Worried It's Alzheimer's? 8 Symptoms to Watch For

Many mild symptoms listed are similar to depression and prei-menopause. How do you know when to be concerned that it is neurological?

I've been the primary caregiver for my mother for the last 5 years . She was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease over 10 years ago. I would like to add 9. "hoarding". Amassing numerous of the same items. When I moved into her home and cleaned out her cabinets , I found 24 cans of crushed pineapple , 7 opened jars of salsa, 8 rolls of aluminum foil , 6 extra large jugs of dish washing soap, a frozen turkey that was expired by 6 years, and numerous packages of patriotic paper napkins. I lived away and was able to visit only every 6 months . My one sibling who lived nearby denied she had problems . And 10. Accusatory . My mother accuses me of stealing her "pretty things" i.e. brick-a-brack, every time I move them to dust them. It got so bad I've stopped dusting them. 11. She also doesn't believe me when I try to tell her she needs to eat. She loosing the ability to recognize hunger and can't remember when she last ate.

My 71 year old husband's personal hygiene is in the toilet. He rarely bathes or brushes his teeth. He is refusing to shave, trim his nose or ear hair or even get a hair cut. He looks like he lives on the streets. He resents any requests to change. Is this a part of Alzheimer's or is it dementia? This has progressed over a period of a year to where he is now.

Not all of those symptoms are solely due to Alzheimer's. My father is 84 years old and has asked repetitive questions ever since I've known him. He does not have Alzheimer's. He simply just doesn't listen to the answers the first time. I have forgotten items on my grocery list while leaving the store. Being menopausal and anxiety ridden, some of the above symptoms can be attributed to that. Check with actual medical personnel before you tout your product. Thank you.

I am caregiver for my husband, of over 54 years, and he is in the middle of stage #6.....is now starting to forget people and family members, and their relationship to him....has lost interest in ability to enjoy all the things we have done over the years....playing cards, games, reading, tv shows and movies, taking excursions, etc...and now he wants to sleep most of his nights and days away....he will be 87 on his next birthday soon, and since he is in the mid #6 stage I have decided to let him do what he is comfortable with...unfortunately it leaves me lonely and missing our great times together....

xfrustratedx, I am so sorry to hear how your brother has isolated your mother, and it is important that you find out what is going on with her will and money, too. You must speak to an attorney who specializes in elderlaw. Maybe you can ask a friend with older parents which attorney they use. Otherwise, just type "elderlaw attorney" into a Google search, along with the name of your city. If you make a few calls, some attorneys will speak to you briefly over the phone. Others will only speak with you in person for a fee. Make a few calls to find someone you feel comfortable with. Also, Google "Adult Protective Services" or "Office of Aging" along with the name of your city, and they may help with what sounds like a possible case of elder abuse. I am so sorry about your situation, andI hope you are able to see your mother again (though I'll bet you are right there in her heart always).

My mother is on the 8th stage you have listed above. My brother has made this worse by isolating her completely from the outside world and not allowing anyone to visit or call her. It has been two years since I saw her along with her two brothers and grandchildren and church members and friends. I have a trust fund that my Mother gave me monthly to care for myself and children, he has taken that and will not let me see a copy of the will or anything that has to do with my Mother. He has cut me off completely from seeing or knowing anything about her, is this legal? is it hurting her more and progressing this disease farther by thinking everyone has abandoned her or doesn't care? Doesn't he need to file some type of papers when she was marked medically incompetent to care for her and pay her bills for her? He has no power of attorney and he is one of two of us as her children, don't I have some say with her and her care and future? Pls if you know the answers to any of this or comments to are appreciated, I don't know what to do anymore =(

We live in berlin, md,21811. Where is the best place to take my 76 year old wife for testing for Alzheimer's Disease ?

Husband had a stroke 7 years ago snd refuses to try to get better. Laughs and cusses at me. Only to me

is Alzheimer passed on from generation to generation

I do forget alot

IM 42 YEARS OLD, I LOST MY HUSBAND TO THE WAR IN Iraq BACK 2005. THEY TOLD ME I HAD PTSD THE ONLY SYPTOM I HAD OUT OF MANY OF PTSD WAS MEMORY LOSS. THEY SAID IT WOULD GET BETTER AND IT DID, BUT IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS IVE NOTICED ITS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE. I GO TO DO SOMETHING AND FORGET WHAT I WAS ABOUT TO DO. I STRUGGLE TO PRONOUCE CERTAIN WORDS, I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I WANT TO SAY AND I GO TO SAY IT AND SOMETHING ELSE COMPLETELY COMES OUT, MY KIDS KEEP TELLING ME IM LOOSING IT, AND THAT THEY ALREADY TOLD ME. DO I HAVE EARLY STAGES OF DIMENTIA?

boy was this web site a big waste of time! I was interested in a list of early alzheimer's symptoms, not in clicking through web page after web page of nearly useless information (useless because most of it is obvious, "memory lapses" -- gee, how informative!). In the time it took to go from page-1 to page-2 on could have read all the symptoms if presented in a single page listing. So long! There are many better ways to waste one's time on the Internet!

My mom and her sister had dementia. Her sister started with dementia in her late 60's and my mom started in her late 70's. I worry all of the time that I will be next. I feel like sometimes I dwell too much on it and scare myself over stupid things I do. My mom was very mean, her sister not at all. I just hope if I do get it that I am a nice person and not mean.

Having worked in an Alzheimer's Unit and talking with families, the common denominator they experienced first was paranoia. The adult children would be devastated to have their parent accuse them of stealing from them. Dementia is simply forgetfulness, confusion with time and place, but Alzheimers patients display personality changes which progress into abnormal behavior.

Thank you for writing this important article. I lost my father to Alzheimer's in January of 2013. I don't think we are yet able to identify Alzheimer's in the early stages. It's only after the symptoms progress, and we are forced to act, that we can look back and see the beginning signs. That is one of the reasons I wrote about my journey with my father's Alzheimer's, in Where Memories Meet - Reclaiming my father after Alzheimer's, on a timeline that moved backwards. Thanks for bringing these symptoms to our attention.

I experience many of these symptoms to a severe level as a result of a wheat allergy coupled with my Systemic Lupus. All of them cleared up when I stopped eating wheat. I had no clue that modern hybridized wheat could cause neurological symptoms. I'm not saying this will help others but thank a friend with Fibromyalgia told me of a similar experience and my doctor suggested I try it. Alzheimer's does not run in my family but SLE does.

In the late 90's I noticed that my husband had stopped doing the necessary projects around our cottage, and to my chagrin, it annoyed me that these jobs weren't being done. Then one week I saw that it took 5 days to do the budget, very uncharacteristically. I put that together with his forgetting that someone he had known 80 years earlier had a son my husband played with, and I realized something was wrong, so I took him to the doctor, who diagnosed him with Alzheimer's. He lived with the disease for 14 more years, and we were blessed that he was happy and cheerful, was able to do most things for himself, we had a pretty normal life and he never had to go to a nursing home, dying at almost 96 very peacefully. This is to emphasize that while forgetting stuff is a sign, there are more subtle early signs, such as the lack of organizational ability. I know there had to be more early on as well. I just hope a cure is on the horizon.

Hi, my boyfriend thinks he has beginnings of this disease. I don't think so, he is taking care of his 94 year old mom& is under a lot of stress. He works daily & works on his professional fishing career. I am not with daily but talk to him every night by email,cause his mom gets upset if he is on phone. He has dedicated his life to her,& she has controlled it so he feels he cannot upset her. I don't know what to do, hr tryn at times to push me away cause he doesn't want me to go through what he did with his father. I told him it is my choice. And I'm here no matter what. I luv this man .

My dad had Alzheimer's-- one fact we found out too late.... He had started Alzheimer's slowly for a good year and was otherwise healthy(Body wise) He fell in January and broke his hip and shoulder and had to have surgery on his hip. The surgery lasted 4 hours... after that he was a totally changed man... he would not eat- pushed food away and we maybe got him to eat 2 or 3 bites at a meal... His body would have recovered from the fall if his mind would have connected-- we were told that surgery really progresses Alzheimer's. He died March 25th... (he was 83 yrs old) Please know that surgery really changes the mind in Alzheimer's patients!! Very sad time...

Good comments but remember`, everyone will die of something so enjoy every moment in whatever way you can. I cared for Auntie for a time and I "went with her" in her mixed up conversations and we had many a laugh. There are little steps you can take. She was just three doors down from me so I had a little clip put on her door so when she opened her door, my phone rang. I'd take the phone to bed with me as she loved to go out at nite. 20 below and the phone rang, pulled my snowmobile suit over my nightie and down the street I'd go, no teeth in and my hair down. She'd look at me and say, when you look like that I know I'm in trouble LOL Yes, like if you know that, then why didn't you stay in your house. I would know she wouldn't settle down so we'd go in and do laundry etc. but now looking back, good memoires as she had no pain.

Pleased to have the information provided. As a member of a family who have had a parent and relatives with Alzheimer's, observation and experiences by others adds a different dimension to my potential health problem. Thanks, as I keep reading and researching to prevent or at least minimize the conditions many seniors have now been affected.

I have been worried for some time about my husband who has been showing various signs of Alzheimer's Disease. I keep hoping I am imagining this, but he is getting more & more difficult to live with. He is mean, belligerent, and ten turn around and be nice as can be. He seems to have an unending bank account to buy stuff for the apartment, and when I ask where the $ is coming from he tells me it is none of my business. I am very worried. I asked my minister about this and all he said wa ou can't go on living like this.

I have a question. Is it appropriate to correct the person each time they use the wrong word or make a mistake in something they are trying to do? My husband is just starting to have these symptoms. His father, aunt and uncle had Alzheimers and he is sure he is slowly succumbing to it.

Dementia is a general term where Alzheimer's is a specific form of Dementia.

Thank you for this information. Wife and I have gone to DR. appointment together and doctor has helped me understand what going on and future. Been together 50 yrs. this has been a eye opening experience.

Thank you for this information. Our Dr said he has dementia. After reading this I believe he has alzheimers. So many of the things described here is what he does. There is no doubt in my mind now. Thank you again !

warning signs

My mother is constantly accusing me and other people of stealing from her (ie present sent for exmas to mW from my brother / next door neighbour of stealing and eating all her mince pies - laughable but true

It was extremely helpful. It would be more helpful if you would explain: What kind of testing should a patient expect from their doctor to ascertain if they have Alzheimer.

Anonymous Caregiver asked: Do you think that the fear of getting Alzheimer's or dementia can actually cause someone to "get the symptoms"? Fear can cause memory loss as well. Memory loss is something that happens as we grow older, but dementia is far more aggressive in its symptoms. Do not deny that she may have memory loss. My father went through this for two years before he finally came to the realization that she really couldn't remember things. A doctor is a better judge of what is going on. Having someone believe in you is the first step of treatment. Write down the times she forgets things and the answers to those questions and post them on the refrigerator (number them). Keep a diary of how often the memory loss occurs, what she was doing when the loss occurs (situational trigger), and whether it is a recent event that occurred or a long past one (my mom could remember events of her childhood, but not her most recent grandchildren). Take the diary along to the doctor so you can tell him how often and what may have triggered memory loss (events can trigger loss sometimes). A better test than "free cell" would be to play "solitaire" or "Gin Rummy" as they require seriation skills (putting things into series or order) or "Go Fish" (matching skills and remembering who has what). Anonymous asked: Are there other symptoms I should be watching for in her daily activity? Does she ask the same question over and over within a few minutes? Is she restless at night (not sleeping)? Does she forget that she's already eaten and claims to be hungry still (lost ability to tell she's full)? Does she forget to bathe? Can she not smell odors that are strong (body odor, something burning, peanut butter)? Does she exhibit paranoia? Do people "steal" her things (when she simply put them away)? Does she hide things from herself in strange places (a necklace in the kitchen cabinet) (kitchen oven racks in the basement)? Are people "watching" her (she no longer recognizes her own reflection or that reflections are other people)? Good luck! I hope it is simply anxiety causing the problems, but talk to her doctor and soon. Medications to slow the memory loss are available at the early stages.

I am pretty sure my husband has it and I am really scared. Several of his relatives have died from it.

For me, symptoms of Alzheimer's or Dementia is confusing to me because my husband had several strokes, TIAs and seizures. That was in 2009. He displays many of these symptoms but how do I sort out that he is now experiencing early dementia versus residuals of the terrible strokes. It certainly appears to be early dementia but just maybe the strokes have created these limitations.

If someone is diagnosed with Dementia, does it eventually turn into Alzheimer's? My mom was diagnosed with Dementia., but is going down hill fast with the symptoms stated as well as many more..

Do you think that the fear of getting Alzheimer's or dementia can actually cause someone to "get the symptoms"? My wife is deathly afraid of getting Alzheimer's. She will sometimes "forget" things that I think she actually does remember, but is trying to make herself believe that she doesn't remember them. She is nearly 80 and in good health, plays "word" and "free cell" daily and doesn't have many symptoms of memory loss that aren't prevalent amongst folks her age. Are there other symptoms I should be watching for in her daily acivity?

Not all the signs mentioned mean Alzheimers's. We will all have some memory loss as we get older. Alzheimers is the most severe form of dementia, but not all of us will get to that point.

10/7/2014: IN OUR FAMILY THE TWO THINGS THAT CAME UP WAS A PRIOR EXECUTIVE THAT GAVE EXTREMELY GENEROUS AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO ONE SECTION OF THE FAMILY AND DISREGARDED OTHERS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REWARDED, FOR NO REASON. ANOTHER, RELATIVE TALKED TO TWO DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS THAT HAD BEEN LONG TIME FRIENDS, BUT TOLD THEM ON THE PHONE THEY DIDN'T KNOW THEIR NAMES, OR DIDN'T RECOGNIZE THEM.

Another big clue one is loss of the sense of smell. This is why food doesn't taste good and they stop bathing. One researcher wrote a paper on dementia patients not being able to smell peanut butter. Try it out if you have your suspicions...

When they lose things, they often think someone "stole it". Watch how they play games. If they play computer games and suddenly get worse at them, especially games like tripeaks, text twist, and solitaire which require the mind to put information into order, get them checked. If they used to play card games like gin or solitaire and can't match things up (or even go-fish), get them to the doctor.

This scared the heck out of me. I am especially worried about the speed at which these symptoms will progress.

my husband has dementia it of course getting worse we were told a year ago they tell me I have not seen any thing yet I try to be calm I am not doing so good at that,may GOD help me each day.

More of a question---My mother is 94 and is recently exhibiting some of these symptoms. Could this be dementia of some sort coming on at this late stage of life, or is it simply "age"?

I want to address one of the comments that mentioned chemotherapy as related to alz . There is research that documents years long after effects of chemo with 5FU, which I had. I now believe that I have cognitive impairment as well as other after effects. The study can be found on Medscape, "Your Patients Brain on Chemo."

My wife has early onset Dementia, confounded by a severe stroke, she has to have 24/7 care, I'm so glad to see more exposure for Alzheimer's.

It was helpful as is ... helped me realize that the person for whom I was caring did indeed not have Alzheimer's just as I thought and as most of the police who did welfare checks on us thought, but rather was mentally ill as most of the female cops thought of which some had training to recognize and knowledge from family who were mental and personal observation. Very insightful and helpful article. Thanks very much to the author.

it helped me recognize that my father in law is showing A lot of the symptoms! Having recently taking over the role of Caregiver for him this was very Helpful

A new study just came out - a BIG one with thousands of people, showing that those who have had lithium in the water supply have a much lower incidence of dementia/altzheimers. Also, those who have had one prescription of lithium show no difference, but those who have taken 3 or more prescribed rounds of lithium are virtually immune to the disease. They think it's because lithium protects the brain neurons and allows new ones to grow to replace any that are damaged. This is the most exciting discovery in decades. I don't know if we can get doctors to prescribe it for Altzheimer's yet, but the evidence is there! I am now trying to figure out if there's a way to get it naturally - through diet or water supply or supplements. Also, soon there will be an easy way to diagnose Altzheimer's. It involves a flourescent dye that lights up the crystals found in the brains of Altzheimer's patients during autopsy, only this makes it visible by simply looking at the retina, because with Altzheimer's, these crystals are in the retina, too. This new technique will make it much easier to definitively diagnose it simply and early, so that early intervention can take place. The lithium discovery is going virtually eliminate Altzheimer's from the world. Very hopeful and exciting! If you can get lithium for your Altzheimer's or dementia patient, GET IT!

