I have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). If I should...
A fellow caregiver asked...
I have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). If I should develop Alzheimer's how could one tell? I have been forgetful for as long as I can remember. (No pun intended.) When I was in school my mother would put my homework in my books, make sure I took the books to school and then call my teacher that the homework was in the book. I also get lost on familiar "trails".
Expert Answer
Ladislav Volicer, M.D., Ph.D., is recognized as an international expert on advanced dementia care. He is a courtesy full professor at the School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, and visiting professor at the Third Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Twenty-five years ago, he established one of the first dementia special care units.
You do not say how old are you, but unless you have Alzheimer's disease in your family you do not have to worry about it until you are in your sixties. Symptoms to watch for would be repeating the same questions, not recognizing people you know and forgetting to take care of your hygiene.