Alzheimer's Disease

Has anyone had to deal with this? What should I do right now? Record family history? Ask important questions? Would that be a rude thing to do? This particular case seems to be moving at a rapid pace. I've been to the websites, but they don't really answer my questions. I would like to hear from someone who has lived with it. Thanks.

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Alzheimer's Disease Response
Submitted by snoopy19 on Tue, 10/14/2008 - 11:36am.

I am 37, my dad is 75. His mom, a brother, and a sister, died from it. He doesn't show any signs, to me. He does take a perscription, every day, which must be working. He also goes to see his doctor, every 6months. Because he is such high risk. I was 10, when my grandmother passed away. It is a terrible disease, but there are some things that help. One way, is working the mind. My dad enjoys seduco (spelling?), and reading. I believe it is actually harder on the loved ones, than the patient. I remember letting my Mammaw ask me 3 times, at dinner if I wanted any tomatos, and I just let her, because it made her feel good. It was hard for us, and she thought, "Did I just ask you that"? I am terrified of getting it. Since, I've had so many on my paternal side die from it. Every once in awhile, there is news about more medical advancement, in treating, and preventing it. They do know there is a gene that signals the more likely you are to get it. I keep thinking that I should be in some kind of test study. They are hopeful, that in the next 20 years they will have a cure. I was diagnosed at 36 with colon cancer, with no prevous family history. I am completely healthy, now, thanks to surgery, and chemo. So, I don't want to get any other health problem, ever! I am sorry for your loved one. But, since my dad is 75, and he has lost many loved ones, to this disease, I am not "shy" to ask him anything. And, I feel if he started going down hill, I'd ask him family history..etc., too. Just support your loved one, and know that they are scared, too. Let them forget their words, and don't loose your patients with them. Just know that this may make your bond with this person even stronger, and more memorable, in which you might not have had, if they hadn't gotten sick. See, I am a cancer survivor, and life is so sweet. Enjoy your time with them, and let them enjoy you, and fight that disease as much as you can, but don't get mad, no it's not fare. But, life isn't, it's just life... Smiling

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snoopy and birdie
Submitted by wildcat on Tue, 10/14/2008 - 4:00pm.

Thanks. That's what I needed to hear and also, was afraid of hearing. I'm 46 and my mother is 67. This time last year she was fine. Now, she doesn't drive, takes medication, and has virtually no short-term memory. I will find out how bad it really is over Thanksgiving. The situation you (snoopy) described about your grandmother and the questions at the dinner table are similar to what my father told me is happening right now. No one in the family has had this disease (to the best of my knowledge). My mother is number three of six children and neither the older sisters nor the parents had it. She is college educatated and an avid reader. My father informed that she has great difficulty reading now due to the loss of short-term memory. That was one of her favorite things to do. I'm going to compile my list of questions for her. I've been reading about vitamin E and ginko something. I will have to investigate it further as it looks as though I may be 20 years away from it myself. Thanks for answering.

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Alzheimer/Wildcat
Submitted by snoopy19 on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 3:10pm.

I verified that my dad takes Aricept, daily. It's one of the most common medicines perscribed. He does have a side affect, of diarrhea, though. But, he said that it's not enough to keep him from taking his medicine, it doesn't change his daily lifestyle. He takes it at night. God Bless you, during this time.

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reply-Alzheimer's
alittlebirdietoldme's picture
Submitted by alittlebirdietoldme on Sun, 10/12/2008 - 9:38pm.

My grandmother died from this terrible disease. Try and have it confirmed by a dr. first. She lived for 10 years with it.


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