You walk in a person's kitchen and see all the cabinet doors standing open. Odds are: You don't need a professional opinion this time.

What is the relationship between aluminum and the development of Alzheimer's disease?

My Father was such an independent person. He was the last person that we ever thought would be struck with Alzheimers or any other type of debilitating ailment. He was very fit and independent. I live in Denver and he lived in Orlando and, every time he would visit me, he would show me new places to visit in my city. He was so adventurous. The last time he was able to visit me was in 2009. He informed us that he was diagnosed with Alzheimers. I don't have the words to describe the reaction we all had. The oxygen left the room. I wasn't around him a lot over the years (because he was so independent) but we communicated over the phone frequently. I could tell there was something wrong but I didn't want to believe that he was not going to be the same person I knew. I don't think he wanted to accept that either. I think that I still felt he was going to be OK in some way and so did he. He would take our pup for a walk, (and he loved that). He was always (and still is) a very happy person. When he was flying home, he got lost in the security line at DIA. I could see him but I couldn't just run out there and help. Luckily, the folks at the Delta counter gave me a pass that allowed me to go through security and escort him through the gate. I felt so helpless and scared. I'm rambling now because there is so much about this disease that is unique and unexplainable. It takes a person away from you; the person who made you feel safe and secure . We went on a few trips together over the years (over the years) and we went to England for one last trip in 2010. It was so hard and I got so irritated with him. He would want to go off on his own and I had to firmly point out to him that "how could I let him take a walk on his own when he couldn't even find his way back to the room we were staying in". (In the same building). I yelled at him and I feel so guilty about that. Now, he is in a really good facility and is very well taken care of but he has slipped out of my grasp. I still have this hope that something will bring him back. I don't know; I just look at pictures and show him pictures, I hope, that even if it is for a millisecond, that he has a happy memory about his life.

Before accepting the diagnosis of alzheimer's, be sure that you do not have thyroid problems -- they can mimic alzheimer's, and the cure is often easy.

My doctor just prescribed Aricept after giving me a test. I have been experiencing memory loss for some time now. I drove to the our old house thinking I was home, can't remember appointments, names, my e mail address, passwords, need to take notes now, as I cannot remember tasks, my children get angry at me for forgetting things, as I have not discussed this with them. I owed a company and employed 70 people. Could not comprehend doing that now. I'm 60 and scared out of my mind. my Grand mother had hardening of the arteries in the early 1900's. My wife seems to want refuse to see I really have a problem. I think she is in denial, as I was for a long time. I have seen personality swings. I have always been level headed, but was high strung and an A personality. Had to correct this 6 times before sending it to you.

My Dad had early signs of Alzheimers and I have to say it was one of the hardest things he had to live with. He was very independent and strong willed man. It was a living hell for him. I worked with him and go through this awful disease. He would become so frustrated everyday. He knew something was wrong but wouldn't admit it. It was so sad to see this strong, hard working man become someone who would forget the some of the smallest things. We were working one day and he mentioned how frustrated he was be he couldn't remember anything. I could tell he was having a bad day. We own a rental property business and after working on one of the rentals he wanted to go to another and work on a thermostat problem, I suggested he just go home and take it easy the rest of the day. He was very hard headed and said no I need to figure out how this new digital stat works. One the way to the rental he was involved in a car accident and was killed instantly. It will be five years in Dec and I still think and miss him dearly. But I can't imagine how bad things would be now if he were still alive. My mother is 76 and was married to him for 54 yrs. She's still grieving to this day. She has her senior moments but I take care of her and the family business. I know my Dad would want me to carry on. He served 25 yrs in the Army and 30 years in Real Estate Business. This has me worried because I fear the thought of this happening to me. I'm 52, so I'm looking at maybe 20 more years hopefully. My Pops was 73 when he passed. I plan on enjoying life more and not work until my last day. This is an awful thing to have to look forward to. I dread the day when thing sign begin for me. My hat goes off to anyone who is a caregiver to a love one. The things life deal is something else. If I get I'm riding the dragon on the way out. I just want med's to make my last days as enjoyable as possible. Thank for read my post.

The Alzheimer's disease symptoms are almost identical to the symptoms of Alcoholism. This can be confusing.

While I do not doubt the expertise of the author, the symptoms described are not unlike what it's been like living with ADD for the past 60 years and not knowing that's what it was, until age 47. So, it used to be I "needed care" for my ADD (although my family didn't know it was ADD and tried to have me locked up in Agnews State Hospital in CA. just for plain old being crazy, but failed because I am of no danger to myself or others) And, now that I'm 68, is it live or is it Memorex (ADD or Alzheimer's for those of you who need an explanation?) Frankly, I'm seriously thinking about going to one of those new retirement homes in CO or WA. That way, I can just get stoned until I die. With three parallel sets of symptoms, I hear that these days you can get much more enjoyable drugs than being treated for either ADD (and, of course, the 40% chance of those dreaded co-morbid conditions e.g. bi-polar, pka manic-depressive, but that sounded too depressing so they changed it to bi-polar,) or Alzheimer's, especially since it's clear the difference is not well defined among those who are paid to know what that difference is, while at least some of us who "need help" do. Besides, if it's going to be "drugs for (the remainder of my) life," it may as well be enjoyable ones be on while watching the sun set.

Having cared for someone with this disease, it does not begin to touch on all the things that don't involve memory, such as night time agitation, sun-downing, delusions, paranoia, claustrophobia, and inappropriate social behaviors. I'm afraid information related ONLY to memory problems will cause unnecessary concerns about the elderly.

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Since there is Alzheimer's in my family, I noted with interest your program on this topic. However, having worked for a Webby Award-winning website in the past (medical QA, web producer, and copy editor) I am, let's say, concerned that the pages I see herein don't show a recent "updated on" or review date, which is a common practice. I want to know that the medical opinions/research that I'm seeing here represent recent developments.

My mom died of lung& brain cancer,and yes she did continue smoking,she new she was terminal,the worst part was seeing her give up the fight,she said it was all to hard.what are signs & early symptoms of lung cancer?

We recently put my father in a nursing home with stage 6 Alzheimer's after taking care of him for 4 years. The guilt is eating me up inside. We visit him everyday. Does it ever get any better?

My mother is 77 years old and has exhibited almost every symptom listed. She also shows a lot of anger and resentment toward EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. Our challenge is that she absolutely refuses to see a Dr. and gets quite agitated and verbal when it is suggested. We are worried about our father because he is with her 24/7 and is her verbal "punching bag". What can we do to help her, and my dad?

My mom has in the last 9 month's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Dementia, I have questioned that diagnosis because mom memory seems fine. She remembers people, dates, birth dates, times things took place are all clear. But then i'm old that it is not so much long term memories, as much as yesterday today or one hour ago that is forgotten so fast, mom want eat with out us making her she says nothing taste good, she shakes like a leaf on the tree outside, want clean the house want go out of the house not even in to the back yard said someone might see her ( she use to weigh about 140 now she bounces between 105 and 112) hates her hair hates the way she feels and looks gets mad at us because we don't help her but we try she want lissen or do anything we try to get her to do. She has slapped me and kicked my dad we just walk off and leave her alone for a little bit she will come say she sorry but I don't think she knows what she did .she gets grumpy and say things that hurts our feeling and I know they say she don't know what she is saying but sometimes I think she dose because she said will tell you tell she didn't mean it or the look she can give you she just don't even look like mom sometime don't care about nothing or no one she let all her flowers die I juut don't know what to think its like she went to bed my mom and got up somebody else, before all this her bp shot up to 160/130 and one point in the er it hit 206/200 none of the doctors think that would do any thing to her but we don't know how long it had been doing that before we noticed it she was complaining of her side /stomach hurting they didn't find anything wrong with her side. She is on meds now but really isn't doing much better.I guess this I a lot in a short amount of time,

My wife is not diagnosed as having Alz... but she has all 8 symptoms

Dementia is a sad stage to go through. I stayed single for many years so I could take care of my mother but, she thought she would be better off with her brother and sister-in-law. The house sold right away the money was recklessly invested and check book happy. I guess when it's not your money some will just blow it. The living facility she was in is a living facility. When she was to the end. I was very and still am about no medical care for the soon to be gone. The little brat in the office told me " this is a living facility, not a nursing home". So the workers there really have no medical skills or sympathy for the elder's. So when it is decision making time please do it wisely for Hospice does not do I.V's they use morphene It is really sad what and how they treated my mother. She knew who I was as soon as I call her MRS. _ _ _ _ _ RN- she looked up, smiled and knew I was her daughter. Hours later she was gone..

I took care of my mother with the help of my girlfriend after my sister absolutely refused to do anything for her. I didn't notice at first she wasn't being taken care of until we found my mom wasn't taking a bath, cooking anything to eat, stayed confused a lot of the time and slept on the couch much of the day. Some of this was related to an irregular heart beat that was racing at times and then dropping real low, this showed up at one of her many visits to the hospital. She had this problem which is hard to detect from dementia and I later found out after talking to a cardiologist who called me that my sister refused to let them put a pace maker in my mom some 5 years prior. This could have lessened the chances of any mini strokes and my mom would have lived a much better life. I never was told my mom had a heart problem. My conclusion was that my sister wanted my mom to die sooner than she did which is a miracle how long she lived with these conditions. But it was so that my sister for one wanted her inheritance as quick as she could get it, another was to go and check on her or help in any way to take care of her. After my mother had a stroke I moved her in with me. There are many symptoms of dementia including the ones here but there are so many more it would be hard to list them all. Also heart problems are often overlooked and diagnosed as dementia. A heart that has 200 beats per minute and then drops to 40 and back and forth give symptoms of dementia. The cardiologist assured me this thing happens between parents and children more often than people are aware of. We hardly ever got any sleep, mom was up most of the night going to the bathroom when she couldn't walk after the first stroke she had, We had 2 alarms on her and a baby monitor in the room, plus my dog, a chocolate lab, looked after her, She would somehow figure out how to get out of a hospital bed without tripping an alarm and then would be sitting in the floor telling my dog to go get her some help, He did in fact come into our bedroom and let out a real big bark until we woke up and then we could hear my mom telling him to go get some help, he would come bark again. I have found my mom in the living room and how she got there I'll never know but she was talking to the TV which wasn't even on. For almost a year until my mom passed away we had a really hard time and very little sleep but I'd do it all over again no matter how long my mom might live. I hired sitters to stay with her during the day until one of us got off work and got home, much cheaper than a nursing home and much better. Medicare only pays for them to stay in a rehab facility or nursing home and if they don't qualify for Medicaid it's all out of pocket after the 21 days. I couldn't put my mother in a long term care facility, no way would I have ever been able to do that to my mom. There are ways to take care of them without assisted living or nursing homes. The doctors arranged for my mom to get physical therapy in home which helped her to get stronger and maintain her appetite. Parkinson's disease is also very much like dementia and people can live a long time in a care facility, years, I had an aunt who lived for almost ten years in a nursing home and much of the time in a coma

Very good article thank you

These articles are very helpful. I have no idea white I will have to face. We are conservative and will have our 50th anniversary the 18th of this month. My husband is a very dogmaticly set in his ways. Strong & over powering. So far things are okay , no abuse or violence.

Very well written and detailed. I wish there was a page with all 8 symptoms in a bullet list for quick reference or review though, maybe at the end of the article.

The information alleviated some concerns I had been harboring.

Thanks for the article. I am thankful I do not have it yet at my age of 74. So does my wife who is 71. To sharpen my mind, I play Chessmaster chess in the computer every day. Thanks to my son who gifted it to me three years ago. I feel for families of AD sufferers. I hope science finds a cure.

my father in law who is 68 , he will repeat the same story a few times after the first initial telling.. a few mins later he will tell you again.... both in laws are retired and home together 24/7.. I think maybe he is starved for someone else to talk to.. but at the same time, I know it could be something else..

I just wish that I had known about these symptoms earlier in my Dad's alzheimer's. He hid it very well. I noticed some changes in him and I thought that it was just normal aging. Now I know more of what to look for if I suspect someone else might be in the early stages.

Hi my names Patty I'm 44 years old ,I have been really noticing lately for the last 5 months that I'm having trouble driving my son said he's afraid of when we go somewhere.my mind wonders or I forget where we are going to I miss light drive to slow I'm worried I may have problem with my thinking

Hmmm.... I don't know how I got here, but my two cents goes like this. With millions of backers and momentum gaining it's only now we see the huge percentage of world wide regular users of cannabis. Everything you mention as a symptom of Dementia could be said the same for someone who is, or even HAS smoked Cannabis regularly. Look I'm 50, a Husband and Father, hard working servant of society just like most everyone else. I also know personally 10 regular smokers some as old as 77. Hey the Hippies are all old now haha! So my question is what percentage of Dementia cases are the subjects just toking on the side a little when the kids aren't around ... lol.

I always get lost. I'm afraid going anywhere esp.places I haven't been before bcz I will get lost. Everything look different when I turn back.

Well I have tried telling my neurologist just out of place these signs or with me I know he can't help if your not truthful and my condition just getting worse. He out me on Nemenda and told me I couldn't deive anymore and he still has me listed as MCI.

It just hit me that this is what my wife has. She has every item listed and the doctors have been unable identify what she has. Thank you as now I can plan ahead what to do.

To tell you the truth......I can't remember when I started to forget!

I looked into this article because I, myself, am having an issue with my memory. I have great details about long ago, childhood, memories, but I cannot remember what I did yesterday. I will be 65 in a few months, and I am terrified to be diagnosed with this disease. The article helped; thanks.

Very good information!

my mother (91) enjoys her ipad loaded with solitaire and scrabble, thanks MJ

Dementia can be detected earlier than expected if one looks for the signs. Paranoia is a big factor in someone who is looking at a future of dementia. The brain starts taking on characteristics of unsupported suspicious behavior.

PERSONALITY CHANGE IS ONE OF THE FIRST SIGNS OF THE DISEASE !

I am living near a dear friend who is showing so many of the signs of Alzheimer's. It's helpful to have these signs where I can look them over often and keep in mind that he can't really help being annoying at times. It helps me keep my temper at bay much more easily when I know these things. I love the man and wouldn't say or do anything that hurts him if at all possible.

My beloved grandmother (93) has just been admitted to a re hab center (I cant bring myself to using the term Nursing Home. She is safe there. She has nutricious meals, social interaction , access to medical professionals. How is the best way to reply when she says odd senior things? Should she be corrected or should she be agreed with? Which will cause her the least amount of stress?

I believe my Mother has health insurance to cover a nurses aide and/or care giver to come to her home to make a meal a couple of days a week, and makes sure she showers and has clean clothes, etc., is there a way to get around this without her signature on a power of attorney form? I do not believe she will volunteer to sign the POA.

The weird thing is that I thought my Mother had this, but it turned out she had had a small stroke, the difference is that with a small stroke, they dont get progressively worse, with Alzheimer's disease, it progresses worse

I have never been able to remember people's name, even my grandkids for a while. I am one of those people who must interact with a person for several days to be able to connect a name and face. Actors in movies are always strangers to me as to their names, even on shows I watch for years. Now, if you want to do math, I can do a whole lot better.

