Alzheimer's Myths

8 Common Alzheimer's Myths
  Return to Class

over 6 years, said...

Although this article may be helpful, there is no silver lining to this disease. Having two in laws with this has been hard on the family both emotionally and financially. More research is needed to find a way to stop or cure. Otherwise, statistically our nation will be facing significant financial consequences in the not too distant future. Suggest readers log into the work on the research progress at the Hudson Alpha Institute. Very enlightening and concerning.


about 9 years, said...

For my fellow Italian bloggers: (mom's maiden name was Lucia Maria Livoi..her mother was born in Italy..Naples, I think). Anyway, when mom was a little girl, Nonna used to sing to her "Parla mi d'Amore Mariu.." and that song stayed with us. We would sing it at regular intervals growing up. Well, yesterday, my mother started to sing it, at full volume, every word perfect in Italian, right in tune, her voice high and girlishly clear. I must tell you, everyone on the Dementia Unit stopped to listen. Mother sang it twice through. Then, when she'd finished, the 'fog' rolled back in...and she said to me, "Whose dog is that?" motioning to the corner, where of course there was no pooch. To all Alz/dementia caregivers I say this: Cherish those wonderful moments, everyone. Like diamonds, they are sparkling flashes of clarity in the midst of the sadness. Listen to the songs, and remember your family member for the music and... the love they gave you all those years..


about 9 years, said...

My Dear Ric's Wife, You speak very eloquently... I've been visiting this web-site for nearly 6 years. I'm sole caregiver for my mother, and at one time father as well. Dad passed nearly 3 years ago... I find the site quite informative... Much information, some usable, some not. I encourage everyone to use all the tools available and use what you can, and what you can't use now you may in the future, or you may be able to help someone else that it will be useful for. I don't get on here too frequently but when I do I get lost for hours reading comments... Reading someone else's triumphs, trials and tribulations makes my burden seem a bit easier... I want to thank everyone who contributes to these blogs no matter what it is... good, bad, happy, sad, it all has a place here and no matter what you write someone will find help and or inspiration to continue this journey we are on.... As always, prayers of peace and love to all of us on this journey... Sincerely, Roger


about 9 years, said...

Reading over these comments - some heartbreaking, some hopeful, there is no doubt whatever in my mind: each person who suffers from dementia, be it Alz or Lewy Body or vascular, or whatever..should be evaluated individually. WHile the progression and path of dementias are depressingly similar, there are still hopeful signs on the horizon, as caregivers, doctors and legislators partner up and PUSH for more research money, and better support for all. The insurance industry, (and I used the word industry intentionally) needs to re-tool and make adjustments to accommodate the special needs of people who suffer from these illnesses - and the people who look after them. Mom called me four times yesterday to ask what day it was, and the date. She simply could not retain that information. Yet when I visited that afternoon, several hours before her cll, I mentioned in passing, that hubby Ric had a birthday the next day. Three hours later our phone rang. It was mom. She asked to speak to Ric, then, in a clear, sweet, girlish voice (she's 92) she sang "Happy Birthday"..word perfect, tune just right. Which proves my point: there are connections that hold fast, and ones that don't... in the memory-files of the brains of those we love. Each person is different in what and... how they remember. I choose to stay aware, and keep that in mind. Laugh when I can, and treasure what still remains of mom's recollections. It is a comfort on the trying days when mom will look at me and ask, "Who came in and replaced my telephone/cat/photographs?" Because down the road, my eyes will fill up when she starts to sing Happy Birthday.." to my dear husband.


about 9 years, said...

Nothing, it was very good and informative. Actually, I have been reading everything I could since my mother began her dementia, and this was the most informative.


over 9 years, said...

When a ninety year old woman asks fdor help in deciding how to undress and then what garments to put on,confuses shoes with slippers,has stopped reading the newspaper,just can't, and loses her usual acumen in playing cars,short term memory,severe,not joking but is this advanced Alzheimers'?


about 10 years, said...

