Hello fellow Alz's

According to my local Alz Org, they felt our visit to the state's capitol was a success. My question to them was, "did they really "hear" me, or were they "indulging" me". the Executive director said, she watched each representative as I spoke, that they were indeed interested in what I said. Not to mention, extreme surprise registered on their faces with the information I stated I was going through on a "daily" basis. We left our "poster/calendar" with each representative in their offices. I shook hands and met senators legislatures and lobbyists. Most importantly, our Governor, Mr. Manchin. While preping for pics I told him he'd be seeing alot of me in the future, he asked why, I told him I was too young for this disease and that it would wipe out his budget set for retirees and those on medical disabilities--especially dimentia related!

We had a luncheon for the female caucus, exisiting of county, state and governmental representatives, I think in all there was approximately 17 women who attended! They were served "brain healthy" enriched foods for lunch.

The director first spoke and informed them of the statistics and what the local organization is accomplishing on a statewide basis. Then, she introduced me. I'm the "poseter child" (age 49 with EOAD). The looks on these women's faces was complete surprise. I told them my story. But, most importantly, I told them that our countries government needs to look at what has been proposed for budgets in areas of disability, medicare, etc for our retiring seniors, because, with sooo many citiczens being stricken with this disease at younger than retirement age, the "children" of these categories will be wiping out the financial monies set aside for the demographcis of retirees. They need to have their facts before them and restructure the budgets in these areas for state/county assistance for our elderly and any one person that has a dimentia type disease. Yes, they were able to physically "see" and "hear" me loosing/can't find my words, I have a side effect of visisbly shaking. They saw that also. I remember telling these women that as women, we are "caregivers" it's in our nature. Even if we don't have children, we have cared for someone or something....

In my case, I should be planning for the second half of myu life, instead I'm planning for a funeral, I have an appt with an atty nxt week to prepare my living will. But what's worse....I should be enjoying my children and grandchildren---helping them, not the other way around and that it's humiliating. I also told them there's times I catch myself staring into their eyes trying to figure out which one has this "monster" lying "dorment" and waiting to make itself known! And that I was damned, I didn't want this disease to be ignored for the sake of my children and grandchildren!

I was asked by each of them, (especially of one senator) who asked me to keep them informed. She wants to know what is going on and if she can be of any assistance/help to let her know....so I guess this is the first step in a long journey.....

Needless to say Im extremely excited and exhausted. these damn headaches are rearing up significantly today. I know it's because I'm tired.

Each of us need to sign up as advocates in our states/areas so that our representatives can fight this epidemic to the highest government!

I'm not asking you to go to your state's capital, I'm asking you to sign up as an advocate through your nearest alz org. We need all the support we can get! I can't do it alone.......I'm taking a nap!

Hi to all Newbies,
Welcome to the AD message Boards. I'm sorry for what brings your here but I am very glad you found us. This is a great place to start posting. Then, please read about the other forums and either join in or "start a new thread" of your own.
If you have any immediate concerns, please call the AD helpline @ 800-272-3900. There are professionals there 24/7 to talk with you and assist you.

Again, Welcome to our family. You are NOT alone. We are here for you.

Lisa,

In one of your post you memtioned a spell check. Where would I find it. It takes me so long to post due to my spelling. I have it on my aol.

Thanks,
Sharon

well...........I finally got my nerve up and called the 800 number to absolutely no avail what so ever. The woman seemed to have little if any compassion at all, I don't think she could have cared less if she tried and was almost a bitch. She acted like she did not have the time of day for me. I am a bit upset (to say the least). The ONLY thing she was interested in was sending me to an MD even thought I kept trying to get her to understand I don't have the money to pay for testing none the less an office call. I don't have insurance. So screw it. I am feeling like the 3rd boob of the world that should be removed. As many times as people are misdiagnosed and have to keep going back and back and back and keep getting all these tests? I am fighting to keep a place to live in and buy food so I can survive the upheaval my brain seems to have brought to my life. For some reason she did not seem to be able to understand anything I was trying to explain to her.......it may have been my lack of communication skills...but should she not be trained to deal with this if she is suppose to be dealing with those who have dimentia of some sort. She was awful and I feel terrible now. I don't know where else to turn or what else to do. I did go to one MD who would not take me seriously, how many times might this happen before I find a DR. who will actually listen to me?

