staff will say something to my folks and then forget to follow through with their statements and we believe it is becaue they feel that because it is a Dementia Unit, that if the Staff forgets, no big deal. It is a big deal when my folks are getting played and neglected by the Staff. I need some help with how to deal with my Family and the Nur

  - April

• March 22, 2010 10:12 a.m.

  First I want to say may all being impacted with this disease be blessed. I truly believe Alzheimers is extremly challenging, the worst disease ever...My Grandfather was diagnosed two years ago and it is so hard now. More so because he refuses to understand and believe he has it. I can not get him an aide because he refuses them in the home. Can't relocate him because it will take away what little normalcy he has. I feel so burned out and helpless. What is worse is that all of my family members are not on the same page! He lives alone...and some treat him as if he is "normal". I end of looking like a nagging mom which he resents. This site is very informative and helpful. Thank you.

  - Kiesha

• March 11, 2010 5:22 p.m.

  Excellent site! I, myself, have been diagnosed with the early stages of Alheizmer's. I am presently on Aricept. I am 75 years old, white female, widowed, live alone. I can see small differences in my memory, etc., but so far, not much showing. I have two daughters, one lives close, the other about 150 miles away. Both have been very attentive and helpful. I live alone, use the computer, daily, to be in touch with both of them. I am encouraged to see your website. Will keep up to date on it.....perhaps those who have the disease can be the BEST ones to help us see it in ourselves and know what helps most. Thank you!

  - Jo Ann

• March 9, 2010 3:19 p.m.

  Recently I was vacationing with my family in Oregon. I am a 66 yr old female. I was told by my husband and family that I begin acting strangely in the AM and didn't know where I was or how I got there, although I knew all the people vacationing with me. I was taken to the hospital for blood tests and a CAT scan. I do not remember any of these events? The doctor told my husband I had Transcient Global Amnesia. I can't help but wonder if this TGA and the daily headaches for a week or so prior aren't symptoms of something more serious? Help? Confused.

  - Glenda

• February 26, 2010 1:41 a.m.

  Hi. My mother inlaw is 82 a brittel diabetic, and on dialysis, she been on dialysis for 2 yrs...I'm not sure what the differents between dementa and Alzheimer's disease, her memory has gotten worse, she repeats herself over and over and this can go on for 15 mins or till i leave the room and come back try to change subject, and alot of time she just dont say nothing she still dress and has good hygene but when I say something to her she forget a sec later so i end up repeating my self to her, and there are so many times i'm not sure if she dreamt things then come and tell me thing that just happen but it didt so how and what do i do

  - Sandy

• February 23, 2010 10:07 p.m.

  It's important to remember, most of these symptoms can also be ascribed to other pschological and neurological diseases. Depression would be a huge one. Has the person just experienced the loss of a family member (this could also be a beloved pet), a long held job, a change in housing? Have they recently changed a medication, a supplement? Experienced any sort of head trauma? Get all the facts and ask, ask ask, then ask again. My mother eventually died of Alzheimers, but it is still my opinion to this day, that none of the factors that contributed to loss of function were ever addressed once the diagnosis was made. Ask questions about any medication. My mom was diagnosed long before Ronald Reagan announced he had been, and I remember her turning to me afterward and saying, with total clarity of thought, that's what they say I have, isn't it? Don't worry Mom I said, you'll way outlive him. She did, pre-Aricept. Research is happening, hang in there.

  - Beth

• February 15, 2010 2:51 p.m.

  I just turned 60 and strange things are happening here at home and I fear that there is nothing that I can do about it . It scares me

  - John

• February 4, 2010 3:36 p.m.

  This is one of my greatest fears with aging. I follow every article that is published on this subject. So far I only have some memory loss, such as forgetting names and misplacing things. I only pray that I don't eventually have full blown Alxhiemers.

  - LINDA

• February 1, 2010 9:13 p.m.

  Oh, and I also have horrible depth perception and ability to judge distances...if that helps any. I'm exhausted all the time because it feels like it takes so much energy to function normally.

  - Jill

• February 1, 2010 9:10 p.m.

