To tell you the truth, I haven't even thought far enough to think about depending on the government for care. I'm still thinking about my diagnosis and what to do next.

I think the crux of the treatment phase of AD will be on early diagnosis and on prolonging the early stages, like we have been talking. One of the main reasons for placement in expensive, usually government funded nursing homes is uacceptable behaviors and aggression. I'm thinking out loud. Since more people are being diagnosed earlier, perhaps the unacceptable behaviors will not be so prevalent because the AD patient will be more aware of their own behaviors and more involved in getting medical treatment. Then they can stay home longer and further avoid long term facilities.

When the patients are at the latter stages, hospice care can be done in a home environment.

My idea would be for patients to live in family-like low volume board and care situations. I'm looking for something like this for myself.

It sounds like to me that the key to minimizing government care is to keep the patients at home longer. If and when placement becomes necessary, use family centered adult board and care or adult foster care homes.

Iris L.

.

Mark & Iris,

This is an interesting discussion but I just copied it to the "I have Alzheimer's" thread so it could be continued. I will post a reply to this issue there.

To not an angel; I know that your tag line was not intended to be a topic of discussion. If you wish to enter a discussion on it, please enter the "I have Alzeimers" thread

I agree with everything you have said Mark,... but I know things are changing.
As I have been a Union employee for the last 29 yrs. and I'm really concerned about my health benifits and pension when I retire,...every one has issue's but I get the feeling from your post that Unions are a bad thing?
Sorry, I feel diffrently.
Marcia

Iris,

I'm interested in what you find out about homes. I am my own caregiver too. I, also, take care of my Mom.

Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by Marcia S.:
As I have been a Union employee for the last 29 yrs. and I'm really concerned about my health benefits and pension when I retire,...every one has issue's but I get the feeling from your post that Unions are a bad thing?
Sorry, I feel differently.
Marcia

Marcia,
I am not saying that union are bad. But unions can be bad. I would be more concerned about a pension and health care funded by a union than the same funded by a personally selected entity. They only support members, not past members. If you are not currently paying dues, most unions are eager to forget about you.

Take the NEA and AFT teachers unions. The leadership says they will start caring about student success when the students start paying union dues.

I have a friend who hurt this back and had to stop driving trucks nine months before he vested his pension. (Teamsters) He signed up at the union hall for the less strenuous jobs but got too few paid weeks so the union canceled his membership six weeks before vesting his retirement.

I broke my leg badly because the union wanted $65 to move a heavy safe 20 feet. I could not justify $65 for 2 minutes work (actually maybe 30 seconds.) As I moved the safe myself, it got caught in a rut left by the union asphalt contractor and fell on my leg and shattered it. I have been assaulted for using a hand truck to move my own property into a convention center.

But then some unions are fabulous. They provide excellent ongoing training and are more concerned about the product the member delivers. (electricians and steamfitters, etc)

I am just concerned about the people who need to have a strong heart felt passion to be effective caretakers. They will struggle to work within a union system.

My daughter has worked both sides. As a non-union and union retail clerk and as a non-union and union operating room technician. She will never work in a union job again.

So, I am concerned about quality of care and whether union rules get in the way of the best quality of care.

After being a caretaker for my father and observing my wife with her father, I see a that paid caretakers need to be unimpeded as they care for their clients.

Dear Lisa,
I don't know if I remember correctly or not, but do you have a daughter and a grandchild? Even if they are still young, you can make your wishes known to them now, so they can carry them out when you can't. I don't have any children or grandchildren to rely on.

Iris L.

Hi Fellow Azeemers!

Like Twinie's picture compare and Waldo picture compare games, I like to do the two picture panels in Los Angeles Times Sunday comics section. One picture shows a picture. The second picture next to it is the same picture with 7 missing items. You seek the missing items. I like it because sometimes I cannot find all the missing items (but I keep trying), sometimes I cheat, and sometimes i find them all. I feel woohoo! I feel dirty!

Last week I had a hard time finding the missing cat tail!