What can I do to help this cause.....write my congressmen of course, any other suggestions? I am kind of feeling like I just got cast out by the national organization too. Maybe i should write them also and let them know how I feel???? Maybe I should just go on with my life best I can and try to ignore and forget about it.........but its in my face 24/7....minus sleep time. I feel so freaked out right now. damn it anyway. Such is my life...and many others' lives too. I feel so sad.

Has anyone else ahd a bad experienc with anyoen at the 800 number?

I am feelign like I must have said or done something wrong to ahve hd her treeat me the way she did????? But I have no idea of what it would have been......I don't hanlde crap like this well at all anymore and this kind of stuff is why I recluse. I had great expectations when I called I guess. I thought they were going to help me figure this out. I am ahving a hard time finding anyone willing to sit down with me and discuss what is happening to me............so it must be ME? What could I doing wrong here?

I can tell I am gogn to be resally scared to reqach out for help again. that really thrrew me for a lloop

Hi LB, and wow . . . I've not had that experience with the 800 number, but then I don't think I've ever called it. I can compare it to a new staff member at the local office, that I think hit her Peter Principle. I had an angry episode with her, haven't been back, even though that perhaps is my loss.

I'm not going to try to get you to reach out again, because I think I know how you feel right now: That calling again would open you up to the risk of another bad episode, and the thought of that happening again is too much for you?

Tell you what I will do, is contact Jaimie, the staff assigned to these boards, and let her know about what's happened to you. I'll bet you hear from her this week.

Meanwhile, I promise to check for your postings this evening, every chance I get. I'll answer you, and I bet others will pitch in, too.

It will help if you make a new post in the "I Have Alzheimer's" or the other Alzheimer's discussion, more people will see what you're posting. But however you choose, I'll find you.

Hang in there! Don't let one bozo throw you off the whole idea, OK?

Thank you Alan for the kind words and support. It made me feel so much better. I had just come from one of my best friend's funeral (she died of hepatitis C) motivated to take the bull by the horns to try and figure this out and made that call which devestated me. Life is cyclical and I am in one of those cycles where nothign seems to go right and I don't seem to be dealing with it very well this time around. I think I am way too freaked out to be on this site right now and I want to apologize to everyone for my strong emotions and negativity. Sorry guys.

Hi LB!

Sorry for your upsetting experience! Somehow there must have been something very unusual about your converstion event. Alan and I have notified management about this issue and it WILL be resolved!

I'm not a professionmal at all, just a volunteer who has Early On-Set Alzheimer's. I would ONLY work with an exceptional group of people. I found that here and I hope you do to.
The Alzheimer's Association is a PROFESSIONAL and COMPATIONATE organiztion. For your own support, pleasse don't let that experience keep you from us!

FYI- if I thought that this might ever have happened I never would have suggested that you contact the 800 number!

Good morning LB, and I'm glad you're still around. I'm not so sure I'd be as strong as you are, coming back online after getting devastated yesterday!

You'll have to be the judge as to whether you can handle talking about your issues here or not. I hope you'll stay, but then I'm prejudiced. If you hang around, you can ask questions at a pace you're alright with, and contribute to those posts that you can.

You see, a lot of people feel like you feel, and for you to continue here would help them, as well as yourself. Take your time, think it over.

Thank you Ttom. Jaimie emailed me and I sent her my phone number and she is having a manager call me. I am trying to prepare this time in case my mind goes blank again and write stuff down I am doing as I think of it. I do soooo appreicate your help. I have been getting so upset so easily and am feeling so stuck and like I really need to get a grip on it here. thank you for hanging in there with me. And if I can be of service to someone else? that makes me feel good. I was afriad I was doing the opposite with where I am at.

Once again Alan.....thank yo so much. Did I read where you are a psychologist? I can so see that in you. You jsut seem to know what to say and when. Thank you so much.

Jaimie emailed me and I sent her my phone #.

LB, thanks so very much for the kind words. Actually, I'm not one of those psychologists, what I have been is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, "LCSW." But, I've been heavily involved in research and training, teaching, and of course lots of psychotherapy.

But when it comes to therapists, it's their life and how they've responded to it that matters more than a degree. A good prospective therapist can be made better with education and training. Then there are those who won't "get it," no matter what they go through. Some of the latter category can do great interviews, so they get inside a place, then it's difficult for most managers to admit a hiring mistake.

Alan, the best therapists I have had, the ones who have helped me the most, have all had masters in social work!

