I just found out I have Alzheimers and I am 63. I have had problems for several years but the doctors fooled around and wouldn't say what I had. Thanks to my daughter in law, we have found a good doctor and I have started taking medication.

Welcome Barbara, my name is Tracy I was diagnosed in 2002, I was 38 and it was also 2 years after the doctors had fooled around. Doctors are still very uneducated when it comes to Early Onset Dementia, we have alot to yet teach them. Look forward to hearing more of your story.

Welcome Barbara, I'm Alan, just a couple weeks short of 53, neuropsych testing last summer was my wake-up call. Couldn't actually say I had Alzheimer's till a few months ago, emotions being stubborn things.

Finding the right medical team is important. Doctors have different interests. To my surprise, my first neurologist didn't know or care much about Alzheimer's. Most doctors don't recognize the early symptoms of Alzheimer's. We've got a long way to go.

So sorry for what brought you here, but I'm glad you found this place.

hi Barbara and welcome,
I'm sorry for what brings you here but I'm glad you found us. This site is a great place to ventilate feelings, ask questions and gather information. Diagnosed @ 53 with EOAD, now
I am 54, with either EOAD/FTD, currently on an Exelon patch and Namenda. I am unable to work now but can still drive.
I'm glad you found some good doctors. Sometimes they are hard to come by. MANY doctors are still unaware about how Alzheimer's and other dementias effect younger people!!!

Good Luck

Let us know how you are doing.

Peace and Hope,

Thanks Lisa and anyone else for your words of encouragement. I can't seem to get out of this depression I have had since my diagnosis. I am on antidepression meds but they don't seem to help.

Barb: There are many persons said to have EOAD based on very few facts.

You need to see a neurologist for neuropsych testing. He or she will order various blood tests, a CT scan or an MRI. I do not know whether a PET scan is an option for you due to insurance, etc.

Others will respond to various questions as you go along. The caregiver's threads are more active -- a lot of insight and great support from those folks, many of whom have also been dx'd with EOAD.

Without more information re your situation but knowing that just hearing the diagnosis is enough to put a person into depression, important considerations are to get some exercise and you need "proper, good quality sleep."

If you have any electric appliances, including even a small electric clock close to the head of your bed, it needs to be moved.

No cordless telephone should be in a person's bedroom -- the transformer boxes are often plugged in right behind head of bed. Many EMF researchers recommend no use of a cordless phone whatsoever. We have the 900 mhz cordless in our house. One site in the UK has what is referred to as safe cordless phones but I have not heard a lot about the item. In our house, the 2.4 ghz phone does not work due to static from high voltage lines and the 5.8 ghz cordless causes me to have constant headaches.

See my website for info re other items that should not be close to beds. Access below sign-off.

Check whatever is against the wall in opposite room and/or on outside of bedroom wall.

Do not have a cell phone on nightstand, headboard and especially, do not sleep on top of a cell phone. Likewise re the charger.

Electric fields at night lower the pineal gland's ability to produce melatonin. Melatonin is required for good sleep and more -- a powerful antioxidant and even a cancer-fighter as well as a radio-protectant.

Chronic, prolonged, low level EMF/EMR exposure is very much linked to depression.

Chronic, prolonged, low level EMF/EMR exposure is also linked to Alzheimers, autism-spectrum disorders, childhood Leukemia, breast cancer, brain cancer, asthma, sinus infections, ear infections -- I could go on. See Dr. Russel Reiter's book, "Melatonin."

You may also be "misdiagnosed." See my appeal to Dr. Marilyn Albert at: http://freepage.twoday.net/stories/3038870/

Feel free to call or email with questions. Best wishes and take care - Joanne