Dear Iris,
Yes, I have a daughter who lives in another state. Unfortunately, no grandchild yet! I have made my wishes known and have done a will, POA et al.

Thanks for asking.

Hi Azeemer,

Hello and Welcome to the AD Message Boards. I'm sorry for what brings you here but I am glad you've found us.

Are you a person with EOAD/AD or a caregiver?

How can we help???

Please, let us know.

Tthom,
I do not know how to post my comments to "I have Alzheimer's thread". Please inform me how to do this.
Also, can you tell me what Ans is?
Thanks
Not An Angel

Dear not an angel,

If you would like to post comments on the "I have Alzheimer's Forum" you can do 1 of 2 things. You can go to that forum and reply to a discussion like you have done here. Or you can go to that forum and go to the top of the page in the purple box and click on "start a new discussion" name your topic and the start posting.

Hope this helps.

Happy 4th!

quote:

Originally posted by not an angel:
Tthom,
I do not know how to post my comments to "I have Alzheimer's thread". Please inform me how to do this.
Also, can you tell me what Ans is?
Thanks
Not An Angel

Dear Not an Angel

Lisa has already replied to you about posting in the "I have Alzhiemer's" forum so I won't do it again unless you need further assistance. I have been on vacation but we are all interesed in helping you. The alterior motive is that we need your support as well!

ANS stands for Autonomic Nervous System. Again, I'm not a MD but my research finds that ANS effects communications between the spine and periferal nerves.

How did your visit with the doctor go?

Unfortunately I know a bit about the ANS subject. Autonomic neuropathy is a subset of peripheral neuropathy, meaning it can also be called peripheral neuropathy.

One refers to specifically autonomic neuropathy for various fun things like, stopping or nearly stopping sweating, digestion problems, heart problems. For a fun look at it, Google it, or even just Google the vagus nerve and see what all gets affected when that big nerve gets neuropathy.

We had our first independent meeting of the "Younger Journey" yesterday. Unforunately the only attendees were myself and my partner. We will continue to attempt to reach the EOAD community. If my statistics are correct there might be as many a 600 people in our area of PA that have EOAD.

Hi, Tthom,
Thank you for replying to my questions. I have been so busy with my daughter's wedding.
She was married on 7-18-09, out of town, and it was a beautiful wedding.
So, I am scheduled to see the Dr in Sept. I will keep you posted.
Thanks for asking.
not an angel

Ttom, where are you advertising your EOAD support group? My local newspaper offers free notices about health related support groups. See if you can get a local reporter to do a human interest story about you and EOAD.

Iris L.

quote:

Originally posted by Iris L.:
Ttom, where are you advertising your EOAD support group? My local newspaper offers free notices about health related support groups. See if you can get a local reporter to do a human interest story about you and EOAD.

Iris L.

Thank You for the reply Iris. So far I have been allowing the Greater PA Alzheimer's Association to do all of the advertising. I had suggest the news media, both paper and air. Since the disappointing turn out I have already requested the local ABC station to air a piece. Now, with your suggestion I will contact the local newspapers as well. Thank You!

quote:

Originally posted by Iris L.:
My local newspaper offers free notices about health related support groups. See if you can get a local reporter to do a human interest story about you and EOAD.

Iris L.

The first ad runs in our local news papper tomorrow! Thanx again Iris.

I'm sure this will generate lots of interest. Baby boomers need to know about EOAD.

Iris L.

I'm new to this site but researching for my husband. He was diagnosed with FTD back in Feb 2009. What I would like to know is "any" medications that you were taking prior to diagnosis of your dementias? Particularly, Blood Pressure medications. If so, how long were you on them? Did you notice any side affects as a result of taking them?
I'll explain my story more later.
Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by candyc:
I'm new to this site...
What I would like to know is "any" medications that you were taking prior to diagnosis of your dementias? Particularly, Blood Pressure medications... Thanks!

Dear candyc Maybe some of our other members can help you with FTD but I am not up to speed. A lady name Tracy Mobley is probably the most informed patient I know on the subject. I will inform her. Please check back for her responce later.

tTom,

Hi, how is your support group going? I know you did some advertising. Did it help??