I majored in psychology but realized I did not have the personality to go into that field. I had started to train to work with kids from really severe trauma and loved the bookwork and what little contact I had with the kids.

A manager from the website called me this afternoon and she was unbelievabley wonderful. She has a gift for sure. WOW! She is having the local chapter call me...she is taking care of everything along those lines for me. It sounds like one way or another I will be able to get some tests done I think. She was so supportive and listened to everything I had to say, had really good ideas and comments, made me feel like there is hope and like I can do this. And she thought I was doing a very good job of dealing with all the crap going on in my life telling me she thought I was a lot stronger that I think I am. She agrees there is a problem here that I need to get figured out. She asked me to call my daughter and ask her for help also which is going to be a challenge, but I will do it. One of my many issues is asking for help...yikes! She asked me to please call the help line again when in need and also said i could call her any time. I am so impressed...so THIS is what you all were talking about?!?!?!?! She was truly amazing and I am so relieved. The local chapter should be calling me this afternoon and as scared as I am, I am really excited too....I need to know what is happening to me.

Thank you so much for hanging in there with me.

Dear LB,
Hello and welcome. I'm so sorry for your first experience with the 800 number. I am glad you found us.
Looks like Alan and Tom have given you some good advice and assistance. They are wonderful, aren't they?!
I just wanted to add my welcome and hope that your recent good experiences will encourage you to stay with us.

Dear SH,
I'm sorry it took me a while to get back to you. I have the spell check feature on on my computer. Perhaps you could look under "tools" or "help"?? If not, perhaps ask this question on the site for "website Issues." Or a lot of people go on the "caregiver's site."

Good Luck.

Please, let me know what happens

LB, remember: YOU made it happen!! You tried, and didn't accept the disappointing initial result. You came online and let us know about it. You risked a lot by talking to the next Alzheimer's Association staff.

Pretty cool, eh?

Thank you so much Lisa. I really appreicate your support. Yes, Alan and Tom have been great. They're the ones who "took care" of this 800 number thing for me and I am very pleased with the results. It is nice to know that even tho I am so freaked out right now it is OK to hang out here...so to speak.

I also am trying to find a spell check that works with this site....I mispell often so badly sometimes spell check doesn't have the correct optoins for me....but I use it a lot, lol.

yeah, it is pretty cool!!!! thanks alan.

To all the "Newbies,"
Hello and Welcome to the AD Message Boards "Alzheimer's under 65" forum. I'm sorry for what brings you here but I'm very glad you've found us.
This is a great place to START posting. Then, please read through the other posts and add on your story or "start a New Thread" of your own. Please, make sure to let others know that you are new here.
If you have an immediate concerns, please call the AD helpline @ 800-272-3900. There are professionals there 24/7 to assist you. Also, please contact your local AD Assn for additional help and support.

Again, Welcome to our family. You are NOT alone. We are here for you!!

This is to LB1981: Bless your heart, I know you must truly be frustrated and feeling alone! You know some people just do not understand the value of good communication skills! I am so sorry you are having the problems you are having! Just keep in mind that you have friends here and we have all been in simular circumstances from time to time, so we do understand how you are feeling and where you are coming from. We truly do care about you and we all help one another here, that's what it is all about, to be here for each other. If there is anything I can do to help you please leave me a message and I will do whatever I can to try to help you get the results that you need. I will also check for your postings and if I can help you got it!

AJ, Thank you for the kind words and support. I soooo appreciate it. And yes, I am frustrated and feel utterly alone. I am still reading the posts trying to figure out what is going on with me. I talked to the local chapter here and I cannot afford testing. I relate to so many of the symptoms, am scared and feeling a bit freaked out. Thanks for being there.....it is very comforting to me.

LB1981,
Please, keep reading the posts. Either add on to another post or "start your own "New Thread" but using a new topic.
You are NOT alone. We are here for you.

Please, use all the resources available to you. Do you have a Council on Aging or something like that? They may be able to help you with resources.

Good Luck. Keep in touch.

I attended the Public Policy Forum in Washington DC and found the candle light vigil at the Lincoln Memorial a moving experience and a touching memorial to those no longer with us.

Hey All

I attended the Public Forum in DC. WOW! What an experience. Lia it was wonderful to put a face with the voice. I had a fantastic time. I guess what was particularly forceful was I'd meet people and tell them I am EOAD at 49! I really am optimistic that this support was successful. I learned a lot from others experiences. In Addition, my husband can now have a better understanding of where I'm coming from because ...... it is what it is!