I've said this before and I'll keep on saying it: I wish the medical industry would STOP throwing that word "Alzheimer" about so CARELESSLY!!! Alzheimer has become an UMBRELLA word like "Kleenex", "Xerox", etc. You can be diagnosed with dimentia (DIMENTIA). You cannot (CANNOT) be diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease until after death. If your doctor tells you it's Alzheimer's, run (don't walk) to your lawyer and file a lawsuit, then go find another doctor. There are 200+ types of dimentia (200 PLUS). If you have Alzheimer's, you have a type (TYPE) of dimentia. If you have dimentia, you do not (DO NOT) necessarily have Alzheimer's. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!.

We need more research on this awful disease that robbed us of our more precious memories we have of our children.......I saw my mother forgetting everything very quick and so painful to watch.hurry up with some solution. Thanks.

I'm 73 & my grandmother had Aizheimer's . I fear getting it.

Thanks for this. I have Alzheimer's on both sides of my family, my mother's mother and my father's mother. I'm only 38, but I'm definitely worried about it hitting me at some point, given the genetic record.

Glad to have thins info. on this disease. Thabk you...

It is a start for me and I do not need more at this time.

I have most of these symptons and am very concerned. Spelling has become a problem. I often need to use a hand held speller when writing.

I'm currently caring for my mother in law who is exhibiting all the symptoms of Alzhieimer's. The problem is that her children still think she has dementia and with help it is going to get better. What I observe is that she is getting worse on the daily bases. I love her dearly, but hate to see this once capable educated person being reduced to a child with autism . Is it possible for her to live much longe? She always prayed not to end up like this.

I do have a problem remembering things. Not very often but once in a while. My wife tells me something and a short while later I have forgotten it. I perhaps don't pay attention enough. I am thinking about the possible issue of this problem. I need to talk to her about it and go have it checked out.

Isn't Dementia and Alzheimer's the same?

She never remembers some conversations ect.

My mother-in-law is very difficult...demanding, bitter, hard to get along with. We live an hour away and have tried everything to have her move closer (my husband works full time) and she refuses any help from us. I go once a week to see her but it's so difficult to be around her and she can be so hurtful to me. I am retired nurse and have nothing but compassion for her situation but I don't know what to do. She's very independent and stubborn, continues to drive when she shouldn't but I know she has dementia/alzheimer's since she has given out banking information over the phone to a stranger, repeats herself and her memory is failing fast. I just don't know what we can do since she refuses to give my husband POA. I'm so afraid something will happen since she lives alone and has had many falls and we won't know in time to help her. Her situation breaks my heart since I want more then anything to be there for her and to help any way I can.

Alzheimer's was described in the Coal Mines of Germany, no suflur in the soil to eliminate the mercury, those young women lost in their own minds. Now the mercury and aluminum is in the vaccines we give our parents. Add organic sulfur to the diet of your parent or loved on and watch out they will remember who they are, and probably chew you out for letting it happen. Autism and Alzheimer's today are both vaccine damage, grow up! Add sulfur to the diet and kids and senior stop being stupid, lost in their own minds. Don't wait for it to happen, add organic sulfur and it won't happen.

The precise symptoms. My mother-in-law has all of those. But we knew that. We're just not sure if it's Alzheimer's or Parkinson's with dementia. Functionally, it doesn't seem to make much difference.

It helps to know that someone can notice factor for this disease. A lot of people have the disease and don't know it. Some are so confused that they don't want to think it is. If you take a lot of medicine that can contribute to your forgetfullness.

I think it is unfortunate that you catergorise these behaviors as symptomatic of Alzheimer's. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe - just maybe - older folks are MUCH smarter than you, and simply don't want to engage in the foolishness that society has deemed appropriate. The "* Symptoms" you site are essentially not debilitating and more inconvienent for younger people. This is just more social catergorising by people who want to impose their views on society. Why not try to learn from seniers and not fear their different and unique perspective on the world.

after the doctor told his patient that he had alzheimer's, the patent asked what should I do ? The doctor told him Go home and Forget about it.

I have no idea--I just like to keep up with symptoms because at my age--almost 82, you need to know these things for your own peace of mind.

VERY HELPFUL INFO

Just moments ago my wife and I were talking and the subject of the past terror went through came to light! When she said she didn't remember it well I felt violated all over again and was real mad! How could this person who witnessed my repeated assaults and then my temp insanity when I actually planned to set up my attacker to be killed by my hand in my own home! A police officer stated he was real mad coming to my home being called after my 3rd assault! No one was around ever and the police officer had to witness my assault to be able to do anything! When I asked while crying uncontrollably what was I to do and he responded the if it were him he would pull him into the home and blow his head off and then said that I don't want to come back here again and left! Well I quit crying and went looney, built a gun rack behind the door and placed a saturday night special fully loaded on it! The forth time the biggest guy across the street got the draw(his turn to act) while drunk and came right over grabbed me slapped me around! I didn't struggle or cry but straight faced I locked up on this arms and pulled with all my might getting him to the thresh hold of the front door that I left ajar! This man was over 200# and close to 30 y/o construction worker who's eyes got real big and screamed "your crazy" and ripped himself away from me! I was 150# 19 year old who's only problem was that I was lucky to afford a low income 235 housing who these older guys resented because they couldn't afford it and the only way I could was because I got drafted, went into the military and made very little money but qualified for a government program! As it happened that afternoon my older brother came home from his own basic training in the marines where he graduated as a lance corporal visited me, saw I was in shock, and went over and beat this guy to a bloody pulp! What I was referring to about my wife is that she was a witness to all of this and more but now can't remember the worst events of my life!!! I lost all fear of anyone on this earth that day and now know that I could kill even though I didn't! I know I went crazy for a short time, I had never ever been in shock before and it changed my personality! Knowing what I just listed would someone with this disease be able to forget something so horrendous as this? I really do know she is real mad at me for being mad at her as she doesn't know what I am talking about! Taking a step back I could see why she would be upset and I know I feel violated all over again and feel our relationship is looking like a lie! The events in peoples lives make the foundation between them and I feel that because leaving out this very important part leaves me being judged unfairly as the changes in my personality made me more challenging to others! Maybe the forgetfulness is of convenience for the need to leave this behind us! Thanks for your time!

While in my masters program a teacher told us that Alzheimer was not forgetting where you parked the car in the mall, but; did I drive, do I have a car, was I going in or out of here. The other example is seeing a cute young girl in the produce thinking she may look familiar or like some one you know, she walks up to you and says mom can we buy some bananas. This gives an idea of the difference of Absence of memory and alzeimers.

Confirmation that we did the right thing for our dad.

Hi folks, Thanks for sharing about your caregiving experiences! Please consider posting your questions for other caregivers in the online support groups we offer: http://www.caring.com/support-groups There you'll find faster response from many wonderful caregivers on the Alzheimer's journey with their loved ones. For those who were seeking information about the financial and emotional costs of caregiving, you'll find some data in the Caring.com News Room (linked at bottom of page) and in these infographics: http://www.caring.com/infographics/alzheimers-disease-by-the-numbers and http://www.caring.com/infographics/emotional-and-financial-costs-of-caregiving We also share infographics on our Pinterest profile: http://pinterest.com/caringcom/data-infographics/ Hope this helps!

I'm new to this site, and havent explored it completely yet, but I was wondering how much info there was on the financial devestation that accompanies caregiving responsibilities. I wish the politicians would address this matter as its a pretty serious one. My sisters husband developed ALZ at 68 and staying home to care for him utterly wiped her out.

My wife is becoming physical hitting me and she stays mad constantly. She tells me she would burn our home before she would let me have it. She tells me how much she regrets marrying me and all I ever have done is use her, steal from her, go through her things, Etc. What should I do?

I have a very dear friend who we think he early onset dementia/alzheimers. I feel that we are not being a good friend to her by discussing the issue with her...not as a group, but for 1 or 2 of us to talk with her. I just don't know how to approach this. Any suggestions?

My father, 78, has within the last 2 months started to spend money he doesn't have, loss of appitite, trouble sleeping, taking more pain medication, using foul language, arguing with close friends and family on every subject, etc. We have placed him in a Behavior Health Facility where they have a preliminary diagnosis of BiPolar disorder. They have done a CAT Scan of his head, but say that Medicare will not authorize a MRI or EEG. The CAT Scan showed normal age related deteriation in his brain. Is this a mental health issue or something that would require more extensive testing to find out if he has a medical issue? All of the above symptoms came up so suddenly, we are afraid the Doctors are not checking for medical issues and are just deciding it is part of the aging process. This man had a full-time job and very athletic until these symptoms began no more than 3 months ago.

This article could not have come at a more opportune time for me! I am in the midst of going thru this Alzheimers horror with my mother and I mean "horror" in every breath of the word! It is a vicious disease and I, for one, have no idea of what to expect day to day with her. And she seems to be worsening daily. Unfortunately, she appears to now be getting quite nasty with it and it is only my brother, my son and myself helping her. My sister and sister in law have totally dropped out of the picture. They do NOTHING to help at all. Not even a phone call. And one of them lives a block away from her! My brother and I are exhausted with this battle. I intend on visiting the website mentioned here the minute I finish this comment! Hopefully to find some source of aid!

i was going to comment. but, i forgot what the article was about!:(

Alzheimer's Disease is awful, absolutely AWFUL !! I lost my dearly beloved mother to Alzheimer's Disease back in September 2007, and still have her loving memory in my heart to this day and always !! Some of the early warning signs I noticed, back in the early 1990's, were my Mother's forgetfulness of important things she had always remembered previously, such as her SS #, home telephone #, home address, etc. Once my beloved Mother entered the latter stages of Alzheimer's Disease, she was eventually placed in a Hospice Care Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and let me be the first to say, nothing, and I do mean NOTHING was harder than to see my beautiful's Mother's brain begin to shut down all of her vital organs. Losing my Mother was losing the VERY BEST FRIEND a son ever had !! My Mother was my world and the truth of the matter is, I don't think I will ever fully overcome this loss. Many years ago, my Mother always told me, "Time heals all wounds..." She said this to me after I went through a bitter divorce, and she was 100% correct for that. But Mom, it's been almost five-years since you passed, and I can honestly say this is one moment in time where there has been no healing for my wounded spirit. I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU ALWAYS !!

@Klucky, Thank you for your post! We are certainly here to listen and be there as you, and other caregivers, care for their loved ones! Please check out our online Support Group for Alzheimer's Caregivers to find support for your journey with a loved one with Alzheimer's and other dementias: http://www.caring.com/alzheimers-support (You can copy and past the web address into your browser). You may also find support groups for other conditions and caregiving journey's here: www.caring.com/support-groups. @Vinnie, Thank you for your feedback! We're always glad to hear how people are viewing our articles. I have forwarded your comment to our editorial team for future articles. Kind regards, Sho of the Caring.com Community Team

Why are there only white people in the pictures?

anybody there ?

This information has been "enlightening"I Keep me informed. Again enlightening"

many of our friends in the early 80 year bracket are passing on. some with cancer, heart, and alzheimers. as the good book, say man has 70-80 years. Psalm 90:10 " In themselves the days of our years are seventy years: And if because of special mightness they are eighty years" Yet their instence is on trouble and hurtful things: For it must quickly pass by and away we fly" NWT

Apossible age factor? Prevalent at what age?

Oh...so "forgetting things" is the first sign of Alzheimer's. Thanks for the incredibly eye opening story.

I was my moms caretaker when she had Alzheimers. It is a fact your family will not help. I was alone I cleaned her, bathed her fed her, with no help from a sister. Do not put them in facility, keep them at home. I had her in best facility for a week, so I could get some rest. I went to visit her and they had not washed her face is was all crusty. Thank god my mom was easy, she was not violent. Any advice I can give or help with let me know. I would do it all over again, though I had my own medical condition. I survived aorta dissection. If you are taking care of a loved one, my heart goes out to you.

I thought it explained it very well and help me to understand more about Alzheimers. Thank you

marilu, one easy thing you might think about, check out, possibly to rule in or out as a reason, is how much sleep you're getting. Particularly if it's the only thing along these lines.

I'm 76, and wonder if not remembering what was the film I saw on TV the previous night might be an alert...or simply a sign of a tired, overstressed mind which I abused of my whole life long.

As a former career Navy Corpsman, please know I just want to add my two cents: almost all drugs (reagents) are designed to address symptoms only, and universally come with some side effects. I urge all consumers to educate themselves through libraries, reputable websites, etc. A Merck Manual, DSM IV and a Physicians Desk Reference (thank you major pharma) should become required reading. As 'Big Pharma' is allowed to push new drugs to market without proper trials when the ability to recoup the huge R&D costs presents itself, these companies often will rush an unproved medication to market. Ironically, many drugs that only effect a smaller market share because of fewer patients can languish for decades in the pipeline before coming close to approval for human use. They (Big Pharma) are also limited by the time allowed before the medication revenues will be diluted by generics as the legal time expires to hold them out of production by other companies looking to capitalize on another's development costs. Bottom line, the consumers must arm themselves with as much objective and verifiable data as possible. As dementia is one of the conditions that a larger and larger population of patients is now suffering from, the profit margin (market) is huge so we can expect many 'near misses' and/or formulations that can do as much harm as good. Witness the TV ads for class action lawsuits for damage or death from 'faulty' or bad medicines. (Hence the lawyers can cause costs to go up as they too try to protect the consumer...ahem) Finally...if you think a medication is making your loved ones memory worse or rendering them incapable of living without increasing amounts of assistance, I recommend discussing a drug holiday with your MD. If possible, consider temporarily reducing or stopping all together any and all medications that can be safely be reduced. You might be pleasantly surprised, but at a minimum you will have ruled out the suspect medication. Sorry for so long a reply without anything concrete to add, but as these patients are historically our parents, uncles or what have you...the drug companies know we will clutch at any and all straws in hope of something of benefit. You are in my prayers and as a new member; I will search for a more substantial addition to your wonderful website. One can never have too much information as long as its sound and done with a professional's guidance. I believe this and many other diseases are a result of toxins we routinely live with and aren't even aware of the problem. Needless to say, lifestyle can play a major factor as can nutrition, proper rest, and self-medication no matter how innocous a substance might appear. Good Luck and Good Health!

This article scared the heck out me. I remember the grammer school playground days, but cant rember what the latest movie I saw was about..but it eventually comes to me. I do remember all the girls I dated! But not their names ...does viagra help you remember?

general information relating to alzheimer's symptoms

We just recently put my dad into a memory care facility for alzheimers. i can't recommend strongly enough to people who are even beginning to see signs to get into some classes and support groups. get educated beforehand. my mom was in denial and now we are trying to play catch-up.

Make up an exam to test our memory ability?

...I had all those symtoms at 13 yrs of age...I had allergies that kept me in a virtual fog...also low blood sugar can have those affects...

I am a 51 year old women; my Father and his Mother both had Alzheimer's , i do believe i could also have it , but due do other medical conditions and medications i am on Doctors don't seem to worry or look in to it nor do i due to fear of the the reality of no cure, what Doctor Type of Doctor would be the best to join my Medical team ?

Other things in threads I'm reading and comparing Alzheimer's to Asperger's: Distractability: Losing track of what youre locking for in another room. Unfinished tasks, attention jumping subject to subject. One sided conversations. Am I ever famous for that, if it's a topic I like. Emotional tantrums -- we Aspies call them Meltdowns, but same thing. My own wife accused me of not listening or remembering what she said. (No, I didn't forget it, I only heard 30% of it!) Makes me wonder if there is some kind of DNA link to the two conditions... Remember Aspergers is basically a mild form of Autism. It could be an interesting study to look at the two conditions and medically compare them.

I have Asperger Syndrome...many of these "symptoms" also occur in people like me. Communications issues, misplaced words, sociability, especially the disorientation (I've gotten lost in a mall wandering aimlessly, because I'd lose track and get overwhelmed and can't figure out where I am.) No early onset Alzheimer's for me.

Advanced and beginning symptoms separated.

