I see many of you posting in regards to an Early Onset Support Group in your area. It seems that unless you live New York or Califiornia they are are almost impossible to find. Here in Missouri you will only find one that I am aware of and that is in St. Louis and even those folks the youngest is in their 50's and children are grown and gone. I think all of us with EO need to choose one location and move to it so we then have each other to talk to. How does the Virgin Islands sound?

That sound great to me Tracy. When do we pack? I've got coffee and cookies!

Tracy, You are not alone I have a 47 year old son with early onset AD. Also a niece and newphew with early onset. I am hoping to contact others to enlighten the drug companies there are many out there. As you probably know the average age for you to enter a clinical trial is 55. The reason being that they are trying to sell the drugs to the majority. I am trying to get our doctors here in Illinois to recommend younger AD patients. I Believe there could be a change if we banded together. My son is otherwise healthy but cannot enrole in a clinical trial because of his age. I think the younger you are would be a benefit for no other health symptoms would interfere with the experimental drug. By the way he was formally dianosed at 43, is widowed with 2 boys. Answer if you have any imput. Good luck to you.

Mom in Ilinois

Hi All,
My name is Gordon. I was diagnosed two years ago with EOAD.
I searched the Internet to find a discussion board like this one to learn, to hear the stories of others like me and discuss things related to AD with others.

Although I was diagnosed two years ago at age 54, I have the same issues. I really liked Tracy's suggestion to move us all to one location! I still work, but I don't think it will be much longer.

The nearest EOAD support group is 40 miles away from me and during the day when I'm working. I hope that as more of us are diagnosed, more EO groups will spring up.

Are any of you on the Exelon patch? I was on Aricept but two months ago my neurologist put me on the Exelon patch due to the GI side effects from the Aricept. Accept for being difficult to scrub the adhesive residue off, the patch doesn't have the side effects which were taking their toll on me.

I'm glad I found this group.
Gordon

Dear Gordon,
Hello and welcome. I, too, wear an Exelon patch because I could not tolerate Aricept. I, also, take Namenda twice a day which seems to help some. I am 54 , currently receiving social secutity disability, unable to work but can still drive in my neighborhood. The key to receiving social security is having a good neurologist document everything correctly and accurately.
I'm glad you found us.

Peace and Hope,

Gordon,

P.S. I didn't have an EOAD support group in my area either; But I called my local Alz Assn to request one. I became involved. Assisted the AD assn in showing a NEED in the area. That helped get them funding from the Nat'l Assn!
So, get involved, get others involved! You will have an EOAD support group before you know it!

Peace and Hope,

I am wanting LISA428 to contact me. I am wanting to find a good doctor in the New Orleans or Baton Rouge area to assist with a diagnosis with my mom. I am not sure where to go or how to find someone who can do testing for Alzheimer.

Thanks, Tonya

Dear Tonya N,
Hello and welcome. I am answering your request to speak with me. I saw 2 neurologists in the New Orleans area. The one that seemed to help me most was Dr. Walter Truax who is on the west bank side of the river. His phone number is 504-340-6976. The Best help I received was @ Emory University in Atlanta. That's were I am now attending a memory class. Emory, also, does a lot of clinical trials there. Check your Mom's insurance to see if Emory is on the plan.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please e-mail me @ lccarbo54@hotmail.com

Good Luck

Keep in touch

Peace and Hope,

Dear Tonya N,

P.S. You may want to contact your Local ALZ Assn for assistance. They know a lot of neurologists!!

Peace and Hope,

Lisa,
Thank you for the kind words. I plan to drive down to the EO group on 7/26 because I will be off work for a month, so won't have to call in sick at work to go. And I don't worry about getting lost because I used to live in the area where the group is and I still drive in that area for time to time.
But I'm also going to take your suggestion and write to the Alzheimer's Assoc to lobby for a group in my county.
Gordon

Hi this message is for Natalie from Canton Ohio:
Hi Natalie. Can you tell me what doctor at Neurocare that you saw? I have an appointment with Dr. Stalker. I don't have health insurance, so I am reluctant to go to the Cleveland Clinic, and I hape that I can get a proper evaluation here in Canton without spending a lot of money on it. Many thanks for your reply.