I'd like to share this with other on the blog, so (please forgive) I am posting it on more than one page: You Tube has an excellent short film, "Experience 12 minutes in Alzheimer's Dementia.." done by a news reporter who wanted to get a feeling for what it must be like to have AD dementia, with your senses and mobility impaired and compromised. They taped her eyes, put headphones on her head emitting constant chatter noise, taped up her hands, weighted her legs and simulated the kinds of visual/sensory and navigational physical challenges people with AD likely must deal with on a daily basis. She was then asked to perform two simple tasks. At the end of the experiment, not only was she unable to do it, she had dissolved in tears of rage and frustration. She said when it was over that she would never, ever again view people with AD in the same way! Check it out, it is well worth seeing, everyone.


about 10 years, said...

I just turned 96. I wish I could take out my marbles, polish them, code them so as to not lose them and store them in a safe and secure place. But, alas, all I can do is to cross my fingers, toes, eyes and whatever else are crossable and keep my rosary is always handy. Though the article is very helpful, when you are staring at 4 more years to the century mark, it (also) crosses my mind of what perhaps might be the inevitable descent into the basement of whatever intellect that houses my brain. Meanwhile I live day to day and looking at tomorrow as the distant future but wistfully. I could write reams of what I have done and what I do now to retain what I've got ....


about 10 years, said...

To the lady in Ireland (adiec?) I wonder if any activities can be adapted to her husband being in bed over the weekend? For example, I know one lady with early Alz who can still get out and about to her day care senior routine during the week, and during our recent spell of extreme cold and icy weather here in NYC, the news advised seniors to stay indoors if possible. (Icy sidewalks and high winds were especially treacherous) So, we got her out of bed and into a comfy chair - just going from horizontal to vertical was a big plus! We did a scaled down tidy and groom, combed her hair, wash-clothed her face and hands, and that minor activity was enough to pique her interest. Lethargy and non participation can be a challenge. I have variously read to early stage AD clients from the daily paper, put the tv where they can look at the news, switched on the radio for music, and puttered around the house, which often will elicit a response and engagement from them - if the patient is friendly and comfortable with these sorts of things.


about 10 years, said...

My Husband goes to day care three times a week. At the weekend he does not want to get out of bed as he is tired. The weather here in Ireland is very wet at the moment so getting him up does not matter so much. Should I make him get up and get dressed or just leave him as he does not read the paper anymore?


about 10 years, said...

It showed me the signs I missed in the early stages,


about 10 years, said...

Indeed, we were a fractured family for decades. Old wounds are now being healed. Even, ironically enough, Mom's unwillingness to face the past, now has become a desired goal - as her memory fades in many areas! Val and I text and e.mail: when we last spoke with her, who did what during the last visit, humorous moments that took place, items Mom wanted, ideas to help her better cope. At one point after a very difficult conversation, she mused, "I must be a great nuisance to you both.." I put my hand on hers and said, "You are our mother. We will be here to look after things - hey...after you spent much of your life taking care of US? No worry! "


almost 11 years, said...

Thank you so much! I needed this!


about 11 years, said...

Myth 5 is the one that scares me. My mother, her younger brother and sister all have had Alzheimers. My aunt had earlier onset (in her early 60's when it became obvious) and my uncle was early 70's. Mom's triggered within 6 months of my brother dying of cancer at 50. Mom's doctor mentioned tramatic events - physical and/or emotional can trigger Alzheimers. Based on the family history I'm scared to death that I too will develop this terrible disease. We have had mom at our home for the last 4 1/2 years. She'll be 87 this month and our prayers are that she will pass away quietly at home with us.


about 11 years, said...

Last paragraph.


about 11 years, said...

Everything, this is a great article & website. I have friends struggling with aging parents with Alzheimers. I want to support them in any way I can. I'm constantly printing out articles from your website & sending or forwarding them on. This is such a horrible disease. I was very fortunate that my parents lived into their 90's & were both very "sharp" until the very end. My 93 yr old mom completed her taxes a wk before she passed away from natural causes. Pretty amazing. Keep up the good work. Thanks


about 11 years, said...

