'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by LJShreve @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

LJShreve — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:43:55 -0000

The Alzheimer's organization has Memory Walks throughout the country during the year. Go to their web site....it's easy to get involved.

My Dad and his two sisters died from this horrible disease. I know it's in my future and am doing everything I can to help find a cure.

Good luck.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Loving husband @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Loving husband — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:57:42 -0000

Dear pattyos, Here are several ways to contact the National Alzheimer's Association. On the web, there address is : www.alz.org By mail : Alzheimer's Association National Office

225 North Michigan Avenue - FL 17 Chicago, IL 60601

By phone : 1-800-272-3900 The website has so much information. You may want to look under the heading - Join The Cause. This look like a place where you can get the most information concerning ways to raise awareness and raise money for this very worthy organization. Hope this helps. Take care and God Bless.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by pattyos @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

pattyos — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:11:52 -0000

I always worry about it. My mom passed away from this dreadful disease in December 2000. It is the worse thing my family ever experienced. It was so hard to watch her drift away from us. Especially for my son since they were so close. How do you start a walk or something like that to promote awareness of this disease? Please Help! Thankyou.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by really worried @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

really worried — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:55:08 -0000

I'm worried everyone on my Dad's side of the family and my Dad had or has Dementia/Alzheimer's. They all lived into their 80's and 90's. My Dad has it now and we are in a big court battle because my brother had my Dad sign over his property to him for $1.00 less then a year after I took my Dad down and he put everything into a trust to be equally divided between all of us that is just one problem the other is my brother went behind all of our backs and took control of everything including my father. Every time I go see my father this brother starts a fight with me, once he called the police on me and made up this lie that I was screaming at my father the only screaming going on was my brother at me. He has all this power over my Dad and I was the one who was always there for my Mother and Father all these years and now I can't even see him because if I go over there my brother starts a fight with me and I can't put my father through this anymore. I'm hoping the Judge sees what my brother has done and puts everything back to when it was even for everyone and then my brother will give up guardianship over my father. I pray that this happens because he is killing my father. He doesn't want him he just wants his property; this brother is a very sick person on a stupid power trip. Pray that the rest of us win this and give my father the peace he so deserves.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:55:26 -0000

I am literally scared to death I will contract this horrible disease. My grandfather had it, my mother and 4 0f her sisters had/have it and 2 of her brothers had it. My two sons live a large distance from me and I would have no one close by to oversee me if I should get this disease. So I pray every day that the Good Lord will just let me go in my sleep.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by orangeunsub @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

orangeunsub — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:32:52 -0000

Day after edit: I wish I could say things have changed, but...

I am really curious as to why this particular subject / thread / area whatever does not get more attention or people here. In the light of day I see gaps of months, very odd (I don't know how to do it, but thank you Bllondie)

How can one even contemplate any sense of fairness in life when things occur. Outside of so many horrible issues people have in their lives, some already enough to have you standing on a ledge, how are you expected to even accept things that are just so wrong, so hard and just so are not supposed to happen. How do you answer yourself when you scream and cry that this isn't what I planned on, this isn't fair, this isn't my choice, I didn't ask for this. Inheriting or being given a home that needs a ton of work after your mom had gotten sick and let it go for years and you moved in and did what you could when you were also on disability with a badly injured spine and some undiagnosed TBI or brain lesions issues, with balance, cognitive and word problems. all from too many concussions. Well after 4 years of doing everything I never imagined any son would wind up doing for his mom and being the only one in her life and you now in charge of her house and with no income...you get the brick of them all dropped on you. why do you scream and cry all the time when your pet scans show severe decreased brain activity in 'all over the place now' quote of my brian. I HAVE FRIGGIN ALZHEIMERS' Not going to have or one day I might get it, it is happening as I friggin type. How are you supposed to live and deal with this type of information, this type of fairness. I lost a dad at 11, and terrible things to my family but early alzheimers after just getting finished doing all I could for my mom for 3-4 years by myself at home.

I really don't know how people with less on their plate don't jump in front of trains. I think of it every second, but who will my mom have while I am still able to be something for her. Now you know why I scream and cry, this isnt fair, it wasn't what I planned on happening, it wasn't supposed to be this way. It shouldn't be for anyone...its not fair

sorry for rambling and yelling at my keyboard. At least now I can tell my doctor to cancel my lumbar spinal surgery he said I desperately need, even though I have a swollen exposed nerve root. My neuro basically said why? make that secondary for the time being, hold off on surgery, talk to your pain dr.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Kariann @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Kariann — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:02:18 -0000

RhondaLynne, it is confusing as to what Medicare will cover. I know that Veterans can seek help at a VA facility. My concern is about all the Baby Boomers turning 65 in the coming years. Will there be the proper health care available to us?

Cyberhugs to all!