Thanks for all you hard work!

Hey Lisa,
The group is still in the early formative position. Maybe somebody will show some interest soon. I'll keep trying because keeping my mind active with this effort has been a good thing for me.
Thanx for asking!

Tom, do you wonder what it would take, to entice the average EOAD guy out of his home and to your group? I know I have a downright biological urge to just stay home where it's quiet and still. I get out and do stuff at least 5 times a week, but a lot of my motivation is my docs all saying that my getting out and socializing and stuff will slow down my Alzheimer's.

But I'm telling you, it takes effort to get myself out there.

I get out there b/c of fear of what'll happen if I don't. I wonder if that motivates others?

Hi Everyone,
I have been gone for several weeks to N.C. beaches to visit my folks. I wanted to respond to not wanting to get out, my Dr. also tells me it will slow the alz down. But, I try to get out as muh as possible. But, there are times it's just not worth the effort, all the noise and the effort to just go out. I don't get anything out of my support group. I have decided not to go, I talked with my Shrink and she said at frist I needed to be social. After I explained to her why I didn't want to go. She understood. I don't know if it's looking at other's worse than me, people just sitting there and saying nothing. I just don't feel ready to go there for now. My neurologist think I may be leveling out for now. I hope so. If things get to much crazier for me I just don't know. I get tired of forgetting so many things. Maybe I just needed to vent today. Thanks for listening.

Sharon

quote:

If things get to much crazier for me I just don't know.

Sharon, sweet Sharon, is that a hint about suicidal thoughts?

Alan,
Never in a million years would I think of that. I'm just like the rest of us I just get tired some times. But, thanks for concern.

Sharon

quote:

Originally posted by candyc:
I'm new to this site but researching for my husband. He was diagnosed with FTD back in Feb 2009. What I would like to know is "any" medications that you were taking prior to diagnosis of your dementias? Particularly, Blood Pressure medications. If so, how long were you on them? Did you notice any side affects as a result of taking them?
I'll explain my story more later.
Thanks!

HI Candy, my name is Tracy and I have frontal temporal lobe dementia, I was diagnosed in 2002. Tom alerted me to your post and I have never heard of anyone have adverse effects by mixing blood pressure meds and dementia meds. But to be safe as we are not doctors on here just people that ARE experts in living with dementia, I wouold check with your doctor. Your doctor will be more educated to this than I or you can even call a pharmacist as they sometimes are more educated than the doctors when it comes to meds.

Tracy

Sharon,
If you can keep a positive attitide, maybe I can to! I know that it can feel like a grind to force ourslves into the "open" but I know it is a good thing!
I have always been a bit introverted as most Engineers are but I got much worse sometime after being diagnosed. My MD sent me to the head doctor you started me on a mood stabeliser. Life has been great since then!
Alan,
I know that it is going to be like pushing a heavy object with a rope to get most EOAD patients to come to the YoungerJourney support group. I'm one of those people that is not comfortable in public or around noise. But I'll will try as long a I can!

Sharon, Alan, Tom, Tracy,

I need to talk. Something is going on with me. I'm not sure what it is but everything is pis*ing me off!! I can't even watch tv anymore. It drives me crazy!! Seems like everything and just about everyone is driving me crazy! I leave my house only when I have to. It's taking everything I have not to BURST!!!

Do any of you have this?

Help!

I am the only patient at a Family Caregiver Support Group. All of them are caring for people far more advanced and disabled than I am. Nevertheless, I get a lot out of the group. For one thing, I am around people who don't mock my having a memory problem or call me a hypochondriac. They are positive and encourage me. They gave me advice on dealing with a problem that I had over the Fourth of July over visiting an annual barbeque.

Every other month we have an educator from the Alzheimer's Association come to give a workshop, which is very personalized according to the care that the LOs need. It's like having personal attention from an Alzheimer's Association Care Consultant one on one. The educator was able to give me personal advice also.