I would love to get any information on Alzheimers. My mother is 83 and just moved in with my husband and me. She has been told she has Alzheimers. I need all the help I can get because I am in poor health myself

Alzheimers is a memory problem called dementia. The diagnosis of alzheimers requires a postmortumn autopsy. Dementia, failed memory, can have many causes. Vascular dementia is the most common, after alzheimers, also problems with the thyroid, vitamin B12, etc. So the discussion needs to be enlarged.. If we recognize there are many causes for failed memory, perhaps we can find some cures.

Article said 8. I see only 5, You mean the content of this one article is spread across 8 pages? NOT A CHANCE!

Oh, man. Looking back, I said that four months ago, in so many words.......................... Apologies for bringing it up again. But the tantrums haven't subsided. The wife only said that they had, both because she wanted to keep it pretty private, and so that we wouldn't be getting into her business, so to speak. But all of a piece. Well, we are glad to know, because there's more than one way to support, without it even being explicitly about the Alzheimer's. Many, many ways, now that we know. And one last point: She deserves commendation. It really takes courage to share about Alzheimer's outside the family circle.

One of the things our dear friend told us when she opened up about her husband - a friend for 30 years - was about the temper tantrums. This is something that surprised me, because I've never heard of this aspect, until I began to see them occur. Oh, boy...! And while she says he's never hit her, she says that he raises his hand often. I don't know how broadly applicable this is, but he has always been a very controlling person. His career was one that required him to very closely control a number of functions, and he was recognized often for being very good at it. It's awful for him when he realizes that he's failing, as much for the things he's not getting as the embarrassment and anger about himself. Blessedly, the wife is one tough cookie. Not mean, but not the helpless type. There's probably a better way to say it. Maybe that God blessed him with her. If this phenomenon's broadly applicable, say, even happens in people developing Alzheimer's whose personalities were formerly pretty passive, then I suggest that it ought to be a part of such discussions.

My doctor sid he some memory lapse is normal for everyone. Concern comes not when you forget where you put your checkbook but when you forget what your checkbook is for. Whenever I have one of those memory lapses I immediately look for my checkbook and erite a check (usually to the Alzheimer's Association).

This disease really frightens me.My grandmother Mary had it & now her second son Buster a.k.a Leonard has it.I'm afraid my mother has the start if it also.I'm worried that it could be inherited & passed on to my girls.Sure hope a cure will be found someday.

I am 65 yrs old, and one or more symptons I did'nt see was going to get something from another room, and forgetting what you went in there for. Another sympton was during a conversation with someone, you immediately block out all they've said, getting lost or stuck on one word or item mentioned in the one-sided conversation

I found the information given, was straight forward, understandable, and the 8 signs are now etched in my brain, thank you..........

Thank you

I think it is a great article for a quick check on a loved one to see if professional help is needed.

What ?

Actually the article gave me what I needed. My mother is 92 1/2 and she fits the profile of 5 out of the 8. The progression is also becoming more rapid. After reading the article, I know that I am not "crazy" Mother's memory is failing and the family will need to watch her more to see how she evolves. Thank you!

Research finding state that Cretzfeld Jacobs Disease/human form of mad cow disease is mistakenly diagnosed at least 14% of the time and labelled as Alzheimer's; CJD is caused by eating infected diseased beef and produces similar symptoms.

Alzheimer's warning signs. Look in the kitchen, In advanced stages all of the cabinet doors are left open.

You failed to include vital information such as the fact that those same symptoms can also be a sign of other conditions, e.g. low blood sugar or hormonal imbalance or thyroid malfunction, among others. To not mention these other factors implies alzheimers is the major possibility. I do not find that useful and do find it misleading and irresponsible. I would not be interested in reading any additional articles from this source based on anticipated future inadequacies of the same type.

It says 8 symp[ioms to watch for and only ennumerates 5, right ? I'm 86 this coming July.

My wife has been a Theraputic Activities Director for 40 years. She learned that if you were going to show later signs of Alzheimers you would develope the disease between your 40s and 60s. After that the progression averages about 15 years before Alzheimers syptoms start to show. Most dementia is regular senility as the blood vessles harden and blood flow to the brain lessons.

Notice that the article is sponsored by the drug company that sells Alzheimer's medication. America is being bamboozled with propaganda. Dementia is a serious illness, worsened by the fact that most Alzheimer's diagnoses are incorrect because physician's don't bother evaluating the obvious underlying causes and that is NOT Alzheimer's. That is why so many patients get horrible drug treatment and end their lives in great dyscomfort. It's an epidemic of ignorance and the drug companies are meanwhile rolling in billions. Getting the correct diagnosis matters! Signed, S Rubin MD a specialist in dx/tx dementia www.Gerolescence.com

Thank you

the whole article. Ihave a question...When do you know it is the right time to find a place to have your loved live. My sisters and other family members believe it is time to place my mom. She is 82 and has Alzheimer'sfor 3 years(maybe a little longer). She lives with me, she can still dress her self,can feed her self and go to the bathroom by her self. She can not every be left alone. She has no idea who I am. I can be 3 different people in 1 day. She would not eat or eat to much if I wasn' there. She is always looking for her parents. She can be 30 years old in the morning.,14 in the afternoon and 80 or 7 by night time.My sisters believe it would be better now while she is still able to do a few things for her self and she loves to be around people. But the thought of us doing this upsets me so much

Finally, I found a very good substitute home for my dad (92). There are only six patients in this facility, enough experienced staff, it is all included, they have the medical equipment necessary in an emergency and our primary doctors visit the facility regularly. Since my mom (87) and I are going through some health issues, it was necessary to take this hard decision. It was not an easy choice. Nevertheless, God has blessed us all with peace and dad has been there for a week now without abrupt changes in character or moods. Thank to all of those in my support group, my friends and relatives for the prayers, understanding, kind words that gave me the strenght needed to make this process less hurtful. Blessings and Health!!

My Mom died with alzheimer's so I know quite a bit about it. also, I am 80 years old, so am kind of monitoring myself. It'd not difficult to note memory problems sometimes. I am sorry for anyone who has a parent or loved one with this condition. Patricia Leonaitis, RN, ret.

I have suspected the onset of Alzheimer's for many months. especially in the abstract thinking ability and finding the right word. I fear becoming even more of a burden to my son.

This article is very well explained. It gives you general guides that help to understand more this devastating disease. By the way, what can you tell me about PURE coconut oil? Thanks a lot for keeping caregivers early patients informed.

brain artritis

yep - ever one of em. matter o fact, had it longer than i expected based on deeze symptums, but it wadn't all dat bat den. oh well , sit hoppens!

Taking Coconut oil (virgin not processed) 2-3 tablespoons a day has been shown to help improve this class of patients. Available in Sprouts, wholefoods, and other stores. Will improve good cholesterals.

Richard Wetmore, you have a long row to hoe.

I have been taking care of my 80 year old mother who suffers from Alzheimer's for the past 3 years. It all started when I found her in her bathroom on the floor not breathing. I performed CPR and was able to get her heart started. While in the ambulance she suffered a heartattack,She is only 98 pounds and before this her health was great. After rehab she moved in with me and within 3 days she stepped on a wet mop,and broke her hip,after surgery she went back into rehab then back home She proceeded to have 2 more strokes, and then her memory deteriorated fast eg. Looking for my father ( who passed away 14 years ago), couldn't follow simple directions, didn't recognize me, the list goes on. If I had one wish, it would be to have my sister call her and talk before it's too late. Nine years is too damn long for a mother and daughter to not stay in contact with each other. Because of their not getting along, a lot of other family members suffer, such as my sisters 2 daughters. As far as I'm concerned I will never talk to my sister and it suits me just fine. When i informed my sister about my mothers first stroke, she said to me that she doesn't take care of parents , I told her that I was just telling her what happened and nothing else.So alzheimer patients are 24/7 and if asked I would say, i would do it again, because she is my mother and she would do the same for me. Families really show their true colors when parents need help. So, in closing, My sister should take the stick up her ass and use it to dial the phone and call her mother!!!!

Even if Alzheimer's can mimic something less serious, these articles are right on. I was the only caregiver for my husband whose symptoms I began to recognize in 1997; he died in 2008. Alzheimer's is THE most devasting disease (dis-ease) that I have ever experienced, including cancer, and I am offended by anyone who dares to make a joke about it. Those of us who have had the Alzheimer's experience with a loved one belong to a fraternity all of our own, and if you don't have it or get it, and no one whom you love has it or gets it, thank God, and while you're thanking Him, pray also for those who are working hard to develop ways to recognize the signs earlier and to find a cure. Thank you.

Who ever wrote this has Alzheimer's. The headline says "8 Symptoms to Watch For", but the story only gives 5.

The memory part

I keep reading this article over and over but can't remember what it says.

Hmm, sounds like our current Congress members, geez. Yep just like Cantor or those running for president on the republican side that is. Parry, or Michelle for sure. Newt the salamander, known to us with affection and the numerious "Ricks" all fit this sad mold.

The symptoms of Alzeimers, and how to deal with them with a loved one.

dodge dakota98, thank you!

Article discusses specific symptoms, allowing the concerned person to know what types of memory loss and other changes suggest Alzheimer's.

I can't overly emphasize the effects of medication which can easily mimic early Alzheimer's. After more than 3 years, I still have "chemo brain" and, additionally, Tamoxifen really messes with my mind. Aromasin and Femara were even worse. Take me off Tamoxifen for 2-3 days and I'm totally normal, "sharp", I have lots of energy, I'm upbeat, etc. PLEASE check with the doctor about any meds which might be causing what you think is Alzheimer's.

FirewindII; Having a father who had a form of dementia I had to make a shotgun approach with a diagnosis. With what I've read and what three of the top neurologists of Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) FL told me was how much do you want to spend. I was told that about fifty percent of the patients have "Alzheimer's". The other has (believe it or not) fifty other forms of dementia. That's why I wanted to do a DNA test on him. I understand there are about eight markers one can look for and not all will lead to Alzheimer's; some earlier others lat in life. Currently Alzheimer's is not reversible. However, the patient needs to see a neurologist who specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of some of the ones that might be reversed. I found two great articles on the web; one was two years old from MIT. I don't know if I can attach links to this website.

Again, it would be wonderful to have an expert say what is not Alzheimer's, but may seem like it -- either here in the comments, or in another article.

it helped me to realie that I can't just look the other way. My loved one has too many of these symptoms to ignore.

This article would only be helpful to cretins. You horrid people appear to have made a money-generating website, smothered in "caring" jargon. Well done.

my mother had alzheimer'sit was hard seeing the symptoms take over her way of life.but what was keeping me strong was not just the love i have for her . i would just stop and think about all the time i hurt myself and the first person i would cry for was my mother. yes it's sad but some day we will have what it take to fight ugly disease.

While I wait to get a diagnosis, this was helpful to read the symptoms. My spouse has more loss of reasoning. He is not repeating things or wandering of, but will drive with the parking brake engaged and say the brakes are frozen, without thinking to check. He thinks recorded phone solicitors are real! He makes banking errors. He seems to add steps, making things more difficult or take more time: he will unwrap a package of frozen meat to thaw, only to re-wrap it with new plastic wrap.

Pardon my lengthily retort. My father was born in 1910 to a parent who died when he was 16 from cancer (possibly of the cervix). Five years later my father developed colon cancer. He wound up in a major cancer treatment center in Boston. They arrested the cancer with surgeries and radiation treatments. At some time during this event he received an ileostomy. Ten years later he was back in the hospital with the same problem. This time after the cancer was arrested they performed the first colostomy reconnect on record. He was finally informed the obvious; with all of the radiation he underwent having children will be out of the question. That was 1942. In August of 1947 he married my mother. In the summer of 1948 my mother informed my dad he was going to be a father. I was born and less than two years later so was my brother. My father stayed cancer free until about 1984. Here's where the man I called my father began to slowly ebb away. He was a multi-talented musician that shared his ability all up and down the east coast and the Caribbean"¦"¦I desperately wanted a sample of my fathers DNA but my mother declined. Where's this going? First off, I did manage to get a sample of my mothers DNA. My next object is to map myself and my two sons'. At my age I don't want to find out that in fifteen years that I'll be overwhelmed by the same problem. I read everyday about the studies and successes on the multiple forms of dementia. I and many millions wait for that cure that will prolong us. Having done the family history I've only found one other member that lived older than my father. I would have loved to get that sample. One other thing that I found out. I made an inquiry from an attorney concerning medication being with-held from a patient if they don't want it while in a nursing facility. I'm curious if this is something nation wide or just in certain areas of the country?

Very helpful info. Wish we had known all this many years before we realized my father and mother had Alzheimer's ! Hugs and Prayers to all Care Givers. LOL. wandabamagirl

These symptoms can also occur with hormone imbalances, complications arising from taking various drugs and/or drug combinations, pre-menopause, menopause, and seasonal affective disorder. Don't try to diagnose Alzheimers based on this list - get a thorough medical exam.

several of these I can recognize , but some have been going on for over 255 years..

9) if you just read this article but can't remember what it is about....

today with the stress level that so many people are under these memory problems are common. before people start jumping to conclusions they need to see a doctor and worry less. low vitamins can also cause these problems and gland problems....

...because defining and measuring it seems so like the proverbial "trying to nail jello to the wall".

Sooooo... What would really be welcome here would be for an expert to ring in and say what is NOT Alzheimer's. Another, most valuable, way of approaching this. Please?

It really sneaks up on a person without them becoming really aware of it -- I . Dain M.D.

A new study by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Institute on Aging state that "Hearing Loss is now linked to may other health problems!" According to their studies, people with hearing loss are much more likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This study goes on to state that "hearing loss left untreated can lead to loneliness, isolation and depression."

This article gave me great relief. I now know it isn't Alzheimer's.

This is a helpful article to me for the following reasons: 1. Helps me to understand where the subject is coming from. 2. Allows me to converse with the subject in a coherent manner. 3. Enables me to note the differences in an Alzheimers sufferer, or a Parkinsons sufferer.

Brain damage resulting from a series of strokes can act the exact same way you are describing Alzheimer's. Only a brain scan will tell the difference. My mother does not have Alzheimer's, but has the same symptoms due to the brain damage mentioned from a series of mini-strokes. There is no treatment for this type of brain damage to lessen or prevent the progression. The symptoms keep worsening to the point where she is not remembering the past either. She still remembers who I am, as I am her caretaker, but seems to be forgetting everything else at this point.

Many of the symptoms are common to other causes -- mild strokes, peripheral neuropathy, inclusion body myositis etc. Don't leap to an Alzheimer's conclusion.

I CAN'T REMEMBER?

Haven't seen this one anywhere: The ability to read. My father subscribed to about 50 magazines when I stepped in. He turned the pages quickly and considered that he had "read" the magazines. I do not think he could concentrate long enough to make sense of what he saw on the pages.

...Is "freaked out" a phrase you really want to use in a *professional* article?

We are seeing amazing results with my 83-year old mother since she started working with a kinesiologist who teaches the Brain Gym program. This program focuses on strengthen the right and left sides of the brain. You will be amazed to know the simple exercises that can improve your health. My mom started having short-term memory loss about 10 months ago. It progressively got worse with hallucinations and panic attacks. She was only on a multivitamin and she had a clean reading on her brain MRI, no vitamin D deficiency, no urinary tract infection and she was increasing her water intake. We didn't know what to try next. We met this certified teacher of Brain Gym here in MN and she not only works with kids with ADD,ADHD and autism, but now with seniors. In just a week we have seen significant improvement in our mom. She is sleeping, no hallucinations and she is creating order in her home again. She was in a right brain dominant condition that could not live in reality, had no order or logic and emotional weakness. So far so good. We are praying that this continues to heal her. Please look into this. We felt so lost, but we feel like our mom is coming back to us. The exercises are so simple and I'm so upset that this treatment has not been heard of by more people.