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by RhondaLynn @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

RhondaLynn — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:47:38 -0000

I worry alot and my son and I talk alot about the differences between my mother, who has the Alzheimer's and me. I am taking 2 online college classes every semester to keep my brain functioning and learning new information. For awhile my mom was violent, but now she seems ok, just forgetful. I hope I know when the time comes to put her in a nursing home cause medicare doesn't cover assisted living.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Loving husband @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Loving husband — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:40:23 -0000

I must admit that this crosses my mind every now and then because my mother, her sister(my aunt) and her brother (my uncle) all lost the battle with this dreaded disease. My sister is extremely concerned and some days it becomes kind of an obsession with her when he speak about our mother. To my knowledge, there was no one on our father's side that ever suffered with it so hopefully we are safe but I guess time will tell. It seems that both of us inherited more of our father's genes - does anyone know if this makes a difference? Having seen it three times, I can certainly feel for anyone who has a family member that is strickened with this horrible disease.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by tornado @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

tornado — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 01:55:14 -0000

I too worry about getting dementia....at 57 I have a hard time remembering the names of new people I meet and am always losing something, but when I think back, I have always been this way, so maybe that is normal for me. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about Alzheimer's, all the memory games in the world will only slow it's progression, which is not to say we shouldn't do them, but ultimately the disease will win. It sounds like a horrible way to go and my heart goes out to all of you, whose loved ones suffer with this. For me, it is all the more reason to live in the moment and hopefully in the not too distant future, they will have found a cure or at least know more about what causes it.

My mom (who lives with me) has Vascular Dementia with mild cognitive impairment. There seems to be some confusion about the various terms that have been used here, so I would like to share my understanding of them. I am neither a doctor or a nurse, but I do work in health care. There are several types of dementia, of which Alzheimer's is just one and it is possible to have more than one type. Each has their own unique symptoms and typical progression, although there is some overlap. Vascular Dementia is caused by TIA's (Trans Ischemic Attacks aka mini strokes), so this is actually one dementia that we can help prevent by practicing a healthy lifestyle. During the mini stroke, some of the brain cells die, which causes the cognitive impairment. One example from my Mom's case is that, she forgot how to cook. Thankfully, it does not affect memory in the way that Alzheimer's does....they usually retain the memory of familiar faces.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by bllondie @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

bllondie — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:32:31 -0000

""You are doing what is recommended. Focusing, reading, walking, the brain games. Do you try to do things with the opposite hand? I do that one."" No, not done anything left handed, but thats a good idea. I worry about all the things they say making it possible. Plaque buildup, arteries, mood changes. The 'causes' as you mention are on my mind. I just read that news about Glen Campbell. I hope his last tour goes well, I saw Peter Falk who just passed also had it. When you mentioned the key story, gosh! my dad had that happen many times, we'd make a joke that he should get the 'clapper' attached to his key ring so he could find them....lol When he finally 'got lost' driving, thats when we all said he should no longer be driving. He was upset, but happy we didn't physically take his license from his wallet. His mood changes were a big impact on life.My mother was his sole caretaker as he lived home till the last yr and a half when the parkinsons just got so bad, he needed more help than she or I could provide. (thanks for your condolensces)

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Kariann @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Kariann — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 02:31:08 -0000

Mom's Mother, it can be frightening when AD is on both sides of the family. You face the dilemna of, "Is this AD or is this normal aging?" I would feel bad, too.

Bllondie, I am sorry about your Dad's passing. You are doing what is recommended. Focusing, reading, walking, the brain games. Do you try to do things with the opposite hand? I do that one. My Mom was quite alert when she died from complications of Diabetes. She would watch "Wheel of Fortune."

I think the hard part is figuring out WHAT is causing the memory loss. Am I tired or stressed out? Maybe trying to do too many things all at once? It is a question we all can ask ourselves. I was sad to hear Glen Campbell has been recently diagnosed with AD. He plans on doing one last album and maybe a short tour. I know there will be more "famous" people as we age.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Kariann @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Kariann — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 02:21:58 -0000

Here we are talking about memory loss, and I forgot to mention that my sister-in-law's mother got later-in-life AD. She actually had been driving up to 76 years old; she died 10 years later. I told my sister-in-law I was so sorry for the loss of her Mother. She told me, "I lost my Mother years ago." She hadn't know her daughter for about 5 years. So, that is three family members, one blood-related.

I started a list of what I called "Dementia Moments." One thing I did was to try to turn unto the wrong way on the expressway. I noticed the sign just before turning. It was dark, so that was my excuse. Another moment I had my son come to fix my bath faucet because I couldn't get the water on. Well, I was turning it in the wrong direction (at least 5 different times). Now, I can't find my second set of car keys and it will cost $175 to replace the key.