  I am only 28, but I am very concerned about my memory. I used to be sharp as a tack, but I have the hardest time remembering things and have gotten kind of lost on the way home before. I've left my keys in my car (with the car running) for about an hour. I also do normal things like forgetting where my glasses are, but one time left my wallet in the freezer. I have to really repeat things that I'm going to do or where I'm going to place things in hopes of remembering them. I get frustrated so easily now because I see things people don't (speaking of my changes). It's now a challenge to be witty and charming because it's hard to think of comebacks on the fly. I recently sent an email at work not realizing I didn't even finish it! I don't know what's wrong with me, but I don't like it one bit and am embarassed to talk about it with anyone.

  - Jill

• January 14, 2010 9:19 p.m.

  I was diagnosed 2 yr. ago. Have it in both sides of my brain. Before Arcipet I was so confused after getting out of my regular routine. Having retired from one job and starting a new pt job locally I discovered I could not handle the simpleist job requirements on a daily basis. I was so frustrated and got no support from my supervisor after saying they would work with me. They expected my seeing a dr. and taking medication I would be fine overnite. I cried through every day. Finalyy I dold them it was not working out. It was the most horrible experience emotionally, physically, and mentally. My Dr. was very good about telling me not to take it personally. I was a very organized, meticulous person. Well this all changed very fast. I work pt at a local pharmacy with very caring people. I am now feeling the stress from daily life. I work hard at keeping myself going, but it is getting harder. My spouse and daughter are still in denial. I finally got my husband to go to my Dr. appointments thinking this would help him understand what I am dealing with instead of telling me everyone does this..... I feel I need someone to talk to and confide in about my situation and health issues. I am considering quit working altogether per my doctors recommendation. This is scary to me too. I have worked since I was 10 and just turned 66.

  - Chris

• January 7, 2010 9:28 p.m.

  my sister was diagnosed with alzheimers 2 years ago at the age of 56. trying to find out if it is true that it progresses faster when you are younger. Also, she has very poor depth perception. does anyone know if this is a symptom also?

  - amy

• January 5, 2010 11:05 a.m.

  I am concerned that my husband is showing some signs and read through all the comments posted. I will pray for each of you and wanted to let Dale who posted on 11/4/09 know that I am very concerned about his last statement and hope that things are looking up for him.

  - Cindy

• December 29, 2009 7:36 a.m.

  Dear Shaida, I'm so sorry you are both suffering at the same time. As for not being heard, get a second and even a third dr opinion if necessary. Check the Alzheimer Org website and call their 24/7 hotline (800-272-3900). They're wonderful and will listen! Bipolar disorder, as I understand it, doesn't suddenly happen, it must've gone undiagnosed til now. Take care of yourself and get the necessary meds asap. Then you can better care for your loved one. Explain your desperation to his siblings and ask for help. No one can bear this alone. No one.

  - Marilyn

• December 28, 2009 12:50 p.m.

  I read about a new therapy for Alzheimer's Disease in the Oct. 2009 issue of Health & Healing by Dr. Julian Whitaker. Dr. Mary Newport started giving her husband this treatment that she discovered. After giving him the first dose, a "light switch" went on. Dr. Newport started giving her husband non-hydrogenated coconut oil, as she didn't realize that refined MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil was available. Her husband now takes 4 teaspoons of MCT oil and 3 teaspoons of coconut oil three times a day with meals to ensure that his brain has access to a more or less constant source of energy. Her husband at age 59 has early onset Alzheimer's and will never return to his previous job as a bookeeper but has shown much improvement. According to Dr. Whitaker coconut oil does not raise cholesterol or in any other way increase risk of heart disease. The reccommended dose of MCT's for neurodegenerative disorders is 20 g per meal (7tsp or a scant 2 and a half tablespoons.) Dr. Newport's recipe is to combine 16 ounces of MCT oil plus 12 ounces of coconut oil,store at room temperature (it gets hard when refrigerated), and use as needed. To avoid diarrhea, start with 1-2 tsp per meal and build up gradually. Some people only tolerate lower amounts. Coconut oil contains no omega-3 essential fatty acids, so a minimum of 2 g of fish oil should also be taken daily. To order MCT oil call (800-810-6655) . Dr. Newport's W

  - Eleanor

• December 16, 2009 12:44 p.m.