Myth no. 10 (related to myth no. 4): People who have dementia should never know about the diagnosis. When someone says this, it is because he or she cannot handle the truth. The person with dementia can handle a lot more than one might realize and simply MUST know what is going on!!!


about 11 years, said...

Your articles are a "lifesaver" for me as I care for my husband who has had Alzheimer's for 20 years and will probably live much longer because he is in very good physical condition.


about 11 years, said...

I .like your very positive approach - but how time consuming for the carer !


over 11 years, said...

Myth 9 was not helpful at all. Alzheimers and other dementias do steal a person's brain, the part of them that gives them their personality. To say that there is a bright side to that is untrue. Instead you could say that staying positive and supportive is helpful in coping with this tragedy.


over 11 years, said...

My stepfather is in the late stages and my mother (who has found coping with his illness extremely stressful for obvious reasons) appears to be suffering some symptoms of early AD herself. He is 90. She is 87. I am wondering if the stress of caring for him might have somehow increased her chances of developing the disease!


over 11 years, said...

I am back again. (See elsewhere, tmradius.) This time I am trying to teach an 84 year old woman how to use her computer. She has had brain surgery and two strokes; she does not see well at all with macular degeneration. Her hearing is atrocious. She is definitely mentally impaired as well. She has lousy short term memory. I normally teach 'old people' (75 to 90) my 'normal' way by showing, telling and writing down the procedures. It works well providing they don't have big mental problems. But this woman is a different story. So how did I do it? Years ago I used to train cats to do various tricks. Cats? Yes. With her, I used only one the several techniques that I used with cats. With a cat, I first provided a cue (either verbal or manual). then I physicaly made the cat do the 'trick.' But this had to be repeated over and over (and over) until it was a conditioned reflex. I did not have to depend on the woman's short term memory. I only needed her to understand at the time what I said. 'Hit this key.' 'Press Enter.' 'Click on the X.' Etc, etc. But each instruction (and the result) repeated over and over had become a habit that had a triggering 'initial condition' (as in computer programming) with nothing at all written down. These instructions spanned months, MONTHS. I had to provide a reward. Her reward was that she could open a file on the desktop and chose one of many, many PPS files to listen music that she loved. I managed to get her a good set of speakers. Her reward was that she could open a spreadsheet file, enter a password (a very secure password) to see how her investments were doing and how much she spent during the month. Her reward that she could open her email account and send emails to her friends and grand children. My reward is that I did indeed help some one get greater joy out of life. To be sure, if something appeared on the screen unexpected, she could not handle it. But I am available since I live walking distance away. She has a caregiver now who is computer literate. All of this is an important message to you caregivers. This is a technique you can use. At some stage the AD patient may be no more responsive than a cat. May God Bless you caregivers. .


over 11 years, said...

"......people w/ Alzheimer's may appreciate being gently told when they make a mistake due to memory loss, disorientation, or another disease symptom. On the other hand, self-awareness of symptoms can make someone frustrated, angry, scared, or socially withdrawn. As the disease progresses & symptoms worsen, awareness of the situation is likely to decline."


almost 12 years, said...

It just helped me to evaluate my conceptions as to whether I was believing myths or not. Thanks! Seems I have a pretty good grasp of what I am facing with my better half who is 81 with Middle Stage AD.


almost 12 years, said...

My mom started by leaving out ingredients in recipes that she had been making for years. Then, it progressed into lapses of short term memory, repeating/questioning things we had just talked about, etc. She had a reoccurrence of breast cancer, and had a pre-op EKG, that came back as abnormal. This lead to a quadruple bypass, then a mastectomy 2 weeks later. ICU psychosis reared its ugly head, much to the detriment of the nurses on duty, who experienced severe fingernail scratches, along with urine spray when she removed her own catheter. Then came the packing up belongings every morning, along with a "fog" that would arrive around 5 PM or so just about every day. Alzheimer's? No, small blood vessel disease (AKA vascular dementia). The only good thing about it is that it takes about 5-8 years before you pass, vs. the 10-20 years that someone can "exist" with AD. You are a prisoner in your own body. Thankfully, my mother had advanced directives in place and a living will, and was placed on palliative (comfort) care. Her doctor, God bless him, could see and agreed that to prolong her life would be fruitless. So, when she developed an infection, she was placed on hospice care and allowed to pass naturally. Medicines are fine for some, but just because you can treat something, doesn't mean that you should. I would like to recommend the book, A Better Way of Dying. Extremely informative and written in a heartfelt way, it helps you in making the final decisions for a loved one with AD or severe dementia.


almost 12 years, said...