I truly believe that we were ssuccessful in getting the point across regarding the waiting period for insurance, and disability funds. I know that my legislation from WV were surprise almost shocked. I can confidently say we had a positive reception and support from all but 1 representative. Our countries leaders must look at their budgets that have been funded in accordance to demographics and now factor in the historical numbers which the Association has provided and redirect these funds so that the program(s) is not wiped out!

God Bless America. We had freedom of speech!
M

Hey Mary,
It was great to meet you at the Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. Like you said, it's great to put a name and a face together!
I, too, LOVED the candlelight vigil at the Lincoln Memorial. It was very MOVING. My poor daughter just wept!
Unfortunately, we had a death in our family and had to leave quickly. I was very sorry to miss meeting the Senators and Congressman/women! I was all riled up and ready to go!
Thank you for speaking me and all of us.
I hope I will be able to attend next year too! Now, we all have to get cracking by volunteering at our local Alzheimer's Assn's and help with fund raising and Memory Walk!

Again, it was wonderful to meet you and your Hubby. He was very sweet too.

I lost a great opportunity to say hello at the Pubic Policy Forum in Washington DC to a few of the folks here online. I was sad to hear Tracy's husband tell her story about Tracy being diagnosed in her thirties and now gone. The candle light vigil was for all of us who have and will suffer great loss and a sad reminder, no known survivors. The messages to Congress about disability issues and for more money for research were important. .
On Capitol Hill I was able to meet face to face with both Senators from my home state of Wisconsin. Senator Feingold was very receptive. Marie Shriver spoke to Senator Kohl’s group on aging and I learned more about the report being deliver to the Senate Panel.
I hope to meet more online folks at next year’s forum.

Hey Fellow Alz Patients

Although you couldn't make it to DC you have a local capital for your state. It's time to email them a letter diagnosis has changed from every 71 seconds to 70 seconds, Most importantly, many of these people are extremely young!. This disease needs to be addressed by funding and assistance. But first, by knowledge. Do what you can to mentor the public...it could happen to them.

I just want to say hello to all I was able to meet at the forum. I have never felt so alive and complete. The emotions that were felt in these rooms were literally electrifying! It was fantastic to network with people from every state that was suffering with this monster. We all could soo relate!

Our souls are leaving paths within our wake...hopefully, somebody else will follow and carry the cause!

I'm not really religious but, Bless everybody here and those that haven't found us yet!

M

Dear Darryl,
I'm so sorry we didn't meet in D.C. I am so glad you were there too. As Mary said, it was electrifying but, also, very sad. The millions we have already lost to this DEMON called Alzheimer's! We've all got to band together to fight this not only for ourselves but for our children and our childrens' children!!
The energy there was ALIVE!

Hey Everybody

In my local newspaper this am, is an article regarding "further clinical trials of Alzheimer's drug gets green light"

Apparently the FDA has given the Blanchette Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in Morgantown permission to conduct Phase II clinical trials of the drug "Bryostatin" for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients.

Apparently, "Bryostatin" shows promise to "repair and protect against neurodengeration" caused by Alzheimer's disease, stroke and other brain trauma, as well as enhance the brain's normal memory functions".

"Bryostatin" was initially created as an anti-cancer chemotherapy but, once tests were performed on Alzheimer's disease models the drug has a "hidden potential to STOP ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE"!

"Brystatin has shown to enhance and restore memory by rewiring connections in the brain previously destroyed by stroke, head trauma or aging itself."

"The Phase II trials are expected to begin in two to four months will test preclinical findings on human Alzheimer's disease patients as well as on control subjects".

Bryostatin has "the potential to not just treat symptoms but, also stop the causes, the Brystatin trial on Alzheimer's disease patients represents a new direction for the treatment of a disease with no current cure."

HOPE MAY FINALLY BE ON THE HORIZON......the disease...it is what it is but, maybe now somebody has heard our please!

Whether you believe in prayer or not, START PRAYING WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT THAT THE CURE IS HERE!!!!!!

Thinking of each and everyone of you/us
M

Mary Pletka, well done, you accomplished quite a bit in you sessions with your state legislators and state officials. Quite a bit to emulate, monitor and motivate them to follow through with for the best interest for all the citizens and residents of your state.

