my mom has early onset alzheimer's and was diagnosed around the time she was 52, but i suspect it had been plaguing her for years beforehand. i'm 21 years old... i understand this disorder is easily inherited... if i carry one of the genes, and am going to inherit the disorder, how early do signs of it show? I'm not the greatest at being attentive and sometimes when people talk to me things they say go in one ear and out the other. I was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder when I was in the 4th grade. I've also been a heavy pot smoker for the past 5 years of my life (i just recently quit) so I always associated my careless nature with that. Any advice/comments/answers?

Dang, Karebear, you're so honest! With your Mother's journals and your writings now, I think there is a book being created. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Perhaps you should re-post this in the "Ask the professionals" area. Someone there may be able to shed some light on your queries.

Karebear, My wife was diagnosed at age 53 with Alz. She had one aunt and one uncle who also were diagnosed but not until meuch later. I was concerned for our children now in early 40's if they would inherit the disease. Our neurologist said there is no way to realy tell if the disease is inherited. Some people get it and some don't . They don't know why yet. I know that our kids have changed their lifestyle and keep in shape and eat healthy. It's easy to say don't worry but follow the advise of the professionals, stay active , challenge your mind every day, and keep a good diet.GOD Bless

Karebear,
Being diagnosed with ADD and being a heavy pot smoker can really cause lack of attention! Your smart to quit! Dan had some great ideas. No one really knows who will develop EOAD. You will decrease any chance you may have of developing many diseases by getting healthy with your diet and exercise, keeping your brain stimulated, and staying away from Pot and all those other drugs! I'm sorry about your Mom.

Good Luck and keep in touch

Peace and Hope,

Karebear, I was diagnosed when I was 38 with EOAD and not quite sure of family history. However, as statistics show less than 10% of cases are familial or inherited. Doctors really don't know a cause for sure but are pointing at one's health habits. I would for sure say to take the best of care of yourself and eat healthy.

Karebear, My dad had alz and my mom had been diagnosed with decreased memory /w visual hallucinations. My aunts on my moms side are said to behave strangely. All ways losing stuff and blaming others for their troubles. One of my aunts on my dad's side just passed away with Alz. she was 92. She just stopped eating. My other aunt on my dad's side, has been diagnosed with alz's. I would say it runs in our family, it is best to check your history.

I have heard that there is a new test they just started doing where they can check if someone has the AD "gene". You are so young, I would say at this point don't worry too much. So, you went through a TeenAge pot smoking spree, if you stop now you will be fine...it won't cause AD, but it will cause Bad Judgement, so great job deciding to quit!

There are many studies going on now, and I would be shocked if they haven't found something to at least stop the disease within a few years. In fact, there are a few things right now that we've been talking about in the Medicines/Treatments Thread. Do your research and take your supplements, but don't worry, medical research is finally making many breakthroughs. Maybe even in time to help your Mom.

Felicia