GETTING THE VARIOUS CHANGES THAT MAY OCCUR, AND SOME IDEA AS TO THE TIMING. HARRY BRAND


about 12 years, said...

I know a 84 year old man who really had severe bouts with hallucinations spanning days, culminating in calling 911 because he 'saw' men setting up bombs to blow up his house. From then on we put him on near 24/7 care. He has since returned to near 'normal' (for him) which means that he is somewhat rational but impulsive. For example, he takes things apart for no apparent reason. I know because I have to fix them and I am 94. Picture this: my personal assistant (who is living with me because I have no wife or kids to fall back on in an emergency) is managing the care for him. Kinda screwy, isn't it? I get feedback on his status on a daily basis. I also contribute to his care occasionally by helping him on his computer (and fixing things he breaks.) Gee! My assistant would have a big problem on her hands if I also went bonkers! (I pray sometimes......Hail Mary, full of grace ......)


about 12 years, said...

I have had some of the most wonderful experiences with Mom and Dad since having them with me. It doesn't balance out with the stress but I wouldn't change a minute of it.


about 12 years, said...

Thank you for all your help. My both parents died from Alzheimer's disease. My doctor already told me that I will probably go the same way. I'm the oldest remaining survivor in the family of 7 children. Not a very happy thought, to look forward to. I'm doing my best to keep up with exercise and take care of things in the proper manner.


about 12 years, said...

Now that is some hard thinking to come up with anything that might be positive about Alzheimer's!!


about 12 years, said...

I constantly like to be updated on information. My husband has mid stage AD.


about 12 years, said...

Question for you I believe that yeast built up in the body can cause of lot of illnesses, Asthma, arthritis, diabetes, I know there is a blood test for this but is an anti fungal medication a posible cure for some one with protein deposits in the brain from either diabetes on Lewdy Body Dementia.One of the drugs I am referring to is Fluconazole, Is there a correlation between yeast in the body and Lewdy Body dementia and diabetes. Please if you have heard of any studies or articles on this. Stephenie


about 12 years, said...

My mom is locked in a nursing home I finally got court order for visitations rights. I see Mom one day a week because it is a 2 and half hour drive one way. When I see Mom I get to feed her a blended lunch and then they put her to bed at times and can stimulate her with her favorite music and some banter but I like to be able to do more with my visit is there anything else I can do to stiumulate her. The situation at the nursing home is sticky they are always short handed. What would be good for her!!!!!!!!!!!


about 12 years, said...

GregMiller - That's amazing. I would like to read more. What would you suggest?


about 12 years, said...

This whole section on myth's was great. Those who are personally involved in our loved one's care can relate or will probably eventually relate to the different challenges involved. I appreciate your website. It offers me a chance to realize I'm doing the best I can for my Mom (78 yrs.) & also help my Dad (81 yrs.) too deal with losing Mom slowly.


about 12 years, said...

To Greg Miller: In the past I lived in South East Asia. I became sick, was treated but when I went to Europe where I came from, the doctor said he could not make any suggestions about my recovery. He said that I needed to go to the Tropical Institute because conventional medicine did not cover all diseases of medical cases in the world, some problems may be more specific to certain areas in the world but since people travel so much, sometimes it is hard to find what is wrong with a patient. That is why, nowadays if things go sour, do get other opinions from doctors who specialize in diseases from other parts of the world. I am so happy that Mr. Greg Miller brought up the subject.


about 12 years, said...