Last week we had a workshop from an Occupational Therapist who talked about daily care for the patients, namely bathing, toileting, walking and sitting/transfering from a chair, and balance. He talked about body mechanics so the caregiver can better move the disabled patient without injuring herself. I have arthritis and I got specific coaching about walking, rising from a chair, and bending and back support. There was also a representative from a durable medical equipment company who talked about obtaining helpful DME supplies.

An upcoming meeting will have a representative from the Veterans Administration talk about services from the VA for veterans, spouses, and family caregivers.

Every week, the members talk about their specific concerns with their LOs and get advice and support. We talk about any and everything that has to do with caregiving.

As the sole patient, I am making use of their experience. It's for the same reason that I read the caregiver forums, to learn things that I otherwise would never learn.

Alan had a good point. What will make the EOAD patients come out? The Los Angeles chapter has a Memory Club for EOADs. They socialize, reminisce, and go on outings together. Tom, you can do a small survey and see what the EOADs in your area want from a support group.

I also attend the multiple sclerosis support group, which meets monthly. Every meeting has a speaker. We have had representatives from drug companies sponsor doctors to give talks about diagnosis and/treatment. The MS Society spoke about advocacy for MS and other disabled persons. The Red Cross spoke about disaster planning for the disabled.

There are many community organizations that work with the disabled and seniors. The speakers do not have to be solely dementia speakers.

Over the years I have been involved in support groups for depression/manic-depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus, sarcoidosis, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. If you ever want to bounce some ideas off me, e-mail me at tchoa2003@yahoo.com and put ALZ in the subject line so I won't automatically delete it.

Iris L.

quote:

I need to talk. Something is going on with me. I'm not sure what it is but everything is pis*ing me off!! I can't even watch tv anymore. It drives me crazy!! Seems like everything and just about everyone is driving me crazy! I leave my house only when I have to. It's taking everything I have not to BURST!!!

Do any of you have this?

Help!

But first, Iris, that's a delightful story of your finding water in what looked to be a desert. I'm pretty sure I couldn't be that flexible & creative in getting my needs met. Good for you!

Lisa, sure, I've spent months where you are. Here's how I explained it, back in my psychotherapist days:

Let's think about our emotions as running on an intensity scale, from 1 to 10. 1 is no problem, 10 is so bad that police and/or psychiatric hospitalization are required.

We all go through our days with fluctuating scores. Some bad days, I'd guess I range from 3 to 8 as my running score, or maybe I should call it my baseline.

With me so far? Now, think about the power of different things that happen during the day, adapting the same 1 to 10 scale. Let's say that a corner of your morning newspaper is a little wet from the sprinklers, that's about a 2 I think. Then there's something like a call from a bill collector, asking for money you don't have, that's more a 6 or 7. For the scale to have meaning, 8 and above have to be really serious stuff.

So, I've briefly sketched my system: We have a running baseline of stress, and then there are the events that add to the stress.

Now, let's see it in action: If my running baseline of yuck factors is only a 3, then I can get hit by a 3 point stressor and I'm still only at a 6, which is pretty bothered but still in control.

But what if my running baseline all day is a 7? A 7, which in my system is roughly the limit at which I can still keep a protective lid on my feelings? What if I'm at stress level 7, barely hanging in there, and a 3 point stressor comes along? Chaos!

Or just a bad afternoon when I'm scoring a 6, which is manageable. Then a level 2 stressor comes along, and that boosts us into the realm of cracking, of leaks starting, and easily overwhelmed and even irrational.

Moral of Story: The higher your underlying stress level, the less it takes to push you over your edge.

Alan,

I understand what you are saying. How do I keep a low scoring baseline with EOAD and being my own caregiver along with caring for Mom?
And, how do I keep the little things that really shouldn't bother me, from bothering me terribly??

I understand your number system for the triggers. The problem is that the same thing can trigger a totally different response at different times!? Which leaves me unprepared to deal with it. Or unprepared for how little or how much I will be affected. Am I making any sense??

(My underlying stress level feel like it changes from day to day.)

Lisa, connect back to your assessment and treatment planning days. You remember, I'll bet for sure you do. Those same skills can help you now.

