Alzheimer’s: a Disease Affecting Both Patient and Caregiver

My father pessad away almost a year ago from Alzheimer's, it's a terrible terrible disease, when we first started suspecting something was wrong was when my father started having complications in doing everyday tasks, it was really heartbreaking to find out that he had Alzheimer's, we suffered as much as he did because it's really hard seeing as his illness progressed, to those familys taking care of an Alzheimer's patient I can only say try to always show as much love as you can till the end.

Well Baby Sis....most of your siblings are over 40 and this "most ecainnt sister" is 50 and none of us has had early onset Alzheimers....yet. Out of Dad's 8 siblings, just 2 (a brother and sister) developed Alzheimers before 80. Dad is the youngest of the three to develop it earlier (by his late 60s--dementia and then the Alzheimers came on in his early 70s). I am in contact with most of our cousins, and as far as I know--no one has dementia or Alzheimers. This is particularly interesting since the 6 children of Uncle Bud (who was the brother with Alzheimers) are now in their late 60s and early 70s and none have it. So keep exercising, eat those red fruits and veggies, take your vit. D and omega 3s, and PRAY HARD. Maybe we won't get it after all.

Hi Barbara,

I spoke with Dr. Keilson and he does recommend asking for medication as it will help to slow your mother's progression a bit. A common group of drugs, known as cholinesterase inhibitors, are most beneficial for mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease. They work by slowing down the disease activity that breaks down a key neurotransmitter, known as acetylcholine. You should note that while these drugs can initially help, they can't reverse Alzheimer's disease and they don't stop the underlying destruction of nerve cells. As always, you should discuss your mother's medication with her physician, as all patients have unique treatment requirements.

Although Maimonides Medical Center doesn't have any upcoming lectures or support group meetings, Dr. Keilson recommends calling the Alzheimer's Association to find a local group in your area. You can call 1 (800) 272-3900 or visit their "In My Community" webpage (http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp) to find support near you.

Dr. Keilson also recommends to plan in advance for the financial cost of Alzheimer's disease. "Most patients will eventually need help at home," he states. "Start planning now on how you're going to save for this care."

I am in the early stages of caring for my Mother who has the some signs of dementia. I am already feeling the stress and emotion of this. She will be going to see a Neuro doctor in two weeks and I have a question is their anything that I should ask the doctor, what are the medications that can aid in slowing down the progression of this brain alternating disease. Lastly are their going to be at MMC any addtional information, support groups or lectures on this topic open to the public? Thank you for your attention concerning this topic. Barbara Simino, Peidatric Endocrine at Maimonides Hospital, Brooklyn NY.