Hugs to you, dear Naomi! I am so sorry, but am glad you recognized this early as medications can help. And glad you have your DH by your side. And of course the KT Army is always here for you.

As the husband of a retired geriatrician, i will comment that you need to take that medication. It can postpone a lot of what is happening. Good luck.

((((((((((((( Naomi))))))))))))

I'm so sorry, Naomi. That is a tough and scary diagnosis to have to face. Catching it early, as you have, and taking the prescribed medications is a big factor in managing this disease. When you are feeling up to it and over the initial shock you've had, by all means, contact your local Alzheimer's groups. They can be a wealth of information and emotional support. Don't hesitate to come here either whenever you need a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen.

I am so sorry to hear this. But, as several have mentioned....the medicine has had

some tremendous results. Please hang in there....new research and findings are

happening every single day. Saying a prayer and sending a hug to you.

I'm so sorry to read this, but at least you know and hopefully the medicine will help you prolong the negative aspects of the disease. It is my greatest fear. I especially worry about it because I will probably face when I get it alone.

Shocking and frightening! I feel for you. Do look up the Alzheimer's association and speak more with the specialist about what might be the root cause; it is not always Alzheimer's -- sometimes it is tiny strokes, which would only show up on an MRI, or generalized blood vessel disease (also visible on MRI) -- and measures can be taken beyond Aricept to prevent more deterioration if those are a factor. Exercise is important no matter what.

(((((Naomi))))) You will be in my prayers, Naomi. Apparently you've caught this coming on in the early stages, that is good! As others have said, there are meds now that can help a lot in slowing down progression of the disease. Hopefully a cure is just around the corner.

There are a number of different kinds of dementia, Alzheimer's Disease is just one of them. The Alzheimer's society is a very helpful organization, do look up their website, and/or any local support groups. And take your meds faithfully as prescribed!

When my husband was in about the 4th or so stage of Alzheimer's, someone asked me if the meds were helping him. My reply was, "I don't know, because I don't know where he would be without them, and I'm not about to withhold them to find out."

God bless you and your husband.

Rusty

Hugs to you naomi

I too am sorry, it is a diagnosis we all worry about but you have done the right thing and caught it early. Hopefully medication will work well for you.

Sending you many hugs and prayers for strength. This is my biggest fear! My mother, aunt, and now my brother has it... I really think I could have the beginnings myself. Have not had tests but when I mentioned it to doctor, he was not concerned. May God be with you and your family...it is hard on everyone. ((((O))))

It's a big worry for most of us particularly if we have relatives history. It was very good you were diagnosed early on and the meds now do a great job of slowing it down. Please come here for support. We will be here for you.

“I noticed problems I was having and my husband did too so we made an appointment with our primary care Dr. ...”

That was a very brave thing for you to do; it must’ve been so hard to acknowledge that something wasn’t quite right and take action. My hat’s off to you.

sammy and I posted at the same time .

You are so brave to have made the appointment to see your physician when you noticed something was off. Many would have ignored it and waited. Perhaps compromising their quality of life in the long run.

I concur that having a complete physical work up is a good idea to find out if there is an underlying cause of the symptoms you are experiencing.

Again, I admire your bravery. BTW, you do not have to remember the doctor's name. You have a lot on your mind.

Bravo to you.

So sorry to read about this, Naomi. I admire you for taking those very difficult first steps to get a diagnosis. That will make a difference in how you will/can manage in the days to come.

Oh so sorry to hear this. It's devastating news. Sending you thoughts of strength and comfort.

Naomi, that is devastating news. Hard as it is, try to keep a positive outlook. Good that it was caught early and you are being treated.

((((Naomi))))

Phoggie, I have known so many women who noticed that something was "off" but were blown off by their MDs -- and then it turned out to be something serious. Please persist in asking for an assessment, or go to another MD.

Any more Alzheimer's is the catch all term for what used to be called old age dementia. You need to find a neurologist that will test for the most common types of dementia such as Vascular and those related to chemical imbalances as there is a type that is apparently caused by low B vitamins. I have a problem with statins of all types. When I take them I develop what was called pseudodementia.