When my mother was recovering from emphysema and COPD the doctor (an osteopath) had her on Fluconazole, a systemic anti-fungal medication. I hid the bottle on top of the refrigerator so she would not accidentally take them. She was to take one tablet of 200 mg for two days in a row and then one tablet each week for six weeks. Somehow she managed to get the bottle off the top of the refrigerator and take one tablet each day for a week. At the end of that week I woke up in the morning to find my mother standing up straight and joking around with me. She had not done that in more than 6 years. Along with the emphysema she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and put on Namenda. All signs of dimentia were gone! I was in shock! I found Dr. A.V. Constantini, M.D. with the World Health Organization who stated that Alzheimer's Disease was caused by a fungal infection. I guess this is why the Fluconazole worked. It also put the finishing touches on her emphysema. 17 months earlier she had been in End Stage Emphysema, on 4 liters of supplemental oxygen and weighing only 77 pounds. Here she was with her weight gained back, no oxygen supplementation needed and joking around. She was also standing up straight. She had not done that for more than 6 years either due to dizziness. I changed her diet and added numerous supplements I got from other researchers, one at a medical school and one a NYC physician. I never saw any improvement with any medications either the emphysema meds or the Alzheimer's meds. None of it worked at all!


about 12 years, said...

This may sound unusual; however, I believe that whomever has Alzheimer's (my sister, 85) and is well taken care of is as content and happy moreso than having other diseases like cancer, Pick's disease, heart, liver, etc. She has no pain as of this time and even though she does not know me, (she thinks I am an aide at her facility, I believe), but because of her lifestyle before developing Alzheimer's, her body is well functioning. I thank God she is not suffering and I hope she continues to be able to live a contented, pain free life for many years, as long as the money doesn't run out.


about 12 years, said...

My husband has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease for 15 years and has had symptoms for over 20 years. He is 80 years old now and is responding well to Namenda and Aricept. He is gentle and kind and does not get angry and appreciates any help that I give him. We have been married for 57 years and this article gives me hope that we will have many more good years together. The articles on Caring.com are very helpful to me.


about 12 years, said...

Hi meshugenahja­ne, I sure hope you have gotten some help by now. The emotional/psychological burden on you is very heavy. Having just a friend or two to share thoughts can help you feel sane. I call my Mom's CNA's regularly to get feedback and support. With five and a half years experience there are many days I feel I know very little. If there is a way we can exchange email addresses I would be willing. PJ


about 12 years, said...

thank you all for responding and giving us, caregivers, more ideas on how we need to take care of the situation.


about 12 years, said...

Myth number 8 was especially helpful because it reminds you as a caregiver that somehow there are positive things you can do to help but if things go wrong, ultimetaly, the disease will be blamed and not the caregiver.


about 12 years, said...

Realizing that I am not alone as a caregiver for my family member and that I am not going nuts about all of the changes. I am trying to take small steps and take care of myself too. Thanks for the article. This is a great social network for me.


about 12 years, said...

My Dad just passed away at age 89 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 75. He was really an easy going guy during this process. However it was both heartbreaking and frustrating to watch his memory loss deteriorate. Fortunately, an aide was hired to keep him fed, clean and happy in his last years. We will all miss him greatly, but hope that some sort of treatment will become available to slow down or cure this so prevalent disease.


about 12 years, said...

The knowledge.


about 12 years, said...

I have read this article before, but each time I gain some new insight. Thank you for keeping these articles available.


about 12 years, said...

The explanation of the symptoms and the myths. It was a very informative article with information anyone would find helpful.


over 12 years, said...

Thanks for getting some of the old cobwebs out of this issue. Great to have this site.


over 12 years, said...

Hi meshugenahja­ne, thanks for sharing your concerns. Have you considered finding an in-home care provider to come to your home a few hours a day/week to help with some caregiving tasks? You can find in-home caregivers in our Senior Living Directory at www.caring.com/local/in-home-care


over 12 years, said...

my mom has alzheimers, and was living with my brother and he dropped her off at my house on aprils fools day, since then she keeps asking when he is going to come get her,it has been 8 months now .she does not eat right (she likes her sweets ) my biggest problem is thatt i have trouble getting her into the bath and i am not the type to touch peoples privates and i am scared to death to think how i will be able to handle it when she enters the final stage, because i am nott the type to place a person in a nursing home . please help me


over 12 years, said...

