A few years ago my mom would tell friends and family members that she was very ill but she was never diagnosed with such illness. I would buy her a lot of vitamins but she wouldn't take them (Paranoia). When I would say to her "mom, you're ok", she would get a bit defensive. After a while my mom had a sphycosis episode. She started hallucinating very bad... Her doctor prescribed medication (Risperidone). Is this the beginning of what dementia/Alzheimer's looks like? And why do I feel like late 60yrs/70yrs so young? We have a neurologist appt. In February in hopes of more answers...
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Mid 60's I would not call that early onset and for sure not in the 70's.
Now what you are describing a few years back might have been early signs that she was good at covering up. I have read that people with dementia have covered and worked around symptoms for sometimes 10 years before they can no longer hide signs of mental decline.
A good exam and follow up exams are important. If possible work with not just a Neurologist but also a Neuropsychologist together they can come up with pretty accurate diagnosis.
It is also very important to get an ACCURATE diagnosis. Some dementias are more difficult to treat than others and with some there are medications that should NOT be taken. So don't take "It's Alzheimer's" as the diagnosis. Rule out things like Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia and a whole host of others.
Between now and the appointment sit down with a notebook and write down EVERY little thing that you can think of that you may have overlooked in the past. I have said dementia is like one of those pictures that once you get up close it is made up of thousands of individual pictures. Or like a puzzle each piece alone means nothing but when you put them all together you see the whole picture.
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Good for you for taking her to a neuro. You should get some actual answers. Which I am working on getting for my mom too. She's 78 and has been declining for years, both cognitively and physically. It's a mess.
Ask as many questions as you need to and there are many people here that are willing and able to offer excellent suggestions and support.
Good luck.
Goohd luck to you as well.
My best friend's mom was diagnosed at 58, some others I'm aware of even younger. May you receive peace in your heart as you move through this with her.
P.S. For your own mental well being please know that dementia/ALZ is inherited but you do NOT automatically inherit the gene.
Thank you, I will keep this in mind.
“Most individuals with the disease are 65 and older. After age 65, the risk of Alzheimer's doubles every five years. After age 85, the risk reaches nearly one-third.”
It is good that you are taking her to a specialist and that you are researching before the appointment.
Thank you for your helpful advice.