Or it could be a medication like Tramadol that is bringing on these symptoms. It was happening to my mother. She had severe memory problems, was hallucinating, falling, confused, weak. I called the doctor's office and told them since the 4 months since she was on Tramadol, all of these symptoms had appeared, and that I wanted her off them NOW. The doctor replaced the Tramadol with an increase in her Tylenol, and I got my mother back. The side effects of Tramadol was preventing her from communicating those very side effects to him, she was so confused and forgetful. Then he didn't bother to explain to her the withdrawal symptoms of getting off Tramadol (chiefly severe insomnia). My respect for him and all physicians (who cater to their corporate pharmaceutical asshole masters) had plummeted because of that experience. "It's the meds, stupid!!!!"

Not speaking as an expert, of course, just relating what I've seen and heard. It may come down to safety. (And God's grace that things can be changed on the good side of that line.) I think of another friend whose mother started heating her home by leaving her electric oven open. That, some bruises and burns became the necessary, citeable grounds for getting legal rights to take over. Not for commitment to an institution. It was a significant step, but in practice didn't make things much easier, because of course it was doubted and argued. It was part of what they needed, though, to set things on a better course. It looked like a very important part was having a doctor involved -- from diagnosing her, to officially ringing in in the legal stuff, to helping to convince her that her life had changed. Again, I'm really not trying to make it sound like this worked in one fell swoop, but to relate some more experiences.

Thank you for your comments, they all are extremely helpful in what is going on in relation to my loved one. Article mentions-phase II, will do more research on this, although I worry because as i've learned-gets worse with age. I'm concerned with now, her denial, her way of living, won't listen to no one, wears leggings as trousers because she wants a "friend" gets mad if we tell her that is not her character of life. she insists no one tells her what to do. we are simply jealous of her which we are not, concerned for her, we are.

To lucyed's comment, I wonder if enough attention has been given to the temper tantrums. Recently, now that it's "out in the open" with my old dear friend, his wife told me that my first encounter with the new him was when he had the tantrum at a restaurant, got up, stormed out and drove home. I had thought that it was way out of character, but that it was probably hypoglycemia, or something. She said, no, that was "it". He felt that he was losing his grip and wasn't coping with that to his expectations, and was humiliating himself more and more deeply. She says that such episodes started showing up more and more. The only (partially) good thing now is that "it" has a name, and he knows it. With this, she says the tantrums seem to be subsiding. I wonder if something like this amounts to "Phase II"?

very helpful as someone I love is in complete denial & taking chances driving, forgetting things, gets angry if people that love her tell her or even want to help her.she states she's done all this things on her own for years & simply pushes everyone away & says we are all jealous of her, critizices us.

One last thing: As to being diagnosed, my friend said that his doctor said that he was going into it for a while before others really suspected it. So he's not in the earliest stage. In other words, the real earliest stages are usually diagnosed retrospectively.

Hoo boy, I didn't even get to Hercules's question as to even whether there is just one agreed-upon test for early Alzheimer's. My friend said that because of the rest of the stuff I just relayed here, tests are elusive, subject to a lot of interpretation and judgment, and not with heaps of consensus backing them.

To Hercules's comment just above, one of my interests here is that one of my best friends - 65 - has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He's still with it, always in the mornings. Anyway, during his good periods, he's been sharing what the doctor is telling him. Of course, there is a lot more detail than what's above. In the first place, a ton more that the doctors in this field are debating. One particular fulcrum of debate is how to stage it. There just are not discrete levels that consensus is building around. And it's apparently very and elusively diverse in victims, and this is one of the biggest challenges it presents to all affected, including clinicians. Though. like some other things in life, "we know it when we see it". Like I said, this if from my friend in the mornings, and I'm pretty sure it's not "the Alzheimer's talking". Though, as some participants here know, that can't be said with certainty.

knowing what things to look for when when a problem is suspected

This sounds like the symptoms of menopause, I think I have at least 6 of them.

I have 5 of these symptoms...but I can't for the life of me remember what they are.

Yes I liked the write-up , for my own evaluation.

WHAT KIND OF TEST DETECT EARLY ALZHEIMER

Alzheimer's, That's bull. Just wait 15 min., then it will come back to your memory, where you put your eyeglasses, look in the mirror.

other illnesses can mimic symptoms of alzheimers (and Dimentia)such as sleep apnea.This is why it's important to let a dr. diagonose the person as opposed to conclusion via preconecieved notion.

...Make that "official Dx".

FWIW: There is another cause of dementia: Cirrhosis. When the liver gets to the stage that it cannot clean the waste impurities, it causes diminished brain function, as well as other physical functions. (Think of a sponge that starts getting hard at one end, and it spreads to the other until it's completely hard.) My father was a "high functioning alcoholic" for decades. In his "end-stage cirrhosis" (an official Rx), he went downhill over a period of months. We could help him function by giving him Anulose, a medicine meant to do this part of the liver's job. It would clean/absorb/draw the impurities out through the intestines. One very tough aspect was that his whole existence was devoted to power -- "domestically", so to speak, and publicly. He was a measured genius. He had a long civilian military career as a mechanical engineer. He was a powerful official in the community. He also was never wrong. There's no way he'd want us to know about the cirrhosis, because it would be a chink in his infallibility. We knew he was an alcoholic. We knew that the metal shot glass he always used was green with corrosion. But we didn't know the severity of his cirrhosis until this end-stage condition. At age 72. Imagine someone so described just lying down on the kitchen floor. And it did get nastier. And to digress a bit more, he never appeared jaundiced. Fortunately, this symptomatic end-stage only lasted about four months. Something to consider if your loved one's life sounds like anything in this alternative case study.

Kinda interesting!

Is there an age alzheimers starts at . I am 56, and I cant seem to remember some thing somebody just told 5 minutes later. I read things, and dont know what I just read. Or I go to say something and dont know what i was going to say. I have been looking up memory training, to try to help me out. I look up memory games and get tired of them because i cant remember. I have to think about what my password is and I use sameone on all. who should I see about this or what can I do? Seems like it has been going on for quite some time.

Many of the symptoms mentioned can also be symptoms of depression, including SITUATIONAL depression. Years of SEVERE and DEBILITATING loneliness has caused a number of these symptoms in me, and I'm only 44 years old. I have experienced so much rejection and discrimination, AND my friends and relatives are so busy, busy, busy, sick, busy, far away, busy, busy, far away, busy, busy, busy--on and on and on, that it ain't even funny.

I think I better see a doctor. I fit too many of these symptoms. Thank you. Tom..Cat

sounds like Rick Perry!

I need to help my family learn how to deal with my memory losses. They don't want to talk about it...but, I want them to not be afraid of me as my disease process progresses. These emails are my way of gently letting them know that I still love them now and forever.

HOW DO I KNOW IT IS TIME TO PUT HER WHERE SHE NEED WATCH 24 -7 IF SHE DOSN'T WANT TO GO FOR HELP, PLUS SHE DOEN'T WANT TO LEAVE HER STUFF SOME WHERE ELSE. WHERE CAN FINE A PLACE THAT WOULD TAKE HER MONEY WHEN IT IS VERY LOW. THAT IS SHE IS IN APPARTMENT FROM HUDD. 'SO HOW DO I DO THIS , I'M BYE MY SELF WITH THIS BUT I DO LISTEN ON THINGS. I'M THE FOURTH CHILD AND I'M SCARED THIS IS ONE ME. I;M DOING MU BEST ON EVERTYHING. SHE DOES HAVE ALL OF THESE SIGNS YOU MENTION ON 8 WARNING SIGNS? THANK YOU GOD BLESS CHERYL

I am a 49 female with Hep C that took my aging mother of 88 in over a year ago. I have been treating myself naturally and alternatively for the Hep C. I was able to take my mother off of 6 medications she did not need or was mis-diagnosed for, and replaced them with herbal supplements which made her healthier, changed her diet to a healthier non junk diet w/ more Fruits Veg, Fish, Grains etc. Recently the past few months she has become more agitated, accusatory, disrespectful of myself and husband ( calling our home a dump, complaining constantly that her life was better in RI before she came to live with us in VA). I have got her involved with the local senior center 4 days/wk, take her to her dr's appt, try to involve her in our lives. She does not know how to live with anyone and expects everyone to listen to her on how things should be done around our house. She has now begun to accuse me of taking advantage of her and her finances (which is a very limited amount of SS). She has resorted to calling me a bitch and being extremely combative exercising her independence by refusing to take her medication or hiding it and then lying saying she took it. When I follow up with her I'm accused of watching her like a hawk and that she is a prisoner in my home. She is constantly putting me down that I do nothing for her. All I do is take care of her daily and her needs as well as try to take some time out for myself. Which entails me having to leave my own home for some peace. I had a PT job working nights btw 5-9p which was great but I walked away from it. Bad decision! I have a hard time finding another PT job and I can't work FT so I applied for an EDCD waiver which Medicaid helps pay me to stay at home but it's not near enough of what I could be making. She does not understand the sacrifices we are making for her and then she has the audacity to say I do NOTHING for her . It makes me sooooo angry and don't know what to do other than speak to her primary and put her on a dementia pharmaceutical. Honestly I really hate to do that because of the bad side effects of those drugs - but in short of my own peace of mind being at risk here; my only other choice is putting her in a nursing home. These knockdown heated explosions of dissent and chaos is really getting to me, her and my husband. I cannot afford to be so stressed out!!!! My poor husband - I feel bad for him too, he did not sign up for this and I am very fortunate he has not asked me for a divorce! Even my two dogs will come by my side and try to soothe us, they are even stressed out by this stressful change in our home. I try to rationalize and explain things to my mother but she does not get it at all. It's like she has no common sense or sense of reality. She asked me one day if I could find out the winning lottery numbers on the computer and then go play them. I laughed and said I wish we could but you can't find that out before the numbers are drawn - she was confused and had no idea or concept. I just really needed to get that out - whew! I have such a headache - I never used to get headaches. Am i wrong just to want to distance myself from her and treat her like she was a paying client. I think it would be better to just put her in a nursing home - no amount of money is worth this.

was told in 2002 i have MS then in 2008 was told i have Cadasil im only 50 years old, does anyone out there have this other then myself?

Hello anonymous, Thank you very much for your question. If you'd like you can post any questions you have in our Ask & Answer section, here: ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). I hope that helps! -- Emily | Community Manager

cana person in their 40's have this disease

all 8 pages were helpful.

Hello LissaR, Thank you for your questions. If you'd like, you can post any questions you have in our Ask & Answer section, here: ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). I hope that helps, take care! -- Emily | Community Manager

My husband "comes in and out" of Alzheimers. When he is "in", he can get quite arguementatve and say really nasty things to me. Does he remember these conversations later? We are newly married (3 years) In some ways that is a blessing because I don't know how he acted before; in other ways that is a curse for the same reason. I am beginning to recognize his "moods" and sometimes what triggers them, but not always. Right now I am afraid to broach certain topics that anger him because I am not really sure what he does remember.

I don't know what stage my husband is in, but change in weather always upsets him. He does suffer from sundowners and now that fall is here, he is hibernating and grouchy because of the cold. Is this common among Alzheimer patients?

It is difficult to adjust to all the changes in our loved one, of course. In addition to that there is always the underlying fear that I will "inherit " the disease, especially when I forget where I have "safely" put something I now can't find, or when I cannot draw the precise word I want to use from my memory bank. I have found that the only way to deal with it all is one day at a time with God's promises.

This article names very concrete symptoms and also describes them very well. That's why it has been helpful for me. Thanks.

I am watching my mother go like my grandmother. I have dedicated myself to look after her, but I needed to know just how you can tell if she has it. I now will go a head and take her to the Drs to get a proper eveluation. You have been most helpful

Hello SAINT MARY 5­7, I'm very sorry to hear about your situation, that sounds really difficult. If you have any questions please feel free to post them in our Ask & Answer section, here: ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

I HAVE MY MOTHER , 82 AND MOTHER INLAW, 92 WITH ME NOW. THEY DO NOT GET ALONG AT ALL. IF MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEEN OUT AND RETURN HOME WITHOUT THEN HEARING US COME IN, WE WILL HEAR THEM TALKING AND LAUGHING AS IF THEY ARE BEST FRIENDS. AS SOON AS THEY REALIZE WE ARE HOME THEY IMMEDIATLY SHUT DOWN CONVERSATION WITH EACH OTHER, AND USUALLY THE MOTHER IN LAW GOES OFF TO HER ROOM. WHEN SHE RETURNS, SHE SITS AND GIVES MY MOTHER DIRTY LOOKS. MY MOM ON THE OTHER HAND JUST IGNORES HER AND DOES NOT TRY TO STRIKE UP A CONVERSATION WITH HER. THEY BECOME INSTANT EMEMIES. WHAT TO DO????

VERY GOOD TIPS

mother has this & father just passed away. he was 'hiding' alot from us (her children) & this helped me to understand her & the process. Thank you for breaking it down for even the non-medical world can understand what is happening to our mother.

I think Newt Gingrich's idea about Alzheimer's research is facinating. Here it described here: Alzhttp://www.drcarolshow.com/DailyShows/Dr_Carol_Show_Aug_30_Hr_2_newt.mp3

This is a good article, and I'm someone who needs to watch himself. Alzheimer's took my Mom, and I've had meninigitis and other brain issues. It's great to show signs of less than half of those symptoms and none real bad. Who's heard of lecithin having the amino acid that produces the neurotransmitter we need?

There are other kinds of dementia apart from Alzheimers that are equally as devastating and are not diagnosable by this list of 8 things to look for. My mother has subcortical dementia with aterioschlerosis (hardening of the arteries in other parts of her brain also). Her memory is good but she has constant horrific anxiety and agitation and confusion. Some days are so bad that she sits and rocks while making high pitched anxiety vocalizations. Her speech is slow and she struggles with communication. However she still knows who I am and can remember facts such as birthdays, what she ate for lunch etc. Please be aware of these other types of dementia. My mother was only 67 when she became affected. She was put in a psychiatric facility on a hold order, as she was misdiagnosed with severe depression. Thankfully the 5th psychiatrist she saw had the sense to do a brain scan and found the damage associated with this other type of dementia.

Several of the mental problems you are flaging as possible Alzheimer's are also seen in concussions, and concussions can happen easily to elderly people. My doctor says,"If a doctor doesn't think of a possible diagnosis, he will never find it." You should be telling people about this! Symptoms of a concussion could be long - lasting, persisting for a year or more. Some of these forgetings and not being able to find the right word could be from grandpa hitting his head on a shelf.

Hello Nostalgia, Thank you for your post. I see that you commented on the article 8 Causes of Memory Loss that Aren't Alzheimer's (http://www.caring.com/articles/8-causes-memory-loss-not-alzheimers/comments). I am very sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, we are unable to diagnose medical problems for our site members, or provide medical guidance online. While members of our community may respond to your question, we recommend that you contact a doctor offline regarding this medical issue. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

YOur pop-up ads are so obnoxious that I couldn't finish reading an article.

I did not get feedback on comment that I posted previously.

As usual the information I gather from you is very appreciated. Thanks!

My teenage son has 4 of these symptoms! LOL!

I also need to add, that it also includes loss of procedural abilities. Meaning; someone walks over to the pantry, and they can't remember how to open the door let alone why they are standing there...or how to start the car. It's like writing a sentence on a chalk board and mid-way thru someone comes by and erases part of it....I have watched two family membesr struggle with it and I would not wish it on my enemies. It is a twice death. Once when the mind "disappears" and the second when the body finally gives out :-(

The real scary thing about Alzheimer´s is that even now, no true benefit can be hoped from medications, several drugs are available but they seem only to slow down the process (if the patient responds well) It´s so complicated, so much is new understanding the source of the disease, but medical treatments don´t really improve and they are so expensive.

Confirmed what we already know. Doubt and denial are not helpful. I will never forget the day I decided to call my dad's problem by it's name. The elephant in the room had a name.

Why do these so called informative sites have popups every time I change the page. Nothing new here. This stuff has been published thousands of times. I'm hitting 70, and realize I am not as quick as I used to be, physically or mentally. I don't panic when I forget where I left my keys. I have been misplacing keys since I was 10 years old.