I feel so reassured after reading your posts. Thank you for providing such a great service.


over 12 years, said...

I ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE. MY HUSBAND HAS SOME SYMPTOMS IN THE MODERATE GROUP BUT I STILL FEEL HE HAS MILD SYMPTOMS. HE DRIVES ME EVERYWHERE. HIS ONLY CHANGE IS SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS AND HE IS NOT MOTIVATED TO DOING THINGS AROUND THE HOME LIKE HE USED TO. HE IS OTHERWISE VERY GOOD AND FRIENDS SEE NO CHANGE IN HIS BEHAVIOR. WE STILL HAVE A GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE WHICH I AM THANKFUL FOR.


over 12 years, said...

all new info to me


over 12 years, said...

My wife was just diagnosed with dementia. This article provides valuable information about the disease. I would like to find a forum that discusses recent determinations and very mild symptoms of the disorder.


over 12 years, said...

I knew most of it but I am sure it is helpful for many people who do not understand the situation.


over 12 years, said...

My spouse has been diagnosed with mild to moderat ALZ it has progressed very fast and is killling me inside,i thought i noticed the blue in her eyes was fading into a blank stare is this possible


almost 13 years, said...

Please spare me the tubes and a long life once I no longer recognize my family. I am one of 8 children with 3 with disease making them require round the clock nursing care, 2 dying perhaps before symptoms apparent. Makes one think twice about future - have powerful end of life documents and encourage family to live in moment. Article very basic and easily readable. Thanks


almost 13 years, said...

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's is something that everyone fears--for a loved one or for herself. This article took each whispered hazy Alzheimer terror and brought it into the light of knowledge, then in understandable language explained what was and was not true. Knowing the truth enables me to face difficulties better than unknown fear.


almost 13 years, said...

It was reassuring to read that what my family is experiencing is 'normal'. My 83-year-old mother was diagnosed about 6 years ago. My family has come together to handle the situation and we are closer because of it. My mom lost many of her favorite activities first, maybe because she could no longer do them, or maybe because of a fear that she could no longer to them. She deeply feared having Alzheimer's. Her mother also had it (though she was never diagnosed) and died in a nursing home. That memory haunted my mother so much we could never tell her the truth. A decision I still feel was justified.


almost 13 years, said...

Hi couger, Thank you for your question. The simple explanation is that Alzheimer's is a disease and dementia is just a symptom. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. For more information about the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia, visit this Ask & Answer page: ( http://www.caring.com/questions/whats-the-difference-between-alzheimers-and-dementia ). I hope that helps. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager


almost 13 years, said...

Anyone know of any other Alzheimer studies going on? Preferably on the East Coast. I would like to get my Mother involved. She's 80, and her short term is pretty bad, considering I spoke to her in the morning...and she doesn't recall the conversation an hour later (or even minutes later). Her doctor says this is typical (dementia) for an 80 year old woman. I dispute this entirely. He gave her Aricept, just from a mini-cog test...and no other testing was involved. Anyone else have an issue with this, besides me?


almost 13 years, said...

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALZHEIMERS AND DEMENTIA


almost 13 years, said...

It reinforced what I have known and how I handles things. The "bright side of AD" is almost never mentioned. It is a challenge, but it is the long farewell, also, which may be better than an unexpected one. It does test us and make us slow down, have patience, and smell the roses. It is hard, and taking us both down, but also teaching me, the caregiver and wife, more about myself and others.


almost 13 years, said...

I rarely hear family members (not mine) say this has brought their families together... more like made their life a living hell. Children caring for parents seem to have the biggest problems with anger and disruption of their family ...


almost 13 years, said...

EXCELLENT INFORMATION


about 13 years, said...

