Thanks so much for your post.
You may want to read some of our information on this disease. It could be helpful as you and your husband plan for the management of his Alzheimer's in the future. Alzheimer's Basics will give you all the general information about the disease.
And although I am not a trianed medical professional, all the postings of our experts and those who are living with this or even a caregiver suggest you must keep the patient's mind busy and active. You might read our short list of what can "Keep Your Brain Young".
Finally, there are lots of video clips on our site that could prove to be helpful to you.
Thanks so much - best to you and your family. SMM
Alzheimer's disease is primarily a disease of the elderly. However, there are rare exceptions-individuals afflicted in their 50s, even some in their 40s or 30s. Some of these people, or their loved ones, will be writing comments in which they share their experiences. We would like to explain a bit about Early Onset and emphasize the importance of thorough assessment leading to a specific diagnosis shared among doctor, patient and concerned family member(s).
A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease before the age of 65 usually indicates a rare variant known as Early-onset or Early onset Familial Alzheimer's disease (eFAD). It has a strong genetic component-runs in families. According to the medical literature, only 1 to 5 percent of Alzheimer's disease cases surface before the age of 65.
If your husband has already had a full assessment, I encourage you to request a family conference with the physician so that the diagnosis can be clearly explained to your husband and everyone present. If the diagnosis was "dementia," you might press for a specific diagnosis. Dementia is not a disease but a general term that describes a person who has two or more types of problems with the way their brain is working. These brain dysfunctions can be caused by many different illnesses and diseases-over 60 conditions in total. The most common cause for dementia among older persons is Alzheimer's disease, a specific brain disease. For more information on Alzheimer's, dementia and diagnosis, please visit the About Alzheimer's and About Dementia sections on AFA's Web site http://www.alzfdn.org/.
I hope you will also consider reaching out to a support group in your area. If you live near a large metropolitan area you may even find a group that deals specifically with caregivers of individuals with early-onset. Some organizations have even started social-type groups for individuals with early onset themselves. Support groups are an excellent source of helpful information and tips on care strategies and they offer a safe and confidential place to unload some of the intense emotions that are brought on by the caregiving role.
My husband was diagnosed withAlzheimer's in Nov. 2004 at 55 years of age. When he was diagnosed he was already in the moderate stages. He was put on Aricept and Namenda. It's been 3 1/2 years and he is now in beginings of stage 6. He has started occassionaly been incontient and I feel this is just the begining of this part of the disease. He just turned 59 last week. I've been told early onset progress faster than when diagnosed at an older age.
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