I am 82 with COPD; Oxygen 24/7 and a nebulizer for medication. Also use Ativan in serious situations. I believe I have moderate Alzheimer's - all syptoms point to it. My medical doctor and my "shrink" say "NO", I don't have it. 80% of these articles say I DO. All I can do is keep trying and going to doctors, I guess. I am on 6.ps on my oxygen regulator (in house, eletric by a company) and seem to feel better on that - then reduce it to "5" when I sleep. I still use my computor. . .but call for help frequently. I am glad I found you. Much help. .Thank you. . . .GrtGranny Pat P.S. I am "alone". .really. . no friends; family; no one to help . . .amd looking for part time senior citizen to help. . .maybe I will find one.. Can not afford the 'Agency' help at $22+ an hour. There are lots of us out here in same boat. Thanks again. . .Bless you

The word "Alzheimer's" is a very scary word and strikes fear into anyone's heart, but this is a very good article for all. My mother had Alzheimer's and it was very, very difficult to see her go through this disease process. I am so happy to see so much more information come out about this disease.

I always read these articles. They are very helpful, practical and humane. Thanks!

Hello Mercy Me, Thank you very much for your comment. Here is an article about how Alzheimer's disease is currently being diagnosed today, and the steps to a diagnosis: ( http://www.caring.com/articles/alzheimers-diagnosis ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

After reading this article and the lists of symptoms, I would have to self diagnose myself as having Alzheimer's for I exhibit all 8... All in all, I really don't know WHAT to think because by the time I get this typed up, I won't remember! :0) It was very informative, thank you for the article. Don't hesitate to seek professional advice if your loved one truly needs help. I have to ask though, how does one truly get diagnosed unless they are on the autopsy gurney? Has technology increased to truly identify the amyloid plaques prior to arriving at the coroners office without having to do invasive dissection or taking a sliver of the brain? What I think is that our world has gone totally mad and out of control with all the technology over load that they continue to spew out at us at rapid rates and are expected to keep up in order to survive. However, we are not surviving, we are destroying our brain cells with tech overload due to knowledge and technology increasing at phenomenol speed! (oops, sorry, I just noted I repeated myself ;0) We can't believe that we are going to be able to sustain and keep up at the worlds pace that we are expected too and not have consequences. We need to slow down, focus, try to live as healthy as possible, exercise, be task oriented, be involved in adventure and stimuli, engage in new places and pleasure and encourage our elders, childen and those whom we care for and love to do the same. While trying to eliminate all the many distractions that keep us in wired bondage. Or at least administer small doses of exposure. It seems that our whole planet and world has some form of Alzheimer's spectrum. Our senior population seems to get labeled all to quickly if they can not keep up with all the latest and greatest gadgets, do online banking, online mailing, etc, etc. especially if they have worked hard all their lives in non computerized activity or have lived a motto of "don't buy unless you have saved" and "pay cash, don't go into debt", "own your home and car", and have savings. So, those elderly with children who do not share the same ideas start pushing to get mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, neighbor, friend, labeled with all kinds of syndromes, diseases and mental health axis in order to gain control of assets. Our children are being taught in Kindergarten to become computer dependent instead of using their raw functioning brains to equate the wonderful things that are around them and use their full senses of gathering info and computing it abstactly with their brain to full capacity. Or just work and play outdoors and be children! No outdoor time for them unless they are tethered to electronics. Playtime has become cell phones, IPods, IPads, portable dvd's, cd's, MP3 players etc instead of doing puzzle crosswords, carrying or reading books..Oh wait, they have Kindles for Kinders! Lord, help us all! I rest my laptop case with my Organic Brain Syndrome :0) I sob because my brain has been robbed.. What are the questions and answers to this dilemna? "Oh, I know what it is," "Well maybe I do" or "I don't recall." I think that is the sentence we are taught over and over again when we really don't want to be accountable...Again, thank you for the article... SO, the number one question is, "DO I HAVE ALZHEIMER'S? I surely feel like it. Gotta go Wii Fit!

How is it that a doctor can be the judge, of something that is conclude, merely by a cognitive skills test. I would trust a law enforcement officers opinion ,a lot more. They are trained for that , a little more so than a doctor. More often than not, I believe its, life , frustration with life ,or not having anything worth living out the rest of it for. That is why we humans, start to try to forget how too live.

How do you get your physician to take you seriously when concerned about possible Alzheimer's? I have talked to my personal primary physician and to my neurologist about this and they have both given me a simple question and answer test that I aced, of course. I would not have been able to find my way to their offices or back home if I had not. To me that test would only be valuable in advance Alzheimer's. I told both of them that but they don't seem to realize that I have a true concern about this and would like more help from them.

Unfortunately, lists of symptoms are often misleading. Any number of illnesses and issues can cause these kinds of symptoms. DO NOT try to diagnose yourself or a loved one. Seek professional help if you have concerns. Very often some cognitive problems are not related at all to Alzheimer's disease. Ask to see a neuropsychologist, which is a doctoral level psychologist who specializes in brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists conduct assessments of cognitive functioning, like memory and language, to determine whether there is even really a problem. They measure cognitive abilities and look for patterns to help differentiate probable Alzheimer's disease from a wide array of other possible causes. While PCPs and neurologists are often the first step in the evaluation process, it is important to pursue further evaluation of the patient's memory abilities, other cognitive functions and, importantly, psychological and emotional functioning. Most PCP's and neurologists do not specialize in these areas and a qualified neuropsychologist may offer important information to aid in diagnosis. Good luck to all, Andrea Piatt, Ph.D. Boston, MA Clinical Neuropsychologist www.commpsych.com

The fact that these pointers, confirm entirely my suspicions. 'Very helpful. Thankyou.

My mom does this constantly asking where everybody is at, she doesn't have to know everyones whereabouts every 2 minutes. She does have memory lapses, and can be very argumentative at times s as well.

This website it worthless

This article says: "Having problems with memory is the first and foremost symptom noticed." This statement is only true about 85% of the time. The other 15% (about one n seven) people with Alzheimer's will have psychiatric symptoms first, such as depression, anxiety, paranoid ideas or even hallucinations while their memory is relatively well preserved. These people are usually diagnosed with depression and treated with antidepressant medication and get better for a while. But it always comes back and now the diagnosis has been overlooked sometimes for years. Anyone over 65 with new onset of clinical depression should be carefully assessed for underlying Alzheimer's Disease.

Your info is most interesting and helpful, I have learnt a lot since Wednesday

Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other difficulties...such as depression or infection. Or a combination of both. I would always suggest a urine dip- test- or chest x-ray to r/o underlying medical issues that can cause gross changes in an already medically fragile person. Do not underestimate the damage that depression/ anxiety/grief can have on a person who has suffered many losses suddenly. Ask an outsider if your loved one seems cognitively challenged because it's easy to 'fake' normal when you are in your own enviornment. Many times a Pt will come for short term rehab and they are clearly compromised and the family will say they were just fine until they went to the hosp...(for driving into a store or putting their feet in ice water long enough to cause severe tissue damage). Forgetting where your glasses are is normal but forgetting what glasses are is not.

I can't remember what I did when I was 7. I forget the names of new acquaintances because I don't care about them. The older I get, the more I don't remember because I don't have the need to. All this stuff happens the older you get and soon you will be the only one left. This is nothing new, it's been happening for years and there is no way to stop it. Your parts are waring out, that's all there is to it.

Informative & interesting.

Lester, go to alz.org for the Alzheimer organization. You will be able to find support groups in your local area. Most are for the caregiver but the local office should be able to help you.

Hi, Lester I know it has to be heartbreaking when you are aware these things are happening. Are you living with anyone? Or have someone you trust enough to be your Power of Attorney for finances & health? It is best to take care of your will and designate a Power of Attorney if you do not have one. Make sure he/she knows all about your financial information so that it can be relayed to Medicare & Medicaid. Of course I am assuming you live in United States :-D I am sorry you are going through this.

I have been told that I have early Alzheimer's systems. I have very fast mood swings, and get confused easily, and can't remember very well on short or long turm. I don't understand things that are told to me sometimes, And I get angry and sometimes I get very violent. I would like to talk to other people with Alzheimer's and even some on line help to cope with it....

Hello Anonymous, Thank you very much for your comment. All the symptoms described in this article are absolutely applicable to men too. I am very sorry for the confusion around this I hope that helps. Take care. Emily | Community Manager

Would you consider an article about Alzheimer's and its effects on men? This one appeared to address only women with Alzheimer's.

This type of Alzheimer concern can help and it can unnecessarily harm people without AD and who will never get it. Many/most of these symptoms are part of the aging process and mean nothing more than the person is getting old and deteriorating. It is good to be aware of AD symptoms and act on them when truly seen, but it is only when the symproms are progressive and become severely debilitating to a person that they can be certain they have AD. My father had AD for 5 years before dying and my mother had a form of dementia with some of the above symptoms, but she certainly did not have AD as she managed to live on well into her 80s on her own until she too died. Anyone, including the medical community, should be very careful about how they inform the public of a medical issue.

Thank-you, I found this article very helpful.

Hi anonymous, Thank you very much for your comment. I would like to assure you that the content we write is for our members, none of it it influenced by our advertisers. We keep a strict separation between advertising and content -- none of the articles or other content on Caring.com is influenced in any way by our advertisers, and wherever an ad appears, it's clearly labeled as an ad. Additionally, we work hard to vary the use of the "he" and "she" pronouns throughout our site as we fully recognize both men and women are caregivers, as are care receivers. We apologize for your impression that we primarily use one over another. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at moderators@caring.com. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

I have two big problems with this article, both of which have been mentioned in other comments, but both bear repeating. First, I am wary of any article that contains a list of symptoms on the same page as an advertisement for a prescription drug marketed to slow these symptoms. Sounds really fishy to me. Second, with one exception, all of the photographs are of women and all of the personal pronouns used are female. Men get Alzheimer's Disease too, and this portrayal of it as a women-only disease is inaccurate and misleading.

A good starting point to further explor this debilitating, progressive, terminal disease.

When someone has been diagnosed with alztheimers disease watch out for the new moon or the full moon. It enhances the symptoms of all neurological disorders including dementia and alztheimers. I've been a CNA for almost 17 years and have witnessed it and cared for them many times. I know that it's frustrating but it takes alot of love and patience caring for them. Let's show them that we care with a smile, kind word or even a hug can go a long way to show someone they're loved.

When someone is diagnosed with dementia or alztheimers disease watch out for the new moon or the full moon. I've been a CNA for almost 17 years and the moon has a bad effect on neurological disorders. The symptoms with these horrific diseases are alot worse during this time. Prayers to each one of you who are suffering or have loved ones or friends with dementia or alztheimers.

The information may be accurate as far as it goes, but I resent the fact that women were pictured in virtually all the illustrations and the the pronouns "she" and "her" were prominent in every description. Perhaps men who suffer from Alzheimers are lucky enough to have a caring wife or female family member to care for them . Females who suffer from Alzheimers are "too much trouble" to take care of. Alzheimer's disease is tragic for the individual concerned and those who care for him or her. Please don't make it worse by implying that it is a disease limited to women.

This article is wonderful. My husband and I are in our late 70's and occasionally have any of the 8 symptoms. I don't think we are in trouble yet, but we want to keep ourselves well and informed.

Would have been a lot easier for us with older systems if you had put it all on one page, and given the option of blocking the pop-up.

I would like to caution people that if a parent has slight alzheimer's and then gets an infection (such as a bladder or urinary tract infection) or pneumonia, it can TEMPORARILY mess with their senses. While sick the elderly parent may exhibit severe alzheimer's specifically because of the infection or sickness! Once cured of the infection or sickness, the elderly parent may go back to how they were before they were ill (slight alzheimer's). The sad part is if the elderly parent speaks incoherently to other family members while they are ill they may be written off as having gone senile. If the parent recovers from their infection or illness they may then have to go through the indignity of being avoided and ignored by other family members and relatives who simply remember that the parent was incoherent the last time they spoke to them and have wrongly assumed the parent is now senile. (Hi, please ignore my similar comment below)

My Mom had all of the above. Her symptoms started when she was in her late 70's. The Dr told us she had Dementia. A trip to the hospital for treament for an infection threw my mom totally out of control. Once she was out of her every day routine, she was never herself again. She lived at a nursing home for less than a year and a half before she died just before her 84th birthday. One of the most precious memories I have is that on Mothers Day 2009 I called her...the nurse asked me to call back if she hung up on me...she did that pretty regularly. This day, I wished her Happy Mothers Day...she responded..."Is this my darling daughter?" to which I responded "your only daughter!" She laughed and I knew that my MOM was there with me. We talked for 45 minutes, she asked about my kids, their kids and how I liked living in Spokane etc...she was amazing. At the end of the conversation, I asked how she was doing...she said: "I want to go home." I told her that I loved her, loved being her only daughter and that she could go home! She went to sleep that night and never woke up. She officially died a couple of days later. I know that God gave me those last 45 minutes to let me know that she is in total peace. The way we helped her thru her forgetful years was with pictures. Everything she was involved in from my daughters wedding to the birth of her great grand daughter, I took pictures of her. When she would call and be so dismayed that she had missed something, I would remind her to look at her picture book. It was a her book of life!

1986 first was aware of my wife's inability to next day remember what had been discussed. Finally diagnosed by a Tampa Hospital. Article mirrored problems as given. Best advice at the time was by our Dr. in Key Largo,::patience, love and understanding.: I'll also add, what you witness, accept and adjust with love and patience. Had no help from Agencies or family over a 13 year period! One weekend, drove to small town North that I knew , bought the smallest house with no steps, found good Lay people to assist at a modest price to keep her home and enable me to have some time for personal means. Good sympathetic Dr. for assistance when needed. You are on your own but it can be done.

Great information,thanks!

This has helped, as I find my 'mate' forgetting more and more often. Seems like they do not remember what was discussed earlier. Also, they tend to 'live in the past' and tell repeated stories daily.

My mom in law has alzheimer's and she is so mean to her son ( my husband ) Mike Copeland, what cab I do....... I hate the fact that she is so mean to my family. I need to show Mike how to calm her down. thanks for your time ...

Issues like loss of vision and hearing can cause some of the same symptoms as Alzheimer's. It would be very benifical if other medical coditions were listed first. If they were listed, and indicated in each symptom of Alzheimer's, it would make it much easier for individuals to compare their symptoms to the list of symptoms for Alzheimer's.

It is unfortunate that this article is so wide-ranging that it includes behaviors that could be part of the normal aging process or vascular dementia rather than signs of Alzheimers...and makes no effort to advise readers on how to distibguish among these possibilities. Also, no research or sources of information are cited, leaving the reader to wonder how much of the article is simply repetition of folk-wisdom on the subject and how much is based on verifiable, replicable, rigorous science. In a recent study, half the patients thought to have Alzheimers did not, according to autopsy results: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/217356.php . That's why this sort of over-simplified, generic article can do more harm than good.

Hello anonymous, Thank you for your feedback. We work hard to vary the use of the "he" and "she" pronouns throughout our site as we fully recognize both men and women are caregivers, as are care receivers. We apologize for your impression that we primarily use one over another. Thanks -- Emily | Community Manager

As usual they make WOMEN look like the only ones who come down with this disease. Where are the references to MEN and photos of MEN with this disease?

Hello anonymous, Thank you for your comment. You may find this Ask & Answer page about Early Onset Alzheimer's disease helpful: ( http://www.caring.com/questions/what-is-early-onset-alzheimers-disease ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

can someone under fifty have alzheimer's from to much memeroire's to drug's ?

