Are you afraid that you are a dementia candidate?

Question

My paternal grandmother died of Alheimer's. Now my mother has it. I am scared. But the research that I have done on it does show something interesting... those generations used aluminum a lot! That is very bad for your brain. My (baby boomer) generation didn't use as much and generation X probably hasn't ever eaten off an alumiumn plate or cooked in an aluminum tea pot. I try to stay mentally active and social, even if it is over the Internet. I work. So maybe I will get lucky... even though I do forget names and faces sometimes. What's your situation? Are you afraid?

Answer 1

My mother died from dementia. She was at my home for the last 4 months of her life - difficult months.

She and one of her sisters both died from it. Their parents and grandparents showed no sign of it. So, I guess it's the luck of the draw.

After tending to my mother and watching that beautiful mind disappear and turn my mother into someone I didn't know and who didn't know anyone, who eventually forgot how to swallow, I hope against hope that it's not my fate.

Reading all the material on this disease and on Alzheimers, reading how to avoid it, I can say clearly that my mother did not fit into any risk factor for the disease. She had a brilliant mind and a vigourous and healthy body. She was active physically and mentally. She was a writer, an artist, a gardener. She authored a monthly newspaper for her Senior Citizen group, cooked her own meals, kept her own house, suffered no health problems, didn't take a pill ever-maybe an occasional 1/2 of aspirin if she had a cold.

When she started fading mentally and finally diagnosed with dementia, she was quickly beyond the point of knowing what it was. From diagnosis to death was less than a year, thankfully for her and for me.

It has taught me a lesson. It is this: live everyday like it is your last, don't worry about anything, make and keep your friends, do the things you enjoy everyday, sing, smile, paint, play your guitar or piano, love your children and grandchildren and tell them you love them often - with a hug.

Most of all, she taught me to make arrangements for myself in case I ever reach that point. I have fully discussed everything with my kids - they were around when Mom deteriorated and died. I let them know exactly what my wishes were. I have a living will, a power of attorney, my will is up-to-date. In addition, I have made a video for my kids just in case there is ever any chance that my instructions might be questioned by anyone; my kids, doctors - or whoever.

Thanksfully, my mother had everything in order...she had done it when she was in her early 60's. I didn't have to guess at all...I knew exactly what she wanted.

She died at 83, almost 4 years ago now. I miss her.

Answer 2

Nobody from my family suffered from dementia. If keeping away from aluminium was the cause it must be so because use of aluminium was considered below dignity. These were the poor man's utensils. However, mild forgetffulness was there and I als occasionally forget names and dates.But I never cosciously try to remember these things as there are so many facilities available to find these out.I had a byepass but then I feel only marginally low.I read a lot, am al,most alwasys on YQA and my answers have been appreciated and secred me some friends like Granny.Gather children and regale them with stories. Lead an outdoor life.

Answer 3

Yes I am a candidate for Alzheimer's as my mom had it by autopsy, the only true way to tell. Yes I am very concerned but if I have it I will never know. Are you sure your family member did not have dementia?? There is a difference. I am 67 how old are you? I forget where my glasses are, but if you forget you wear glasses you are in trouble.

Answer 4

My dad has early-onset Alzheimer's which is very hereditary, so yeah, I'm a little worried. It's something like 50% that I will get it.
The aluminum connection has been disproved, so don't rely on lack of aluminum to keep you (or anyone) from getting it.
My father was very mentally active in his job. He ate a lot of fish. He walked several times a week. All these things are what they tell you to do. But right now he is dying, in stage 7, and he's only 67. His maternal aunt died of it just 2 months after he got diagnosed.
I've talked over with my husband what financial steps would need to be taken if I got it. And I have no plans to end up in the state my father is in--he used to beg us to kill him when he was coherent and I understand why. I will check myself out while I still can--I don't want those who love me to go through what I am going through with my father.

Answer 5

I can understand your concerns for sure. Let me make one thing clear to you, that you & others may not know. No one dies from Dementia or Alzheimers. They die of other things. You're on the right track, keeping active & keeping the gray matter challenged as well. I am a "boomer" & I do crossword puzzles & word scramble, & play Jeopardy on my computer or play along on tv. We all get to a point in our lives where we become forgetful but that's natural. I'm concerned but not afraid. I try not to worry about the things I have no control over. It's not easy sometimes but I try. I worked in a nursing home & saw residents daily who had dementia/Alzheimers & I had so much compassion for these people & their families as well. It's not easy for them either. We're here for you!!! :)

Answer 6

My grandmother also died from alzheimers. I know it is a real possibility but I can't drive myself crazy worrying about it.
I,too heard years ago about aluminum cookware-and other than an iron skillet she used all aluminum. She read the daily paper but that was all and only had a third grade education. After the third generation she reared was grown it seemed like she stayed home alone too much with little to no stimulation.
I'm with you about staying metally and physically active.
I have fibromylagia and it has symptoms called brain fog and that is frightening--alot like dementia but it does clear up and go away.

Answer 7

No,I am not afraid. I feel whatever will be will be,whether or not I am afraid or think about it.I don't buy the aluminum theory either. It seems to be hereditary. A dear friend recently started having symptoms, and she is now living with her daughter,but her daughter just told me that it is progressing quickly and she might have to go to a facility to keep her safe. Her mother and 2 sisters also died of it. If I started worrying about that and the diabetes in both sides of my family, and the heart disease that runs rampant and the high blood pressure that even my kids have I would be a wreck. It will happen whether we worry or not,and worry sometimes brings bad things on. I'll face it if and when it comes.

Answer 8

My mom has Alzheimers; and is exhibiting some of the behavior now of Stage 6. She lives in assisted living in the reminiscence unit.

Yes, I worry - however, she is the only one in our family to have had any type of a dementia disease.

Although highly educated, she did not work; was not particularly interested in keeping mentally active; had no real hobbies other than her plants; and after my Dad passed, just somewhat went down hill from then on.

As I have read up on the disease I see many factors which may have contributed to her having the disease, and just as many that MAY prevent ME from having it...I just try to stay mentally active in a number of pursuits; I still work; attempt to eat healthy etc etc etc

We can't live what years are left in fear [which IMHO would probably even worsen the situation] so let's keep a smile on and a positive outlook! :-)

God bless.

Answer 9

My Dad was 81 when he was diagnosed with Dementia. His sister was 90. Although both my great grandfathers lived to be nearly 100, we had not had Dementia or Alzheimer's in our family, as far as we know.
Yes, Dementia/Alzheimer's really concerns me. I share information on my 360 blog, from various sources. You are welcome to go to my profile page and click on to my 360 anytime you would like to read the information.

Answer 10

No, no longer afraid.. I am a candidate...no if's, and's, or but's about it. I find myself forgetting more and more words that should be on the tip of my tongue, have to rewrite entire sentences to make another word work as well...then after about 2 hours, long after I have no need for the word, it pops into my head! Candidate..for sure! Goldwing