Hello to all early onset Dementia:

I was diagnosised with vascular dementia last January 2007. I have lost my job, and my drivers licsence. I am 65 years old. I have been looking for chat room messages on this topic for more many monthes. Every topic on the chat room deals with alzheimers diroder, which have some similiar symptoms, but dementia. However,Dementia has symptoms that are different and progress is in a neurological stepwise degeneration pattern. Also, I am interested in joining a chat room, a support group, doing some advacacy work for a Dementia Organization, plus joining a support group near the Salem, Oregon Area.

I have been in contact with a person (CJ) around the Salem Area, However, he has stated that he has had difficult time in connecting or interesting persons with early vascular dementia or otheerwise, to meet and share their experiences. This first and beginnning second stage stage has some challeneges that a support or chat room connection might really help me in coping with this disorder.

Nancy Joan--I don't have vascular dimentia but a couple of months back in our chat room I encountered a gentleman named Alan P who did. If I remember correctly his group (which is a mixed group) may be part of DANSI has moved on to a separate chat room. The link to it may be

http://www.alzinfo.org/community/alzheimers-chatrooms.asp

He is up beat and positive. I believe that you would enjoy chatting with him. Keep asking around and visiting sites until you run in to him. When and if you find him...Please send me the link and give me a general idea of the times that he is on line.

3/29/08 - I just found this group as I was searching for a vascular dementia chat room. My husband has been diagnosed with vascular dementia this year tho' I've seen signs something wasn't "right" for a long time. He had a stroke when he was 49 (70 now), and recovered well enough that there was no outward evidence. He was able to maintain employment. He's retired now. My latest problem has been "home business scams" and "you may have won $XXX." A friend who's hsbd had frontal lobe dementia says, "You have to keep a sense of humor." Sometimes easier said than done.

Anyway, I thought my frustration might be aleviated somewhat if I found a group of folk w/similar concerns & experiences.

8/26/08 - My mother was recently diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. I have found it hard to get information about this disease. I've learned it's caused by strokes that lead to seizures that lead to some brain damage and that it progressively worsens. I could really use some information.
Nancy Joan mentioned stages of the disease. Can anybody explain them to me and what I can expect. Right now I'm at the end of my rope and I'm not sure what to do.

Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.