what was the onset of it like.... i truly believe my dad is devolping it he getting really forgetfull about things that happen now yet he can remember everything about yrs ago... hes only 68,, god i so worried about him.. anyones experiences would be a great help to me
2006-12-10 03:47:39 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
My dad has Alzheimer's and was diagnosed at age 63 (he's 66 now). I believe, looking back, that he started getting it when he was around 55.
PLEASE take your dad to the doctor and get some cognitive testing done. If those tests show impairment, your doctor will order some blood tests and probably an MRI. There are other things besides Alzheimer's that cause dementia, including simple things like vitamin deficiencies. But if he does have AD or another form of dementia, you want to get him treated ASAP.
I have a whole blog on our journey with this disease. Feel free to browse it. (Link below).
2006-12-11 00:08:56 · answer #1 · answered by Gevera Bert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My father in law had dementia. He substituted words 'It's in the fridge' instead of 'It's in the cooker'. He'd put objects in the wrong places, usually if he was putting a number of things away at the same time. He'd put the ice cream in the fridge, the cup in the freezer and the cheese in the cupboard. His speech became slower and he found it progressively more difficult to form the words he needed. He knew what he wanted to say, he just couldn't say it. Later, even though he still knew who I was, he would put me in a wartime experience (I wasn't even born then) with his wartime friends, in a pub in the desert (for example). 'You remember the time......?' etc. Of course I didn't, but I pretended I did and let him talk as much as he could. Alarm bells and flashing lights (an ambulance or police car passing by) would send him back to the war. He'd shoot out of his chair or bed and hide behind a cupboard. It's an awful condition to witness.
I recently watched the film 'The Notebook'. It's a hugely emotional film but I strongly recommend that you do the same. It will give you an insight into what may happen and how you can help your father.
2006-12-10 12:12:24 · answer #2 · answered by Val G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dad had Alzheimer's, he passed away on Thursday, age 77. Some forgetfulness just comes with old age, my dad would respond better when I talked about the past vs. talking about what was going on in my life now, the dementia came to play when he would put gasoline in the birdbath, water into the lawnmower. That's when we knew something was wrong. Check out the Alzheimer's website, talk to a doctor. There are drugs that can help if they are prescribed early enough. I hope for you and your dad that it is only old age. God bless.
2006-12-10 12:03:33 · answer #3 · answered by msuzyq 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes...I have...the problem is it is so different with every person. My Grandmother has very lucid moments where she remembers everything. Short term memory loss is a sign which has cropped up on many occasions. My Gran went on a coach trip with some friends...she got separated...she knew where she was and how to get public transport home as she used to live in that area, but she totally forgot how she had got there in the first place. It resulted in a manhunt which she watched and followed on the local televsion channel...totally oblivious the police were looking for her. Her condition worsened after the death of her husband. She is often very confused and has panic attacks, she is 83 now but has been showing signs for years. A friends father who is only in his early 60s suffers...the onset was rapid....Try and get some leaflets from your local health centre/hospital...it will cast some light on the issue.
2006-12-10 11:58:50 · answer #4 · answered by minitheminx65 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That happened to my mother,it's Alzheimer,she spent 10 years with the decease ,it started just like your dad forgetting recent memories,but gradually lost all, she was in bed for 4 years and died last year.My advice to you,take him to a doctor so he can get some treatment,he may still have time. Good Luck
2006-12-10 17:57:35 · answer #5 · answered by genie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work with people with dementia. If your worried ask your dad to go to the doctors, or go with him. Have a look at this site http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/Working_with_people_with_dementia/Primary_care/Dementia_diagnosis_and_management_in_primary_care/mmse.html
This is a test that they will do to assess the level (if any) of dementia.
2006-12-10 11:51:49 · answer #6 · answered by catz**eyes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