I am 78 and now I think because my sister has Alzheimer's I will probably get it also. I am now worried.


over 13 years, said...

no shame, no blame, just the facts around myth-busting. thanks


over 13 years, said...

Well why don't the doctors tell the truth about the disease. Here is the real reason try looking at Lyme Disease. LYME DISEASE< LYME DISEASE LYME DISEASE 90 % of the people here in the USA have this and don't even know they have it until it to late. Take control of your own health because the doctors don't care. This is a epidemic here in the USA and it is kept quite by the CDC< FDA look at there web site's . I have had this disease for 25 years and i was told i had all the signs of Alzheimer's and the test for Lyme Disease was positive. i could go own for ever here but i wont. PS God bless and i hope you all get well with this disease.


over 13 years, said...

When I took care of mom, I had a problem with the friends and family who would say to her"don't you remember me?" We have known each other for years. or a family member would say you should remember me, we are related. I felt so sorry for her because she would say to me,"what is wrong with me, am I crazy?" I told her she was just having a little trouble with memory and not to worry about it. I put a stop to that. Before anyone could see her I told them not to do that. I would introduce them to her as company who came to visit with us. She would smile and say"how nice to meet you" and we would have a worry free visit and she was happy. (me too.) Thought this might help some one else. Patsy


over 13 years, said...

I like to keep up on on new things about Alzheimer's. Since my mother died of it I have been worried about myself . I don't have it but I am 75 years old,and pray to God I never get it. Thank you for all the newest updates. God bless you. Patsy


over 13 years, said...

is there a connection between debetes and alzheimers?


almost 14 years, said...

It gives hope. Fear of getting Alzheimer's is a hard thing to deal with.


almost 14 years, said...

Please delete the first comment I gave, it was not complete. I am not sure I did wrong.


almost 14 years, said...

It was a big help. It gave me hope.


almost 14 years, said...

lzheimer's just because my mother had it.....Patsy


almost 14 years, said...

I have been a caregiver for Alzheimers disease patients. I have gone to seminars and discovered that not all patients behave the same and that ALL respond well to love and kindness. My experience has been rewarding and heartbreaking at the same time, and I look forward to caring others


almost 14 years, said...

Yes, I've got a Mother, she's always been hateful, but I see the signs of Alzheimers.....I've enjoyed your comments.....thank you!


about 14 years, said...

My younger sister just recently found out that she has Altzheimers. She is 52 years old. I have notice that her short term memory is starting to go. The doctor's told her that they thought she might be getting it two years ago. We all thought it was stress. Her husband had heart surgery, buried our favorite sister, stress in general, so she took a month off work. When she went back to work, she could not remember how to do her job, the job she has been doing for about ten years now. She went to the doctors and they ran more test and confirmed the diesease. NO ONE ELSE in our family, mother and father side, has ever had Altzheimers. I thought it would take longer for her to go down hill, but the stories have me scared to death. She bought a sports car a couple of years ago, now she does not drive. I am wondring how fast does this diesease progress, and what should I be looking for????? Her son has been told and understands some wht, her daughter is in complete denial, are there help groups avaliable for family members???


over 14 years, said...

We had to put our 99 year old mom on feeding tube because of Alzheimer's. She forgot how to eat, yet her swallowing mechanism is ok. Thanks for the article. It's a big help.


over 14 years, said...

Good article. We're all afraid of this disease.


over 14 years, said...

thank you for this helpful article.


over 14 years, said...

I read that taking supplements from the Vitamin B family can reduce your risk of Alzheimers "A large 2005 study found that healthy people who consumed more than 400 micrograms of folate, a B vitamin cut their risk of developing Alzheimer's in half" I've been taking a supplement product called Neuralox, www.neuralox.com Has anyone else read anything good regarding supplements?


over 14 years, said...

This article was very informative.


over 14 years, said...

Very good imformation


about 16 years, said...

My Mom (age 89) has recently participated in the U.C. Davis Altzheimers Disease Study in Martinez, CA. This article has been very helpful for me! I will check out any other links as well.