Your great question is, how do you keep the little things from bothering you terribly?

How about a story? A woman goes to a doctor, looking for help in losing weight. The doctor learns that every night she's having a dozen doughnuts and a 6-pack of beer. The doctor points out that she's getting enough calories for two days, all in her bedtime snacking. The woman says she's not there for any blankety-blank lectures, she just wants a prescription that'll make her lose weight. Or maybe get one of those bands around her stomach, she would consent to any surgical weight loss procedure.

At this point, many of us would wail in our best Jerry Lewis voice, "Hey lady! How about you cut out the 3,000 calorie snacks first, and see how that goes?"

Now, back to your solution: You ask how you can lower your stress level, while being your own and your mother's caregiver. Don't think about it, just answer!

What was your answer?

quote:

Originally posted by Lisa 428:
I need to talk. Something is going on with me. I'm not sure what it is but everything is pis*ing me off!! I can't even watch tv anymore. It drives me crazy!! Seems like everything and just about everyone is driving me crazy! I leave my house only when I have to. It's taking everything I have not to BURST!!!

Do any of you have this?

Help!

Lisa,

I'll try to call ya later today but yea, this problem seems to be common. I'm so forunte to have an understanding partner in my wife, Gerry. She has taken over the checkbook and most other matters that flusterate me due to my inability to concentrate. That allows me some time to relax between other occurances of forgetfullness and not being able to stay focused that tend to raise my anger issues.

What possibilities do you have to off-load some of your pressing responsibilities?

Lisa, I think that is a stage that we all go through sometime during this disease, some earlier than others. I have been mad at the world including my family and have verbal outbursts and have no reason or even clue as to why. But there is a reason and it is the disease it is a part of the aggression of the disease as it progresses. I was told that by my psychiatrist as well as it is only going to get worse. Makes me want to drop off of a bridge, probabem is the highest bridge around here is is only about 15 feet to the water. LOL!!! My harddrive crash and I am just getting back on line so any e-mails or phone numbers such as yours Tomt I have lost. My e-mail is at the bottom of this post so if anyone wants to connect with me feel free to do so.

Tracy

Lisa,
I wish I had the answer for these things that are happening. I go through the same thing. I get so angry at not being the person I used to be. Seeing my shrink has helped. I learned it was ok to cry when something happens than to get angry and keep it inside. You have a lot on your plate, that is a lot of stress. Stress is our worse enemy. I have had to let a lot of things go to survive. I'm sure all the med's I'm on helps also. There are times I want to scream, I feel I totally dependent on my husband, I also don't want to leave the house. I know I need to be social. No one knows what goes through the mind of an alz patient unless they have been there. I hope your shrink will be able to help. I go once a week and will know when she has helped me all she can. Let me know how things are going. I read your blog every day.

Sharon

Hi Lisa,

Lynn here. I don't comment much in the forum but felt I had to in regard to your situation. I felt like you have described for years, before,during and after my diagnosis of EOAD.

I sometimes thought if I got one more phone call, one more person came with a work related or personal problem, one more patient came late to their appt., car problem, adult child needing money, blouse I wanted to wear was dirty, husband complaining about house being dirty, forgot to pay bill and got dunning letter that my husband saw and we argued about, late for my doctor appt, dog jumped up on me got me dirty, forgot to get on airplane for mandatory meeting in Dallas (actually forgot meeting), screwed up meds, totally exhausted, get up more tired than when went to bed, no energy for anything, only wanted to sit at computer and surf. Well you get the picture.

Lisa, take a moment.....you are a peer volunteer. You were chosen for a reason. What would you advise someone writing in with your problems. You may have your direction in you.... but you can't get it out simply because it would be YOU TAKING CARE OF YOU! Something many women do not do. I think many times we think we are not worthy of the same care and concern we give others.