  Many of the signs listed can be (and some even more so) signs of other disorders including Lewy Body, frontal lobe problems, and depression. The list does not delineate early from late stage symptoms making it even more confusing to readers.

  - Jack

• November 12, 2009 6:25 a.m.

  Very informative article.

  - Sana

• November 11, 2009 8:03 a.m.

  a direct response to kim. My wife is in menopause, and is on some drugs (for depression). From both of these she exhibits some of the symptoms in the list (maybe even all at one time or another) but it is clear she does not have the level of cognitive impairment that is concerning. Remember (ha-ha), as we age it takes more work to remember things. Loss of function in menopause is, as I understand it, not unusual and does not bear a warning for the future. Just my two bits.

  - Paul

• November 10, 2009 7:42 p.m.

  just because you may be experiencing alittle of this going into menopause, does this mean you may be likely to have ALS later?

  - kim

• November 6, 2009 8:38 a.m.

  This article is right on! Thanks you. My husband, age 54, has just been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. I've known that something wasn't right for some time, but wasn't sure what. We did all the testing, twice. Mayo is finally the place that was brave enough to say the words. He is already at moderate stages. Be alert, ask questions, demand a visit with the doctor and be sure you (spouse/significant other) go with. There is so much to be done quickly while he can legally sign things. Don't waste a minute. Personally... I'm devastated and trying to cope. This wasn't in the plans. I feel robbed of 25 years of life together!!

  - Sandi

• November 6, 2009 3:16 a.m.

  My partner suffered a head injury in 1971 and I met him in 1979. He began to have occasional seizures, later developing to uncontrolled and cluster ones. Eventually, his seizures were brought under control, but sadly too late to stop him from sustaining further brain damage. Over the last 5 years I have noticed strange and out of character behavior that are sometimes dangerous. However, the neuropsychologist refuses to give it a name, when it is crystal clear what the dreaded diagnosis is called. Most of the time I feel alone, unheard and hopeless for his and my future. I am also very angry for the deception. One year ago I was hospitalised for 28 days under the section 2 of mental health act as the result of relentless anxiety and lack of support. Despite this nothing has changed, bar I now have a name for my own mental health problem: Bipolar disorder. Sometimes, I feel the only way out of this misery is for both of us to die at the same time and soon as I do not wish him having to fall into the hands of unscrupulous people. His siblings are sitting on his inheritance and give him only a handout which is of little use. What can I do?

  - Shaida

• November 5, 2009 6:39 a.m.

  Anyone who has seen the results of a wrong diagnosis in the case for example, of LewyBody Dementia would be as worried as I am about using the "A" word in place of "Dementia". However, as there are so many different types, I have no idea how to remedy this problem.

  - Cliff

• November 4, 2009 2:18 p.m.

  I found this article helpful and comforting. My grandmother died of Alzheimer's and my 73 year old mother is in a nursing home with it. I'm 49 and think every time I forget something I'm getting it. That's why this helps. So do the comments from all of you -- especially the ones about pushing for help early. And Don, I admire what you are doing for yourself -- not to worry about your spelling. What you have to say is relevant and important and I am impressed with you taking charge and doing all you can to keep this at bay.

  - Anne

• November 4, 2009 12:16 p.m.

  Have all 10 (first noticed some of at age 69 - now 74) and a family history (my mother's side). "Mild cognitive imparement" based on a 1 on 1 test. Four years of memory testing, will participate in the 17 Nov National Screening Day again. They have data from each year and wondering if we can charactorize the slope of the curve - is it linear and we can do some projections or is it the "slippery slope" curving downward as it feels to me. In either case there seems to be no cure in sight.The effectiveness of delaying action is vague at best, but it gives me something to do: brain excersize, physical fitness, and medication - Aricept (I was fortuniate enough to participate the the Aricept Trials, and could tell with the first pill that I didn't have the placebo) and an off lable application of Bupropion 450 mg/day. It certainaly provides mental stimulation but I know of no tests that support the idea that it may be effective. Anybody found something else that "seems to do some good"? Sorry about the spelling but it's hard enough to find the words let alone be able to spell them. I'll check with the Dentist about my fillings but looking it seems to be all gold crowns. "Here's thinking of you" - Don

  - Don