My mother has demetia (80's) and had signs for years, which we thought just a part of aging. But now my mind (55) is slipping quite a bit and I have no idea if I need to see a doctor or not and if I do what test will they do.
When I said slipping - it means: can't remember the words of common objects right away, short temper, always someone elses fault, not mine, can't follow thur on projects, even shopping has me going back a few times, unless I bring a list.
My mom has expressed many of the same concerns about herself after my dad got Alz in his forties. Although I was just a kid, I even felt like I was more forgetful and absent-minded.
The truth is, stress, depression and/or grief can cause all of the symptoms you described. Forgetfulness, temper, lack of follow-thru and a feeling of disconnectedness. Add to that the cargivers sensitivity to memory issues. Every time I would space out or forget a common word I would feel panic: is it happening to me now? We live in a world of fading memories so we are especially aware of our own.
If you are concerned you might think about seeing a doctor and speaking with them. It might alleviate some anxiety about your health or provide answers. If you are really worried it might be worth a vist. No matter what you do, treat yourself gently and with as little criticism as you can muster. Sometimes, as we know, memory loss is a sign of Alzheimer's and sometimes memory loss really is just a normal part of aging.
I'll be thinking about you.
Rachel
Posts: 32 | Location?: Los Angeles | Registered: March 13, 2007
how do you handle outbursts or lack of follow thru? I can tell my mom to take medicine and she will keep puttering around and do nothing. She know is a little stubborn and doesnt want people to control her life. Yet, she is not highly organized herself.... help
Keep in mind that Alzheimer's is a kind of "none of the above" diagnosis. The only 100% diagnosis is through brain autopsy after death to examine the plaques there. There are an enormous number of medical reasons why you may become flustered, agitated, or forgetful. All of them need to be excluded before Alzheimer's is even a possibility.
Most people in proximity of Alzheimer's fear that they may also get it, and rightly so I suppose, but don't jump to conclusions because of fear.
Posts: 388 | Location?: Torrance, CA | Registered: February 28, 2007