Mary,

Wouldn't that be wonderful if this happens? I wonder how long these trial last. I try to keep being hopeful, but I worry if it will be in my lifetime. I guess that sounds bad, but you know what I mean. Are you going to be able to get in the trail?

Sharon

Hello to All the Newbies,
Welcome to the AD Message Boards "Alzheimer's under age 65" forum. I'm sorry for what brings you here but I am glad you've found us.

This is a great place to introduce yourself and get started. You can either read these threads and add on or comment or start a new thread but clicking the purple box at the top of this page "Start a new Discussion" Fill in the small box with the topic and then start typing in the next larger box.

This is a great place to gather info., vent feelings, and get a lot of great support from some terrific people.

You are NOT alone.

We are here for YOU!

WELCOME to OUR family!

Hey Everybody

I did it. I got the tattoo. It's beautiful. Both of my daughters did it too!

The purple Alzheimer's symbol is in the center and on both sides are three periwinkle blue "forget-me-not" flowers. Above the symbol is written E.O.A.D. and below the symbol is August '08, the date of my diagnosis. I will wear this proudly and show all as a reminder of this disease, the robber of life!

I've proudly turned age 50 today. Lisa, you're right. I still feel as young as I did at 18! Hopefully, more mature but, still young at heart!

Luv to you all
M

Dear Mary,
Congrats on turning 50! Fifty is Nifty! Glad to hear you're thrilled with your new tattoo! Sounds lovely.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday! And I hope ALL you wishes come true!

Hi Everybody

New information regarding the "Bryostatin" Phase II testing.

As an Alz'y groupie, I called the Blanchette Rockefeller Institute and spoke with the receptionist. I stated that I was interested exactly when this "clinical trial testing" would begin? She stated it hasn't formed as of yet, but, for me to check back within a month.

She took my personal information, address, etc., and stated that she would forward my information to those who are over this trial. She did state that it would be a "small trial", and wondered if I understood all aspects of "clinical trial testing?" I explained my interest in being involved on this level and that I had already had this discussion with my family. My family is behind me in whatever I choose to do!

In my mind, this is as close as you can get to getting somebody to LISTEN and DO SOMETHING about this disease.

I clearly understand in my heart on a good note, that if chosen, this testing could either make a significant change or, I could die. But, that's one step closer to a cure for my family. All of our families!

Somebody please comment, I really need to discuss this.

What do you all think?
M

I am 48 have recently been told I have AD. I live in NZ

I have not been able to work for more than a year now and feel very alone as I thought only elderly got the bug. I am concidering sucide as I just cant see away through this. My husband is a lovely man and i know he will stand by me. He works and I am alone most days. dose anyone else feel like I do. I just don't what to end up like that and think it is too hard on everyone including my children.
Jenny

This is to Jenny Webb: Jenny, sweetheart the feelings you are having are normal, but believe me you still have much to live for. We must plan for our future of course, none of us like to think about when things change and we are not ourselves anymore. However, in the meantime, make the most of what you have now!

Get involved with a local Alzheimer's Association, do things for others while you still can. Live each day to it's fullest. Part of the battle is to not give up and just think about what is going to happen in the future. You still have today, let me share with you how I have decided to live my life, I hope this will be helpful to you, and that you will share will with other people with Alzheimer's to help them when they are feeling low and perhaps worthless.

First let me share with you that I am an only child, I am married with 2 grown children and 5 grown grandchildren. I am 66 yrs. of age and up until 3 weeks ago I was the caretaker for my 91 yr. old Dad. My Dad passed away 3 weeks ago, my Mother died 16 yrs. ago. When I found out this past Oct. that I had Alzheimer's I gave myself permission to mourn for a week, I cried, felt sorry for myself and the whole bit, I only did it for 7 days, because, my Dad was termianally ill and I knew that I needed whatever strength I could muster up to help him as much as possible and be there for him to the end. I promised my Mother before she died that I would always be there for Dad, and I kept that promise. Telling my Dad, husband and children I have Alzheimer's was very difficult for me. But knowing my Dad as I did, I knew that keeping this from him would be wrong, because he was always very intitutive regarding me, and he would be very angry if I kept it from him. That was just how he was. Telling my children, was difficult also, but you know, my family have all been very supporative of me.