Go as soon as possible and have POA's for both financial and health drawn up. My husband first started having problems in 2002/2003 and there was little progression. Four years ago he had a UTI that caused him to loose most of the mental processes and use of his body. Until then there was really very little mental change. I had to obtain a Guardianship and Conservatorship to do anything although most of our accounts were joint. Differing states have differing laws on what even a spouse can do. BUT you do not want to have your loved ones have to do this. You might even want to have several where if one person is unable for whatever reason the other person becomes your POA.

I do recommend the Alzheimer's Association groups but more for the caregiver than for yourself. We were in the patient and caregiver groups but my husband received little benefit from the patient group. Once my group started talking about real issues it became very helpful. The Caregivers forum has lots of suggestions but as a patient read for hints of what changes you might make in where you live to be more comfortable rather than for the disease.

My husband passed away on the 11th which means he had the process for at least 15 years and only the last three did he have the problems that people associate with dementia so you can have a long time to do what you enjoy doing.

((((Naomi))))

I'm sorry to hear of your husband's death, maifleur. Best wishes.

Also best wishes for Naomi and family.

Maifleur, what a helpful post. Are you saying your husband just passed away January 11? So recent, you must be in the midst of great emotions. Deepest condolences and wishes for a peaceful heart.

Naomi, may the wonderful, supportive posts you have here give you hope and also helpful information. I send you a hug, my dear.

(((malfleur))) (((Naomi))) (((phoggie)))

(((Naomi))). I’m so sorry.

((((maifleur))) You are in my thoughts

So sorry for the diagnosis but I am so glad you are getting help. My good friend is showing signs of dementia and as far as I can tell her family is just pretending nothing is going on. She has a terrible time bringing up words and has gotten lost twice while driving somewhere she's been many times before.

Good luck to you. I hope the disease progress is very slow.

Hugs to Malfleur.

I just want Naomi to know that the diagnosis can be false and she can still have a useful life for a long time if it is true. My husband was in a water fitness class up until four years ago then it was his knee not his brain that made him withdraw. It is important to receive a full battery of tests including a PET scan. KU Medical Center has discovered that about a quarter of the people were misdiagnosed when they used this type of scan. She and anyone that thinks they are having similar problems should check to see if there is a dementia research facility. Last I read there were over 70 different types of dementia some of which can be actively treated vs. Aricept.

Oh Naomi, you've been dealt a blow. I'm really sorry you have this to deal with. Kuddos for going early and getting a jump on this. You have your wonderful husband and medicine that is improving all the time, that's good. You have all your kt family for prayers and support. I will keep you in my prayers.

I am so sorry to read this. It sounds like it's been diagnosed quite early so that is actually a good thing. The drugs and other treatments should really help. I wish you strength and love.

((((Naomi))))

Maifleur, I'm very sorry. I know even when there is some relief and expected, it is still very sad.

(((((((((Naomi))))))))) You'll be in my prayers.

((((((( Naomi ))))))))

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, Naomi. You've received some good advice above; all I can add is the suggestion that there may be some lifestyle changes that could help you. I put this book on my Kindle last week. I haven't read it yet, but in case you or your husband are interested I'll pass this along:

The End of Alzheimer's: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline

The very best of luck to you.

Oh, Naomi. I will be praying for you. Thinking of you!

Naomi, sending kind caring thoughts your way. I would get a second opinion.

You've received some wonderful advice here, which is why I love this forum. I have nothing to add but hugs.

Naomi I have no advice... I just want to tell you, you are in my thoughts.

Moni

Keep sharing this burden, Naomi. We are all in one another's 'corner' here. The promise of the internet for good is proven here on the KT every day.

((((Naomi)))). I'm sorry you have to deal with this. As others have said, make sure your doctor does enough testing to ascertain the type of dementia you are developing. Appropriate treatment can delay the effects for many, many years.

Hugs, Naomi.

I was diagnosed with vascular dementia. I had a stroke about eight years ago. My walking is not good, and other problems.

Naomi, I am sorry you have to cope with this diagnosis and I wish you the very best treatment and outcome possible.

I've thought about your post the last two days. Wish I could find the right thing to say other than I'm sorry.

Maifleur, I'm sorry you lost your husband. God bless his soul, rest in peace.

Just wish you the best.