Sometimes I need to just have a "pity party", cry over nothing or everything. Lot's of times this happens in my car. Unexpected! But try this, Cry, Scream, "It's not fair...Why Me!" Whatever comes out. But just GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM! Release it to the heavens. Then sit back and say...All of this....In the whole scheme of things, How important was it? Was it gonna kill me or someone else? When something happens unexpected, is it important enough to ruin your entire day. A car cutting my husband off in traffic will enrage him, ruin his entire darn day, he will tell everyone he sees about the "jerk" that cut him off. Me on the other hand, I think, Oh my ~ Glad I saw him. Hmmm, I am a good observant driver. Sure hope that guy is ok and gets where he needs.(hey I will take my strokes whenever/where ever I can even if I have to do it myself) Now I know this may sound hokey to a lot of folks. But really, How important is most of what happens to us? When I feel sad or depressed I tell people this is a down day. I warn them, I can't deal with much more today. (I actually use fragile when necessary)I really do tell them I have had a hard day and can't shoulder more. If they ask questions, I have the ability to share or not. If it is someone that I have a toxic relationship with I don't but if it is a caring and inspiring friend that will support me and boost me then I might. It is a way to ask for emotional support and help. Kind of a subliminal cry for help and kind words and possibly a solution for your problem.

Lisa, you don't have to carry to weight of the world on your shoulders. You are only human. I know I tried to fool the world for years. I was in control, the person that could handle everything. EVERYONE'S problem and they knew it and they USED me. Why should they have the problem if they could give it to someone else to solve. I wore it like a badge of honor. This was all part of what I wanted people to THINK. This was all tied into my self esteem and idenity. Really I was a scared little girl dog paddeling as fast as I could under it all. I had to work so hard to be that person that every one expected me to be, the person they thought I was, the person I fought so very hard to be. I actually think that was a major part of my stress and maybe contributed to many of my memory and stress issues. Part of where I am sitting right now.

Sorry for this long rambling post. I think I am writing this for me as well as you. I needed a little reminder to sit back and take care of myself. I need remember to make other people take their responsibility, where possible. But, I have to tell them what I want and what I need. I do not have to do it all. I have had to step away from several other things also because I found it was adding to my stress even though they were things I enjoyed doing. I had to prioritize my needs before others.

Anyway Thanks for being here for all of us. You are doing a great job.

Lynn

Bravo, Lynn! That's the best post, not rambling but sincere, loving, and helpful.

I'm writing in response to the comment about my "delightful story of finding water in a desert". I didn't write all of that to be about me. I was trying to give some input to Tom about building his younger journey support group. Not every memory loss patient has a supportive spouse, understanding colleagues and friends, and helpful physicians in their lives.

I have a lot of experience in this area and I was just offering my help. If my help is not wanted, so be it. Many memory loss patients never hear an encouraging word. I just want the patients to get the help they need.

Iris L.

Lisa, I'm sorry, I don't have anything more to add to help you. The others seem to know what you're going through. I hope you can soon get a break and will feel better.

Iris L.

Gee Iris, and I thought that I had trouble taking compliments!

Dear Alan, Iris, Sharon, Tracy, Lynn, Tom, Mark et al,

Thank you all so much for all your words of wisdom, love and support. You all have given me a lot to think about. My cousin, Stevie, called me today to check in. He's a great guy and a wonderful cousin. He said something very significant to me. He said, "You're too nice!" "You've always worried about others before yourself." "You've been sweet since your were a little girl!" (And, Nice guys/girls usually finish last and are taken advantage of). I guess this is true. When I was a little girl my Mom and Dad taught me "treat others like you'd like to be treated!" That has always stuck with me. I was a hippi. Peace and Love was important to me. I really meant it!

I guess I'm just a fool always wanting to believe the good in people.

Thanks again all.

You are the Good People I can believe in!

quote:

"treat others like you'd like to be treated!"

Lisa, without angels like you and your fellow nurses who are like you, there'd be no point in going to the hospital. Like, when inpatient you only see your doctor a little while, once a day. You don't need to be in a hospital for that. You're in the hospital for the 24-hour nursing care. I wish more people understood that.

And like so many nurses, you excel at treating others the way you'd like to be treated. You just can't imagine that working in reverse, letting others take care of you.