Jkinz - the comment you made, "I can live alone so far, but I had to quit my job because my boss told me I understood his first comand to do something, but if he told me two or three things, I could not remember when I got back to my station. " Excuse your poor boss for his lack of understanding, but being heaped upon with multiple commands would make anyone have to sit and think about what's next sometimes, especially if you're in a high-pressure environment. I do not have anything like this article discusses, but I don't remember everything, either, so I just write notes because I get multiple requests from 5 different people. Try to juggle that without notes--you have to take notes. Would that be a great excuse for me to have to quit a job? Not really. My mother was a great organizer and list maker who attended to the most minute detail but ultimately was afflicted with Alzheimer's. She used to entertain with a flair unequalled by anyone in their crowd and she always compiled a list so that the last detail was attended. Her symptoms came when she couldn't drive without something (thankfully not an accident!) went awry with either her locating her destination or her parking arrangement and then she abruptly became amiss about her personal care and caring for the house. I wish you all the best with your circumstances and hope you have a very loving, caring family to see you through this.

the whole article helped.

I liked the specific information. Thanks for the details!

Having has a mother with Alzheimer's, I must say these 8 symptoms are spot on...thank you for helping others.

Hi mdmandklm, Thank you very much for your feedback. We work hard to vary the use of the "he" and "she" pronouns throughout our site as we fully recognize both men and women are caregivers, as are care receivers. We apologize for your impression that we primarily use one over another. Thanks -- Emily | Community Manager

A terrible article assumes the subject is "she" most of the time. What an "adult moment" that is for the writer.

Hi Anonymous, Thank you very much for your question! Here is a basic explanation for what you just encountered: web browsers have a feature called "local storage" that allow websites to store data on a user's machine in order to improve the sites performance for that user. I would also like to add that this browser feature is no more of a security or privacy risk than cookies are. If you would like more explanation on why we use this function, please feel free to email me at moderators@caring.com and I would be happy to give more info about this process! Thank you again for your great question! Take care-- Emily | Community Manager

Why does your website "http://www.caring.com" request '1 MB of disk space to store "modernizrtestdby" as a database' on my disk? I'm so glad I have my protections set to disallow any downloads without my permission, I sure don't understand why you'd want to save a database on my computer. Well, the reasons I can think of are all quite nefarious.

Hi brunette in ­Denver, Thank you so much for your question. You may find some good information about the difference between ADHD (ADD in this case) and Alzheimer's disease on this Ask & Answer page: (http://www.caring.com/questions/my-husband-has-add-can-that-be-confused-with-alzheimers). If you are concerned about your diagnosis, we recommend that you contact a doctor offline who can give you guidance on the proper diagnosis. I hope that helps, take care! -- Emily | Community Manager

Hi anonymous, Thank you very much for your comment. The content we write is for our members, none of it it influenced by our advertisers. We keep a strict separation between advertising and content -- none of the articles or other content on Caring.com is influenced in any way by our advertisers, and wherever an ad appears, it's clearly labeled as an ad. If you would like to learn more, visit our "How We Make Money" section, here: ( http://www.caring.com/about/how-we-make-money.html ). If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at moderators@caring.com. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

How are the symptoms of ADHD different from the symptoms of Alzheimer's? I don't know what I "have" but I am anxious that I may have one or the other, or both, at age 58. I just started taking Steretta, not sure if it is really helping me. What specialist can give me a diagnosis? Thank you.

good information

My father had Alzheimers. I took care of him with my mom for 13 years. I have noticed similar symptoms with myself. It's one of the most difficult incurable diseases. My husband died a couple years ago with ALS/Diabetes. My dad could walk but not 'think'. My husband could 'think' and not walk! My mother had dementia later on in life. It was gradual, she would forget the date, president, etc. I am scared of becoming more dependent on loved ones. I can live alone so far, but I had to quit my job because my boss told me I understood his first comand to do something, but if he told me two or three things, I could not remember when I got back to my station. I would forget to lock the door, complain about things, curse, and I really try...concetration is difficult for me, I have a few of the symptoms so I think I may have early Alzheimers. I'm not sure. I was tested for it because I suffer from depression, anxiety, and mood swings. I am on meds for those disorders. I just pray I don't get any worse. I would not want to become a burden to family, friends, or go into an Alzheimer's unit! I keep trying the best I can, but I know I could remember more when I was younger. I'll be 58 in June. Thank you for supplying this information. God bless....-Jean

There's something questionable about a web site paying journalists to write articles convincing people they have diseases, and the same websites accepting money from drug companies selling treatments for those diseases. It's corrupt and exploitative - it stinks to high heaven.

1996 stroke, seizures,and heart patient,.[Alzheimer ?]

Hi anonymous, Thank you very much for posting your question! Unfortunately, we are unable to diagnose medical problems for our site members, or provide medical guidance online. While members of our community may respond to your question, we recommend that you contact a doctor offline regarding this medical issue. Thank again for participating in our community! We hope you'll visit again soon. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

What happens when you have a bad case of adhd like me and have had most of these symptoms your entire life?

My father-in-law began to show signs of dementia a few years ago, and one of his first symptoms was a break with reality, much like Nanciluco's depiction of her mom and the insistence that the postmaster told her not to leave home. He was eventually diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease, an important distinction because traditional psychotic and depression medications can do more harm than good for Lewy Body.

Thanks for the info. It was very helpful.

Hi Nanciluco, I'm sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time with your mother. That must be tough for your and your family. If you'd like to learn more about Alzheimer's, you can check out our topic center, here: ( http://www.caring.com/alzheimers ). If you want to connect, share, and get advice from other caregivers, check out out forums section, here: ( http://www.caring.com/forums ). If you still have questions you'd like answered, you can always post a question in our Ask & Answer section, here ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). I hope these resources help. Take care, and good luck with your mother!! -- Emily | Community Manager

My grandmother had Alzheimer's, my mother now has Alzheimer's, and I have short-term memory damage from Lyme disease that (20 years ago) was not diagnosed until the 3-4th year. However, because of the family history of Alzheimer's I do tend to wonder if my short-term memory lapses and frequent inability to find the right word when speaking could be the beginnings of Alzheimer's for me, and this list of symptoms and their examples and descriptions was just perfect for me. It did not quell my concerns, butI have realized that now is the time to speak to my doctor about this possibility and the medications that are available (my mother was tried on one but she was too far into the disease and it wasn't helpful for her). Thanks very much for the article!! It was very helpful. :-) ~Rainyknight~

you say up front there are 8 items.......you make me look through many pages to see what I wanted to see on one page, at least as a summary......I do not want to take the time to read all of your data....please give me a summary up front before making me skim through many pages.......that pisses me off

Mama is 79 & a retired RN from the nursing home sooo she knows the drill. I am the primary caregiver but live 60 miles away & I'm trying to "prepare" her for the news that she cannot live alone any longer. She has not been to the DR in over a year and is convinced that the "postmaster" told her not to leave her home. I just let it roll but my sis confronts her on these "tales" & then its on. Mama was diagnosed "manic - depressant in the 60's but these symptoms are very different. Is there anybody that has had any experiences like these?? HELP

So many commentators are worried about having dementia or AD because they have a few of the listed signs and symptoms. I worked in neurology for 5 decades. I found it to be confusing to have a lay article like this. Diagnosing AD requires an extensive, professional history and physical exam with the patient's family present. It CANNOT be diagnosed in a simple article. There are so many extenuating circumstances. One major problem in the USA is the fact that too many patients take a plethora of over the counter drugs along with many prescribed drugs from different doctors. Over the counter medications can cause many neurological deficits and patients aren't even aware how many drugs they actually take. I find such articles as this disturbing. Self-diagnosis can be dangerous. See your private health practitioner if you have concerns. Do not self diagnose! and hugs?? for comments??? Really??

yes e thank you for the valueable information we the family need to know the signs and symptons of our family members disease so we can prepare to take better care of our family .thank you

I was a caregiver at one point for people with Alzheimer's, and didn't know a thing about it prior to going in accetept the fact they were people who forget things, period! Boy in the few years I spent there did I have a new take on this Disease!!! I would never ever wish it on any of my worst enemies!!!! Let's find a cure!!

my wife lost her father a few years ago to alzheimers. My sons and her made the trip from the left coast to the upper midwest,and got to spend some time with him.Shortly after their return he lost all recognition of his family. However,when he got out of hand the staff would call and my 16 year old son (whom he only met 4 times) could bring him back. My lovely wife now worries that she may be in the early stages. thank you for your informative article. I don't worry about forgetting hot sauce at the store. you have given me more to look for. THANK YOU! GOD BLESS YOU!!

Hi Pagan, You are not mistaken at all; Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed in both men and women, though there is a greater number of women with the disease. As I mentioned in a comment below: We work hard to vary the use of the "he" and "she" pronouns throughout our site as we fully recognize both men and women are caregivers, as are care receivers. We apologize for your impression that we primarily use one over another. Thanks -- Emily | Community Manager

Huh, I didn't realize only women got Alzheimers - my bad. The article repeatedly refers to "she." I guess I was under the mistaken assumption that both genders got the disease.

I have a PHD for alzheimer. My mother had it, and I had taken care of her for over five years. Every week I thought it could'nt get any worse, but it did. I have a lot of stores about what I went through with her. Thats why I sead I have a PHD. I can look at someone and talk to them and tell if they have it.

Hi anonymous, As I mentioned in a comment below: We work hard to vary the use of the "he" and "she" pronouns throughout our site as we fully recognize both men and women are caregivers, as are care receivers. We apologize for your impression that we primarily use one over another. Thanks! -- Emily

Why is he person refered to in this article a "she"???

Hi mtwain, Thank you very much for your feedback. While Alzheimer's does more commonly affect more women, that doesn't mean that it's only women affected. As I mentioned in a comment below: We work hard to vary the use of the "he" and "she" pronouns throughout our site as we fully recognize both men and women are caregivers, as are care receivers. We apologize for your impression that we primarily use one over another. Thanks! -- Emily

I note that all of the entries here refer to females. Are we to conclude that Alzheimer's Syndrome is suffered only by females?

Many of these symptoms are the same for hardening of the arteries/stroke. Be sure to get an accurate diagnosis by a neurologist before treatment is started because everyone, including the medical community, is on the Alzheimer's bandwagon.

Hi Yhtomitzlots­, If you want more advice you can share your situation in one of our forum discussion here ( http://www.caring.com/forums ). Wishing you all the best, Emily | Community Manager

I'm torn between sharing this information with my loved ones/family and keeping these symptoms to myself. I can see development and progression of some symptoms over the past 12 months but I hestitate to bring them up, except to my mental health professional who knows all about my issues. I wish I could feel at ease with this, but I can't. Any suggestions?

Hi whatsittoyou and Anonymous, Thank you very much for your feedback. We work hard to vary the use of the "he" and "she" pronouns throughout our site as we fully recognize both men and women are caregivers, as are care receivers. We apologize for your impression that we primarily use one over another. We'll continue to review our content to make certain we acknowledge all of those who are there for their aging loved ones. -- Emily | Community Manager

It isn't only women who get Alzheimer's disease! Why does this article constantly refer to "she" when describing an Alzheimer's victim? Geesh!

What's with the SHE constantly - men have Alzheimer's also!

I already forgot the first 2 symptoms....this stupid article is no help, how will I ever know if I have it

Good hints on the condition, not htere yet!

Hi magee, Thank you very much for your feedback. We work hard to vary the use of the "he" and "she" pronouns throughout our site as we fully recognize both men and women are caregivers, as are care receivers. We apologize for your impression that we primarily use one over another. We'll continue to review our content to make certain we acknowledge all of those who are there for their aging loved ones. Best -- Emily

Hi Anonymous, In answer to your question a 20 year-old can get Alzheimer's disease, but it is extremely rare. There are many other possible causes for your symptoms, some of which are outlined in this article: (http://www.caring.com/articles/8-causes-memory-loss-not-alzheimers). We also have an article on normal memory loss here: (http://www.caring.com/articles/normal-memory-loss). I also encourage you to explore your possible memory loss with a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis. I hope that helps -- Emily

Scary..I wlak in a room for something and forget what it was...oi vey. Men have mental probs too. My main question is ...:"was sex any good?"

Gosh, this reads like me, since I was in my early 20's. I even lost the TV remote, only to find it a day or two later in the freezer (must have went to get a snack during a commercial, and set it down in there). Can someone in their 20's get alzheimers?

All references are a "person" or "she." There is one photo illustration of a male . . . all the others are female.

Be careful about labeling. Dementia is not Alzheimer's. One parent died from one, the other died from the other. Every time I have to think about a word, bingo! I am a wordsmith to say the very least and I am scared un-necessarily by the media. Be gracious before labeling and get a confirmed medical diagnosis. Do not self diagnose or label.

I know someone who has lapsing memory symtptoms as well as he's doing things that he'd never think of doing before. They consist of driving wrecklessly,starting fires outside when the winds blowing hard,losing things and at times argumentative. This helps me to understand because I have suspected that he's got alztheimers.

Very helpful Thank-Yiu

My mother had symptoms of Alzheimer's, then the full-blown illness, for 20 years. I kept her at home for 13, before putting her in a nursing home -- I couldn't handle both her and my two year old. But I was at her side often and with her when she passed on, peacefully. All you who do your best to cope and rise above this devastating disease have my heartfelt hugs and prayers. And all my love.

All of it. It's wonderful to have a resource like yours. thank you so much.

So...is the person who wrote or typed the Get Answers column above at high suspicion for Alsheimers since the repetition of the question about repetition is obviously there? =-)

Alzheimer's is a degenerative disorder that gets progressively worse. Certain symptoms occur early in the disease and some occur later. Auditory hallucinations are rare in Alzheimer's, and when they occur, they usually occur late in the disease http://www.biblehealth.com/alzheimers/alzheimers-symptom-how-to-identify-it.html

I'm wanting info regarding the possible dangers of aluminum cookware, dangers of Teflon-type coated cookware, etc. Thinking of Alzheimer's, mainly. Also, any stories of canaries or other sensitive bird pets which have died as a result of fumes from heated Teflon or other coated cookware. Etc.

maybe a video explaining the difference between dementia and alzheimers.

very helpful and informational.

The best Alzheimer's test is to have the patient draw a clock from memory. Persons with Alzheimer's will make a round clock with the numbers all grouped in an area. IMHO it is THE best unscientific test and can be done at home where the patient feels safest. ( as opposed to a drs office under hot lights & scrutiny)

Mom has been locked away in Nursing Home and is not allowed to have visitors beside my sister. I don't think this situation is good for Mom when I was allowed to visit it Mom was able to interact with others in her life mentally she was better, left to sit alone with out much human contact she is wasting away what can I do to help my Mom?? How can I get the facility to work with Mom mentally and do a one on one with her during the day. POA does not care.

When you're seeing some of these things, you need to check nutrition and calorie intake too..Also have the person evaluated for depression. The rest of it was spot on as far as I can see. And there were a couple of things that make me wonder if my mother is maybe misdiagnosed as early mid-stage Alzheimer's. She doesn't have any symptoms in some of the categories. I think I need to talk to her doctor as well as my father doing the talking. He's terrified she has it because her mother died of it, and I think he may be seeing it out of fear and not recognizing there's really something else going on.

I am writing in about myself and would like some help please

Some of these may also be signs of having had a minor stroke - please insist that your loved one go be checked out. My mom began having issues with playing cards, and dressing herself and being disoriented. We thought she was getting Alzheimer's but she refused to be seen. We learned she'd had the first stroke after she had a major one which left her incapacitated, unable to eat on her own( although that's improved), her speech is diffcult to understand, and her left side no longer functions well enough to be ambulatory without a wheelchair. Apparently even a mild stroke can affect depth perception leading to an inability to dress oneself and falling, injuries and a mild stroke is a harbinger of larger one in the future. To see a woman who was still up for a mountain hike at 68 and who was livelier than many people half her age in this condition is terrible.

Alissa: you sound intelligent, and productive. Keep up your good life style! My sister-in-law has been in assisted living and now is in Alz facility. Her problem with Alz/dementia is complicated by another medical condition. God bless the nurses, assistants, and volunteers! In her facility, she receives excellent care! One glaring problem: this facility has a "phantom doctor". He is NEVER there! He sends a Nurse Practitioner in his stead, meanwhile charging us huge fees! He is a disgrace to his profession, in our opinions. Its not a caring attitude he has but a real serious money acquiring problem! The nurses, RNs, LPNs, and their various assistants do not receive anywhere what they deserve here in FL, considering the tough work, physically, and mentally that they do. What would we do without these real compassionate people! My wife is really taking her sisters condition hard! She seems to have a guilt feeling about her sister having this disease, and she does not...we are working on that mental burden she carries. This is a wonderful site...thank you for it!