Jenny, even though you may not think so right now, you still have things to live for. DO NOT ALLOW THIS THING TO GET THE BEST OF YOU BY GIVING UP! You take your meds. as perscribed and get involved in a local Alzheimer's Association, stay in touch with people here on line. Talk with people with Alzheimer's in the Chat Room. You know,God does not give anyone a guarantee as to how long we have on this earth. You should live each day as if it were the only day you have to live! If there are things that need to be taken care of before thing get worse for you, get your back side in gear and get them done. You attitude has a lot to do with how you feel. If you need to get some counseling, then get it! You do everything you can to keep stress to the minimun and live your life to the fullest each and every day! Do some of the things that you have said in the past that someday you would like to do! You reap what you sow Jenny, if you sit around and feel sorry for yourself, you are wasting your time sweetheat! Time goes on whether you let this disease defeat you or you fight with all of your being. You still have time for some happiness, don't just give up! At least when things do get worse, you will know in that deep place inside you that you did everything you could for as long as you could! Your family will be proud of you for fighting this thing for as long as you could.

We may not be able to control our destinay, but we can control the journey. It is the little things that are so important. Taking things a step at a time, aday at a time, even if we have to break it down into 5 minutes at a time. Having a positive attitude and fighting the good fight is what is important. Taking our meds. having a positive attitude and asking for help is very important. Tell you family what you need from them. I would love to talk with you more, please E-mail me at aj@email.toast.net.

Jenny, YOU DO HAVE SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR,IF YOU TAKE YOUR LIFE THEN YOU ARE JUST GIVING UP AND BY DANG, YOU SHOULD BE WILLING TO FIGHT WITH EVERY OUNCE OF YOUR BEING! Please contact me, I love you as a sister with Alzheimer's. I would love to hear from you. We need friends that we can share our feelings with that know how we are feeling, and believe me, all of us have the feeling from time to time to give up. But we must join together and fight and have a positive attitude. Remember live each day as if it were your last, you'll have no regrets that way. If you have affairs that need to be put in order then do it, stay busy, keep your mind occupied, do things you love to do while you can still enjoy them. Give of yourself to others, you know it is such a good feeling to help someone else, even when we are having problems, because it jeeps us from thinking just of ourselves. Please let me hear from you.

Remember, even though I don't know you, I love you because we have this disease in common. Let's join forces and get to know one another OK?

You will be in my prayers. I'm waiting to hear from YOU JENNY, DON'T LET ME DOWN!

Jenny,

Listen to what A.J. said, it even helped me reading her post. I have EOAD also, I was told in April 2008 at 57 years old. I understand what you are saying and how you feel. Every day is a battle for me also. I give myself five minutes a day to feel sorry for myself. That doesn't always work, but that's what I try for. I am finally after a year getting some help to try to live with this, my first visit will be this coming Tuesday. I have a wonderful husband and feel so lucky he is there for me. I also lost my career, can't drive anymore. My spelling is bad, my handwriting has changed and my math skills are really bad. I was an Insurance Adjuster for 16 years and had good math skills, that is hard for me to deal with. I do things all the time and won't remember that I did them. Don't feel you are along, we all go through this. The only good thing that came out of this for me, was to find out what was causing all my problems. I would get lost coming home from work. Loud noises and being around a lot of people for very long, drives me nuts. My short term memory is very bad. I know how you feel about not wanting all this to be a burden on your family, because I feel that way also. I try to focus on my granddaughter, she is such a joy to me. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone.

Sharon

Hello Jenny and WELCOME to this message board. My name is Tom. I volunteer with this site and I have had the "bug" since 2008.

Your feeling the same emotions that most of us with AD have felt. I hope that you have been given the approprite drugs to combat those bad feelings. The day I was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's (EOAD) I was put on Aricept for the AD and an anti depressant for the depression that the doctor knew would follow. Come to think of it, the depression might have already started prior to that visit. Since then I have had Namenda added to help slow the AD and Seroquel to control my mood.

Jenny, there are a lot of supporters on this message board that will come to your side. We have members that were diagnosed as early as 43. A couple have already gotten to respond. Weekends are all most always very slow so that will limit the responce time.

Hi Jenny and Alzy Groupies

DO NOT GIVE UP! You are the power/strength for your family and peers. I know how you feel about wanting to give up, but, PLEASE DON'T.

Make your pain and disappoint positive give back to somebody, use your talents and share them with these people,family, friends and your Alz family!

Knowledge is power. Start reading to understand what's going on. Then fight like hell to be you.