So, I think, "Is this Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia? Some things are rather foolish; some are more serious.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by bllondie @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

bllondie — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:09:36 -0000

Thanks to all of you here, and the ones that wrote what they felt...gosh! Can I relate. I'm scared to death and think often I am going to get it. My dad just passed in april of AD, he was diagnosed with it at age 60, but now the dr's think he might of had it much earlier -and- just was misdiagnosed. He was 71 when he passed. He was in a nursing home for the last yr and a half. He went downhill so quickly too when there. He really forgot all of us. My mom I think he recognized at certain times, or he acted like it. He stopped conversing about a year there, and when he did want to say something it was like he was whispering. We could barely hear him, and hardly knew what he was trying so desperately to say. When I find i'm forgetting something...it just rushes at me to think-- I'm heading there too. I try to stay focused, read, walk, and do brain games.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Mom's daughter @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Mom's daughter — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:58:14 -0000

I am very concerned about this. My mom cared for her aunt, who had this disease in the last years of her life. Now my mom has it, and I'm caring for her. My father's only surviving sister also has it, so it's on both sides of my family. Every time I have trouble remembering something I fear that I could be in the beginning stages.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Kariann @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Kariann — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:30:49 -0000

I understand the pain my cousins went through, especially when my Aunt did not know who they were. The prospects of getting any disease that takes away my memories is devastating. It is with high hopes that research can solve this horrific disease.

I know I have forgotten things and my children may wonder what's going on with me. I want to LIVE a long time so as to enjoy seeing my Grandchildren grow up. I want to be fairly alert and know who they are. I am not a caregiver to my parents, so my situation is different. I actually do watch two of my younger Grandchildren.

Yes, cyber hugs to all!

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by blknwite @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

blknwite — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:45:55 -0000

How can you not be worried? I try to think of reasons not to take the situation into my own hands so my children will not have to suffer watching me decline. But the reasons are not very compelling. Although the time with my mother with her dementia very severe has been precious to me I can hardly bear to think about how frightening it must be for her, how sad to lose all control of one's life. I wish I could give ALL of you out there a big cyber hug I know what you are going through.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Kariann @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Kariann — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:54:29 -0000

Melanie, God bless you for being there for so many of those patients. Please don't ever feel stupid. I guess we just have to be aware of the symptoms and follow advice that we read.

LJShreve, I haven't dealt with the disease in my parents. They died of other causes. My Dad's sister died of AD at age 85, and I have a brother-in-law who got it at 56 years old (died at 68). However, memory lapses still worry me.

I want to know and understand Alzheimer's, Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and normal aging processes. I have been trying to get more sleep and staying active. I think understanding may help us cope better. Good luck to both of you!

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by LJShreve @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

LJShreve — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:19:24 -0000

I think about it daily. My dad and his 2 sisters suffered from this horrible disease. My dad started developing it at age 65 and died at 80. My Aunt (his slightly older sister) started developing it a few years earlier than my dad and died about 3 years after my dad. My other aunt (my dad's oldest sister by about 4 years) was the first to start showing signs and is still alive in a total care facility in Florida. I don't know how I can avoid the same outcome. Luckily when you are at your worst, you don't realize it. Heaven help my husband and only son!

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Msgold54 @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Msgold54 — Wed, 04 May 2011 20:17:19 -0000

I work in a Alzheimer Center and see all kinds of AD..It's not easy especially when you get close to them and they feel like family and all of a sudden there gone....you feel so stupid but there's nothing you can do for them but love them along as there here....I'm afraid of getting it myself..I feel like I have it already..I'm forgetful every now and then..I don't know if it runs in the family..I haven't heard of it from anyone...I Wish you luck, and May God Bless You and Your Family......melanie G

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:01:32 -0000

TIA's are short medical terminalogy for Transient Ischemic Attacks. Some Dr's call them "Mini strokes." A brief time when an area of your brain suffers from Ischemia. (lack of o2 to an area) Hope this is helpful.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by klee @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

klee — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:57:16 -0000

Can someone please tell me the difference between dementia and alzheimers? Mom was diagnosed with dementia. She was in a nursering home. Sometimes she would get very mean and angry. At the end, she didnt know any of us. She thought that I was someone who worked there.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Dani's Mom @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Dani's Mom — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:58:32 -0000

Couldn't agree with you more. Caring for my 87 yr old mom with dementia has opened up my eyes to realize my husband and I will definitely seek alternative housing to include assisted living arrangements before our children have to be our caregivers.

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by Kariann @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Kariann — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:55:57 -0000

rreinhart, I sent along a hug and wondered if you have checked out this link:

What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

http://www.caring.com/articles/cognitive-impairment?utm_medium=email&utm_source=suggests&utm_campaign=alz&utm_content=20090825

I understand your feelings. It is scary. How are you doing?

'Do you worry about developing Alzheimer's yourself?' posted by GALOWA @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

GALOWA — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:54:45 -0000

YES and NO.

my mother currently has AD, and she lives with me and my family. also, two of her three sisters died from it, so i guess it runs in the family.

i have to admit that i used to worry about it a lot, until i decided that the more i worry about it, the more likely it is to happen...

so i just stopped.

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