But here's the big point, as far as I can figure: Will your transitioning from care giving with your mom be done while you still have the ability to take part in it, or will you put it off until you collapse, and people must step in and do it without you?

I don't know when you need to stop providing care for your mom. Perhaps now, perhaps later, how could anyone know? From what you've been sharing with us, one might think that now is the time. But again, nobody can know that but you.

Let's look at it another way: Under what circumstances will it be best for your mom, to go into care at a facility that meets, well almost meets, your standards? What would be the advantages to her transitioning in the next month or two?

You don't have to answer. I'm just trying to help you think through this. I know, I'm like a monkey with matches and dynamite . . .

Lisa,

I'm, glad that Alan has found the words to express what we all feel about you!

Hi Guys,

Lynn here. Wanted to share a daily email that I get. Today's really validated a lot of what I think but do not always act out.Some of you guys may also resemble that remark. I should say that when I do use this technique, it works.

August 6, 2009
Inner Peace Through Meditation

Your obligations from the outside world could be causing you pressure today. It might seem as if everyone is demanding more than you are willing to give. Understanding that nothing in this life is truly as important as it may seem could help you relieve some of the stress you are putting on yourself. Should you find that your tension begins to increase today, you might use a breath meditation to calm your mind. You can do this by finding a quiet place to close your eyes and become attuned to your breath. As your breath begins to rise and fall steadily and gently, you can begin to count each inhale from one to 10. Once you reach 10, begin the process again. You may notice that the repetition of counting your breath helps to still your racing thoughts.

Quieting our minds lessens the negative effects of the outside world, for the external things that seem unpleasant to us are often reflections of our inner tension. Finding something concrete to focus on through our breath and mental repetition of some formmantras, counting, or affirmationsenables us to still our minds enough to see that in our immediate surroundings there is often very little that is threatening to us. The pressure we feel is usually a result of the stress we place on ourselves. By finding mental peace today, you will notice that the pressures of the world will loosen their hold on you.

Cool Huh. By the way, I think if you feel like you need or want to scream and the above meditation doesn't work..then do so .. in your mind's eye if you are where you can't really do it because they would call the men in the little white coats. Close your eyes and scrince (is that a word) your body up tight and SCREAM. Of course you are doing it in your mind. But if you are by yourself or with someone that you don't care if they hear you scream, Do It out loud. I find it helps. My favorite place to scream, yell, cry, and solve all of the problems in the world is in the car. Radio off, I usually drive with my radio off and use this time to pray and think quietly and solve issues in my life. I know some of you may feel that is not good to do while driving. So in that case, just go sit in your car in the driveway or at the park or where every you want to and blast away. Be sure and take your kleenex.

Lynn

Hi: I'm new to this forum. I've got early onset Altz and epilepsy and I'm taking Namenda, Aricept, Abilify and Lamictal. Any thoughts about how to explain this condition to my 10 year old daughter?

Aha, here you are! I just responded in that other thread.

Hello fdean,

Welcome to the AD Message Boards. I'm sorry about your diagnosis of EOAD/YOAD but I'm glad you've found us.

Looks like Alan has answered your question about how to explain AD to your 10 year old daughter in another forum. I know this must be very difficult for you.

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

If you need immediate assistance, please call the 24/7 AD Helpline @ 800-272-3900.

You may want to join an EOAD support group. To find your local chapter please go to the bottom of this page and click on "Chapters" and follow the directions.

Good Luck. Welcome to OUR family. You are NOT alone. We are here for you.

Please, come back and share more of your story with us.

Not sure this is where to post as I am new to the organization. I do not have early onset but my 61 year old sister was just diagnosed. Also our mother first experienced Alzheimers in her early 60's. We were not looking for the signs with mom, more aware with my sister.

I am 57 and wondering if I should find a specialist in the field and ask to be tested. Do any of you have any opinion? I know the fear and pain of this journey. I also know that quality does not have to be taken out of life particularly when Alzheimers is recognized early.

I do not feel like I am experiencing any signs at this time, but do feel a little like there is a ticking time bomb in my head.