I can no longer drive, I completely understand the feeling of dependency not to mention boredom at home. What do you enjoy doing? Make a list and start conquering them one at a time. Start small and build your way up. I don't know about you but, I sundown quite a bit. I get extremely tired after 3 good days! But you know what? It's okay, because I had a damn good time while doing it!.

Start being positive with your life, set and lead by example. You WILL go through various levels of feelings, I still do. But being a woman, it's easier to cry and release these thoughts of despair, it's okay, you are allowed!!!!! Pampler yourself, then the next day get up and do continue with your list.

If you have children, neices, nephews (family) "leave your footprint" for them.

My kids are expected to send me a new photo SD card so I can keep my SHOME electronic picture frame up to date! I have been putting photo albums together for each family memeber with "our memories".

DON'T GIVE UP! I believe that each of us are special in our own way, this is why we have this disease, we're to be the "example" to the world!

Please write us ANYTIME, LET US KNOW YOU'RE OKAY! We're all family, hell if it wasn't for those on these threads I don't know how I'd make is sometimes....they're my strength every day!

Luv to you
M

Jenny,
In case you missed it the phone number for our 24/7 Helpline is 1-800-272-3900.

Please respond back at your earliest convience. We are worried for your safety. Remember, you are one of us now!

Hello Jenny, My name is Linda and I usually just browse. I at times also get suicidally depressed. Given enough time I always work through it. It is a horrendous thing to have to go thru. there is no worse pain in the entire world for me than emotional pain and it sure feels like I have an awful lot of it. But then i try to look at the gifts in my life and when I write (it doesn't work well for me if I don't write it down on paper)down a gratitude list and I always feel a lot better. I have an almost 3 yr old grandchild I want to be with as long as I can.....those types of things keep me going and OK. Over the years I guess i have developed tools to deal with the emotional stuff that work for me......hopefully you either do this now or will soon. There are so many totally awesome people on here who can help you and will be here for you. Just know you are not alone. I keep everyone on here in my prayers too, me included, lol ;-). This is a great site and I hope you stay with us. I believe you can have a life with all this....just need to change a few things and give it some time to adjust, yes? I also am anxious to hear back from you to know you are OK. I have a lot of love for you in my heart because we are connected by this similar link. So welcome and keep us posted if you don't mind?

Jenny,
Hi. My name is Lisa. I,also, have EOAD. I was diagnosed @53.
I really don't have any words of wisdom to share with you. I know you are feelings extremely low, kind of hopeless. It is NOT hopeless! There are meds and treatment!
I hope you can speak with your husband about how you are feeling.

This is NOT the end, Jenny! It is the beginning of NEW things and NEW life. Life is a gift worth living! Please, get some help NOW!
I hope and pray that you are seeking help from family and friends and that you are under the care of a good neurologist who specializes in AD/Dementia. There are meds out there to help you.
As Tom posted earlier, our AD Helpline is 1-800-272-3900.
Did I understand that you live in New Zeland??

Please, post again to let us know you're OK.

Jenny, You are NOT alone.

We are here for YOU.

Welcome, to OUR family!

Dear Jenny, I'm so very glad you found this message board and these great people! They are the only ones who know EXACTLY how you feel. They have helped me, and are still helping me understand what I'm going through. And yes, going through, because nothing stays the same. To realize that your mind is changing--what a SHOCK! You feel sometimes like a roller-coaster, sometimes up, then sometimes down. But this is not the end of your life. There is hope. If you believe in God, pray and ask God to help you and to bring you, your husband, and your children through this. Pray for God's love and care for you and your family. I will be praying for you and your family, and I know others on this board will pray for you also.

The best thing you can do now is take a deep breath. Look around you. You have yourself, your husband and your children. Look around you again. You have the sisterhood and brotherhood of this community. We love and support and care for each other. Call on us whenever you need to. You are not alone.

Please post again. We'd like to hear from you.

(My cousin's daughter married a man from NZ. Now they live in Denmark.)

Iris L.

Hey Jenny,

Where are you? Are you OK???

PLEASE, talk to me!! I'm here!

We're ALL here for you!

Good morning, Jenny. How are you doing? We're starting our day here. Are you getting ready for bed? I'm in Pacific Time, in California. Write back, let us know how you're doing.

Iris L.

Jenny,
Let us hear from you, we are all concerned. Remember you have people on this board who know how you feel.

Sharon

Hello Jenny. We are all hoping to hear from you!