My grandmother has it and now im thinking my mom may start to get it. I hope not because it hurts to see my grandmother not remember me I wouldn't want my mom to be the same.
2006-07-31 05:04:48 · 3 answers · asked by Mrs J 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
OK first of all it starts 20 or so years before you see symptoms, and it runs in families. look for behavioral changes as that's how most get diagnosed, but a spinal tap will tell for sure (other ways are in development).
early onset is in the 30s and those people are dead within 5 years. it hits hard and fast.
at age 65 you have about a 1 in10 chance of having it
past the age of 85 it's a 50/50 shot.
there is an experimental drug in phase 3 trials that looks promising, and aricept is well tolerate, but will give 6 months to a year in most patients.
If your mother gets it invest in long term care insurance. it will be worth it to make sure you're taken care of. My adopted gradmother did this because it's picking off her family members one by one.
track down the alzheimers association they have great support system for caregivers and info for other family members as well. Good Luck.
2006-07-31 05:12:12 · answer #1 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is sad, and I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother.
I have heard of it showing up as early as in the 50s, but that's a bit extreme.
There are medications available to help control alzheimer's. Talk to a doctor about them: Apparently they're most effective in the early stages.
Good luck!
2006-07-31 05:11:05 · answer #2 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My girlfriend's mother started with it at 53. She just passed away in November 05, from endstage Alzheimers. She was 58.
2006-07-31 05:09:44 · answer #3 · answered by Quietman40 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