Support For Alzheimers Patient Under 65?

By Jen Wednesday, February 17, 2010

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Hello everyone, my Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 60 years of age. She is now 61 and we live in Central Florida. Does anyone know of a support group for the actual person with Alzheimer's for "younger" diagnosed patients? What about an activities group for "younger" Alzheimer's patients? Are there psychologists or psychiatrist that specialize in talking to the actual Alzheimer's patient? The disease is tough enough; however, I am having hard time finding this type of support for my Mom because everything is geared towards "older" Alzheimer's patients and support for the caregiver vs. the patient. Any information would be helpful. Bless you and thank you :)

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Christine Kennard, Health Guide

2/17/10 12:13pm

I do not have any information on facilities in Florida, however can I suggest the following;

Have you contacted your local Alzheimer's Association to find out if they have or know of support groups for younger people with early Alzheimer's? You can get information from this link .

Contact your mother's doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist specializing in Alzheimer's or a neuro psychologist ( a psychologist specializing in the neurological basis of behaviour).

Your local social services will have information on Day Centers that cater for younger people who have dementia or who live with similar symptoms as a result of brain damage.

Hope this is of some help. Hopefully one of the readers of OurAlzheimer's will give you more specific info

Best Wishes

Christine

mark8

5/26/11 5:26pm

In Utah the local Alzheimer's Association often has extra funds to provide for individuals who do not fall into the typical credentials. Home Health is often available as well. www.fchhh.com

Christine Kennard, Health Guide

5/27/11 5:10am

Dear Mark

Thank you for that information

Christine

Louise

6/ 7/11 5:33pm

Where are you located? I go to a support group third Thursday. This is an early onset, MCI group (MCI is stage 3)

Louise

2/17/10 3:17pm

Hi Jen,

I found some definition of early onset AD as below:

"When Alzheimer's disease occurs before the age of 65, it is called early-onset Alzheimer's. This is not the same as early-stage Alzheimer's, which refers to the period of time an individual first experiences signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's that interfere with daily functioning. Early-onset Alzheimer's is rarer than Alzheimer's in those over 65 and is often inherited. Many people with early-onset Alzheimer's are in their 40s and 50s."

You didn't say whether your Mom is early onset AD (Alzheimer's disease) or regular AD with younger age.

Either group has lots of support. If you check the internet, there are lots of blogs for people with early onset AD. You should contact the local Alzheimer's Association chapter and they will tell you where the support groups are. These days, dementia, late onset Alzheimer's and early onset Alzheimer's are in need of similar support.

I am sure there are some groups out there that deal with early onset Alzheimer's.

I don't have any info. with me as my FIL has late onset Alzheimer's.

This group we are in (ourAlzheimer's) is a good group for online support as well.

I found more online support groups also. HBO has some documentary films for Alzheimer's and Alzheimer's Association also has some films online.

Take care,

Nina

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

2/17/10 6:20pm

You local Alzheimer's organzation should be a great help to you. Ask specifically about what you want so they understand the age group you are look to for support. There are no guarantees, but they would know the local culture.

Take care. We know it's hard. Please check back.

Carol

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

5/27/11 11:39am

Alzheimer's is tough to handle at any age. At 65 - a comparatively young age these days - it's really a heartbreaker (though there are people in their forties who get it). You've gotten many good responses here, so I'll just underscore the idea that calling your local Alzheimer's organization is the best place to start. Many areas have Alzheimer's support groups, and in larger areas, many of these groups are specific, so you may find one with a younger group.

Blessings and hope to you. Please keep in touch.

Carol

Support For Alzheimers Patient Under 65?

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