Knowing Jesus is the answer to any and all problems. To know God became a human is so awsome.

My mother-in-law has shown the signs of Alz for 10 years at least. She was a pysch nurse and is in denial. (Both her parents died of 'dementia' and she has had sisters die of Alz in the past few years.) She has used many coping skills - numerous notes, etc. - but the most disturbing is the irrational trust she puts in others who shouldn't be trusted and yet those whom she should trust, she rejects.

Not helpful. I have 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. I often called my children by the wrong name, even the dogs name, from the time they were toddlers til even now, when I am angry or stressed about something. They ALL know who I am talking to.

Alissa, I am sending you a BIg Bear Hug! God bless you.

Maybe I am suffering from Frontal Lobe Dementia. This, too, is a horrific disease. I think I would be dead.

Alissa, I understand your loneliness. I, also am a very lonely 50plus forgetful old lady. I am told that I am a very pretty and intelligent woman, but prettiness and intelligence does not ease the loneliness. Hope you find some friends soon. God bless, you.

I am a lady who is in her late fifties. I swear, I have Alzheimer's. I have problems remembering names,and faces of folks I have known for years. Most of the time I cannot remember the right word for an object. It is very frustrating to say the least. I am a very intelligent individual, but rapidly losing it. I am too frightened to see a doctor, for fear I will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I am also a Register Nurse, and should know better. Hats off to those whom still have all of their mental facilities. Signed, Lame Brain in Somerset

This was a terrific, straight and to the point article, of the symptoms to look for. I would like to see more info on appetite, etc, though.

I have normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). In plain language, this is excess fluid in the brain. The excess compresses the brain against the skull and disrupts neural pathways within the brain. If uncontrolled the end result- normally a process that takes many years- is dementia almost identical to Alzheimer's. While the condition is not curable, it is controllable. Inplanting a pickup shunt and a externally magnetically adjustable flow rate valve in the crainal cavity and then a drainage shunt from the valve to the abdomen for absorption and excretion can, and in my case, did result in removal of the excess fluid from the skull. This results result in almost a complete return to normal conditions. Experts in the field - which was not well understood until the advent of CAT scans-estimate that anywhere from 1 in 250 to 1 in 750 cases of dementia are actually NPH. The patient, unfortunately, does not realize what is happening. Luckily, I'm married to an extremely well qualified RN who knows her way around the Web. Both the Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins have, I'm told, excellent articles on NPH on their Web sites. My symptoms matched all the symptoms in their articles almost perfectly. She then convinced our internist that this might explain my problems who referred me out to a neurologist who confirmed NPH. He referred us to a neurosurgeon. Reversion to near-normal was within 24 hours after surgery. The neurosurgeon than "fine tuned" the valve flow rate for about six months. That was over eight years ago.... Bottom line - check to make sure the condition is not NPH which is correctable.

Good discussion -- except -- why was it always "she" and "Mom"??? Men develop dementia, too.

This article was very helpful. I'm passing it on to a friend who is struggling so much w/her mother. I feel so much compassion for you all who are experiencing this personally yourself or w/family members or friends & thank you especially for posting the info. about Dr. Rappaport as my friend lives in Indy. I'm giving her the info. TODAY. What a wonderful group you are--to pass on your help, concern, & compassion. I have a different brain disorder (bipolar) that causes many issues (my mother had it as well & did not fare well at all--end result of suicide when I was 15) so I know the human condition certainly has many challenges for most of us. Be well; have courage & find some joy every day as you face your struggles. Gather those you love close & don't forget to not let your care-taking role deplete you so much that you don't live your life to the fullest; I always remind my loyal & loving husband that it would be a double tragedy if my mental illness were to destroy his life or impact it so much that he wouldn't be able to live up to his potential; enjoy his friends & hobbies (I love that he plays tennis before work every day & on weekends & that provides him w/a distraction where his mind is cleared of thoughts of my problems or work problems & that he takes a "guys' weekend" away a couple times a year w/tennis friends for relaxation & a break from life {ME!}); he doesn't begrudge the money my treatment costs or the time he has to spend helping me when I'm not doing well emotionally or that he has had to take classes & read books to educate himself about my disorder & often accompany me to doc appts. so that he can help me & also help himself in making the best of our marriage (36 years now). The sacrifices he has made for me are amazing. One is financial for sure. I have been turned down by 5 companies for long-term nursing home care insurance & finally one of the nurses from the final company told me no one will accept me as the medications I'm on were a "red flag" & I will automatically be turned down. So he is saving up to pay out-of-pocket as statistically most people will need nursing home care for the average of 2 years & we don't want to burden our children w/this. He got the insurance w/no problem & w/very little cost. The "funny" thing is that those w/mental illness die on average 20 years sooner than the "average" population so they would probably MAKE MONEY off of me!! He has been an exceptional husband & father & helped me to be the best wife & mother possible (as I didn't have a very good role model). I'm sure you all are doing the same for your family members & friends who are suffering w/their disorders. I'm getting too "talkative" which is actually a symptom of my disorder so I apologize, but I want to end w/a sincere compliment to all of you care-givers who continue to love & support those who are suffering from these terrible disorders & remind you again to make sure you live a fulfilling life as you also deserve it. You should not shortchange yourself so completely that your life is overtaken by this disorder as well. Much love to you all.

There are other Dementias than Alzheimer's and perhaps this article should also address those as well. My husband has Frontal Lobe Dementia [ http://www.depression-guide.com/frontal-lobe-dementia.htm ] and has many of the symptoms described my husband has except getting lost. So far when he runs away from home he knows where he is going and how to get there! I say runs away because he is impulsive and decides to go somewhere without letting anyone know.

It isn't just this article, but all of them. Just finding this community and information has been such a relief. Knowledge is power. It helps to take the fear away. I am much more confident that I can deal with this. I'm also caring for a father with out of control diabetes, renal failure, and a recent amputee. He is more difficult than Mom, so far.

I care for 2 clients, one of whom has been diagnosed as having Alzheimers, one who has not, but is thought to have age related dementia. I believe after reading this and other articles, that the reverse is true..the supposed non-Alz. person has more symptoms than the one who is supposed to have it. I did notice, however, that the Alz. person could not smell a very strong-smelling cologne sample when I offered it to him to smell. And I understand that is a symptom of Alz.

I am only 57 and my memory is getting worse every day, yet because I' m young people are always telling me, "Oh, you're too young for Alzheimer's, you just have too much on your mind!" They also can be downright rude, and believe it or not, it's mostly my family that make me feel stupid. Just the other day my brother said to me, "Okay, I've heard this story 3 times now!" I just got off the phone from a long distance phone call with a friend who doesn't know I'm having this memory loss problem, & after we talked for a while, she asked me, "Hey, do you have memory loss, because you... " Just then, someone beeped in on our call on her end & she said, "I'll call you back in a minute!" When she called me back I didn't answer the phone because I was crying. I didn't want another person to tell me what I repeated or what I forgot. I now have to put a huge calendar in front of when I wake up, and cross off the days- I rarely remember what day it is & when I wake up I have to think a really long time about it. Yet TWO neurologists belittled me & gave me goofy tests- I know they have standard tests but they were goofy. ( see, I just repeated myself! ) For example, "Make a list of as many farm animals as you can." Then he said, " you've made the longest list of anyone I've ever tested!" And I said, " That's because I work with children & read them books about farm animals!" It's becoming a living hell and I,who was once a gregarious & articulate person, don't even feel like socializing anymore! I'm sick of people , even the doctors, who make me feel stupid, or that I'm not paying attention. I live in the suburbs, and I think I need to go into Boston where some of the best doctors in the world are. I asked one doctor about ( here I am again, forgetting what I was going to say!) Aricept, and he said, "Oh, it works for about 6 months & then it's downhill from there." I asked one doctor if my bad sleep habits were causing this, and he said, "Yes - that's the problem", as he blew his nose into his fingers!! So I diagnosed myself! But I know it's more than that. I'm an artist & singer, so I always functioned better in the middle of the night. I'm the most creative then- that & singing in clubs- now I can only sing karaoke because I don't remember the lyrics! I wasn't going to shake HIS hand! Then when I went out to pay my co- payment, I see a flier with his picture on it - about a seminar on sleep disorders!

My husband was disgnosed with a memory problem in April 2007. He had a heart attack and left with this memory confusion of numbers, times etc. Now it has gotten progressively worst. I feel so alone on this journey, the children are so busy, and now a couple of his brothers are ignoring him, it hurts so much. I believe they are ashamed of him. When he is in a crowd he does not talk, at a wedding reception, one of the brothers didn't introduce him as a brother, but he did the other two brothers that were there. I wanted to leave, but stayed for my husband. Hurting.

I just left a comment, in the comment at the end I gave the WRONG phone number for support and help, the CORRECT phone number is 317-846-9792.

Hello all, I know all to well the devastating affects of Alzheimer's disease and how they affect both the family member/friend with Alzheimer's and the family/friends of the loved one with the disease. I work with Alzheimer's patients and their family members/caregivers throughout the different stages of this disease, from mild to severe. I have witnessed for almost 15yrs this terrible disease break down, exhaust and cause feelings of hopelessness and fear in the people who love this person the most. I have witnessed the person with a mild form of Alzheimer's struggling to try to maintain a normal life scared about what their future holds; and they are aware they are having problems but some deny it and some ask desperately ask for help. I have witnessed the person with the moderate form of Alzheimer's exhibit the forgetfulness, not remembering names of some everyday objects, forgetting some family members names, struggling with their independence; example; grandma makes a trip to the store 5-10 minutes from home, she has made this trip a thousand times, but this time she gets lost and ends up an hour away from home, her family decides it's best she not drive and takes her car away. More often that not in this stage, this person will tell you they have memory problems. I have sadly witnessed the severe form of the disease, the most devastating to the love ones around them. They no longer can function on their own. They need constant supervision or placed in a facility that specializes in the care of people with Alzheimer's disease. They may become aggressive, they may say or do things they would have never ever done before or they may revert back to their childhood living everyday as a child again, Every person diagnosed with this disease has their own stages, not every person has the same symptoms at each stage. The symptoms I have listed are things I have witnessed over the years. Hopefully someday there will be something, anything to help families who are struggling with this terrible disease of a loved one. Here in Indiana, I work for a very well know, very respected physician who has made Alzheimer's disease his passion in life by trying to help find that "something, anything" to help the suffers of Alzheimer's disease. We participate in several research studies trying to help find that "something, anything." Feel free to call and ask any questions about where to get support, how to deal with the different stages, ect. Possibly consider enrolling in one of our research studies which offer many benefits. Our name is AGEWELL office of Dr. Stephen Rappaport we are located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Check out our website agewell.biz, email us at info@agewell.biz or pickup the phone and call 317-846-9297. Have faith, be strong their are many people working very hard, trying to find that "something, anything" to help the ones we love the most.

So far it looks like I still have a functioning brain for a man who will turn 82 years in 4 months. I think I will increase my intake of fruits each day to prevent problems from occuring...Duke 1928

i was wondering if any of these symtoms deal with it also legs getting tired while walking enough to make you stop and sit for a while .dizzyiness also pain in the rear of the head bad vision.

Thank you for this info. My mom is doing so many of these things and has just consented to go to a doctor for testing. It is a frightening thing for us. This article told me all I need to know to start making notes of her behavior and bringing these to the doctor to give him a better idea about what is happening.

Alzheimer is very hard on the whole Fam.can be very hard on the ones that take care of the Alzheimer person.Hospice will help if the Alzheimer patient is not able to feed or to anything for themself..My Mother in law has it now for close to 5 years we do have Hospice and there are andels on this earth..The whole Fam.is effected by this ..But we do the best we can for her even if has no clue what is going on and does not know her Fam.anymore...Very sad to see such a strong lady going in to Child like stages...To everbody with Alzheimer and the Fam.. members all the best and take care of yourselfs....My motto is ..THIS,TO,WILL,PASS,

CAN SOME ONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO GET HELP WITH MY FAMILY TO GIVE THE BEST CARE. LIKE PROGRAMES

I would like to establish that the equally important portrayal of Alz symptoms will take place in society: standing in line at a checkout counter and being disturbed by a person's behavior that, unknown to the viewer, is an Alz patient. How do I avoid Alz patients when they get behind the wheel? The entire focus thus far is upon an individual experiencing a relationship going south. Society on the other hand is left with a void to fill in as they see fit. Imagine hearing that the NRA is arguing that Alz patients have a right to gun ownership! The media terrifies us onn an individual basis thus leaving society to an anarchy of responses. Health care professionals should see that society gets a thorough understanding of Alz patients in daily life, so that we recognize their behavior when confronted with it.

not a major comment......the article mentions "she" most of the time. perhaps it shld be "the person" my husband is in the beginning stages of the disease.

your article was extremely helpful in pinpointing some of the symptoms my mother-in-law is experiencing

Clear and concise

Hello anonymous, Thank you very much for your feedback. We work hard to vary the use of the "he" and "she" pronouns throughout our site as we fully recognize both men and women are caregivers and care receivers. We apologize for your impression that we primarily use one over another. We'll continue to review our content to make certain we acknowledge all of those who are there for their aging loved ones. Thank you again, The Caring.com Member Support Team

as the disease progresses, it is helpful to reread info to see what changes have occurred. not all symptoms existed before.

re article on eight signs of alzheimer's, why do you keep saying ''she''? smacks of reverse sexism! you should have also used the word ''he'' ... this reverse sexism is getting increasingly egotistical ! i am so sick of it !

My husband has displayed one or more of these signs over the past three years. I am finding out he is making excuses to other by blaming me for his money, social and memory problems. Some people beleive him and he has become a great decepter of the truth. It is as though he is fighting everyday to keep up the reputation of the image he created for others at the expense of our family.

Fundamental information well pesented. No, not me, just on a subject that would almost present some of the symptoms of one with hearing loss due to age and or noise exposure.

Useful inf.

I love you, 39th anniversary June 26.

Thank you.

Even if information is not new - reminders are helpful in realizing "normal" responses from the Alzheimer's patient. And as a caregiver with little sleep and rest some responses make me wonder about my own condition. This is something I watch for - is it just fatigue or something my doctor needs to be aware of - do I need early medication?

My dear mother in law has suffered with Alz. for close to 8 years. She has been in a home now and gets excelent care, but everything is done for her. I see some things in my husband that really concern me. They are "nothing" according to him, by the way he is 67. I'm curious to know if there is any way to know or diagnose Alz. before the full onset of it. Can an MRI or some other cerebral test be done to make some very serious choices with our lives. Thank you for any help in this area.

This article was filled with important facts. Thank You.

Why her? Alzheimer's can happen to HIM too!!!

Alissa, I am not an Alzheimer's specialist, but i sympathasize with your situation. I suggest that you call your Pastor and speak to him about this, and try to join your Church's Prayer Group and discuss this concern with them. You need more people around you. Sincerely, A subscriber.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, FOR SENDING ME THIS E-MAIL ON ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. I AM A 75 YEAR OLD RETIRED PHYSICIAN. MY WIFE HAS NOTICED MY FORGETFULNESS AT TIMES, AND I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS.

my mom is 67 and is doing some of the things in the 8 questions and i have been worried but not sure...

When can you be certain that someone has alzheimers disease. I have been diagnosed with Alzheimers and I take care of myself, shop, do laundry, live alone, read books, do crossword puzzles? I make all my own meals. I take care of myself. I go shopping, call for a van to take me to my appointments! My weight is right on & I have a sense of humor. But, I am alone 90% of the time, & I wish I had people around to share with.