Forms of Alzheimer's

 

I hear about so many these days who have a form of dementia/Alzheimer's. And some are quite young. It doesn't seem to be an old people’s disease anymore. Scientists claim early-onset is rare, but as of today, 110 of every 100,000 adults aged 30 to 64 are diagnosed with it. That’s about 200,000 Americans. This number is increasing, and more women have it than men.

Our daughter was officially diagnosed at age 50, but she had it before she was diagnosed.

Mayo Clinic

Scientists are researching causes, and they have a few ideas, but no one knows for certain the origins for the disease in each case.  Sometimes, the doctors can’t diagnose the exact kind of dementia.

When our daughter lived with it, one doctor said it was Pick’s Disease. And her symptoms fit that disorder. The neurologist said, “No, it’s not Pick’s, I’m not sure what it is specifically, but it could be alcohol related.”

I have friends whose husbands are in facilities. Their doctors could never come up with an accurate description, either.

Here are a few names for the ailment.

1.    Late on-set

2.    Early on-set

3.    Genetic

4.    Lewy Body

5.      Frontal Lobal and Posterior Cortical Atrophy.

6.    Pick’s

7.    Alcohol

8.    Vascular

9.    Mixed

I think sometimes, when doctors don’t know, they say it is mixed. And so many have mixed symptoms. The disease is like snowflakes. All are similar and all are unique.

Tips for Caregivers

1.    Don’t expect your loved one to be like the others.

2.    The doctor may not know what kind of dementia your loved one has.

3.    Don’t expect answers to what comes next. These stages stabilize, and experts can guess, but they can’t predict with much certainty.

4.    Do the best you can. Realize you are a limited human being. Forgive yourself when you act frustrated. Sad. Angry. Depressed.

5.    Seek help for yourself when the rough gets too rough, and it will.

Suffering for a Little While

Shelley Renee Lewis Day McGregor

 

Shelley

 

After you have suffered a little while, our God,

who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you His eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever.

To Him be all power over all things forever and ever.

1 Peter 5:10-11

This verse brought me comfort! 

It is from the NLT.

Shelley suffered with dementia for over ten years. This bright, smart, woman melted down to a non-functioning body and mind. 

At the end of our life, she looked around with wide eyes as if she saw heaven open up. Her eyes filled with wonder. Not fear. 

I wish she could have told me what she saw. But her eyes told the story. She was looking at her future home.

I have this picture on my dressing table. 

Tips for Caregivers

1. Find what brings you comfort and keep it near you. It mght be a Scripture, a picture, an article of clothing.

2. Read articles about sadness or depression. You will have these days. Expect them, and realize they are part of the process.

3. Find a person who will listen to you talk about your loved one. Not everyone wants to hear, and sometimes, we need to voice our memories. A willing person who listens is a godsend.