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Hi snuggles! I'm MK and I am the producer of this site. Thanks so much for your great question- it's a good one!
I am not a health professional, and cannot answer your question specifically, but there is information on this site that might help.
Dr. Roeltgen's blog The Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease - he gives specific definitions of dementia versus Alzheimer's.
You can also check out our Dementia Diagnosis page - which can tell you about different dementia symptoms, and other symptoms of what may just be old age.
Thanks again for writing. I hope this helps!
MK
Have you had a urine MMA test for B12 deficiency? It has to be this, a urine test. The others aren't a reliable. Most doctors don't know of this test or use labs that don't do it and such don't get it for their patients. The Mayo Clinic lab will do it for them.
You might want to read up on it. Here's a start:
http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?p=45615
Thanks, Steve, for the information. I have gone to the site mentioned and also to other sites dealing with B12 deficiency. Looking at the list of symptoms, I don't believe this is my problem. I will tell you, though, that I was borderline dysplasia and was on folic acid, vit. C and iron for most of a year until my blood counts came up to normal. That made all the difference in the world where my stamina was concerned.
Thanks again for your suggestion!
Leah
I can relate what you wrote about when you said that those around you don't understand you really do have problems. If you've read any of my other blogs, you will see that I had the same problem. I decided that I would blab to everyone and anyone that I have vasular dementia and that I am doing okay at this time. I want to change the way that people look at Alzheimers and dementia. I want people to look beyond the disease to the person below. Highly intelligent people such as yourself (and me), have a great ability to mask the symptoms, to get through life in a more normal manner for a longer period of time. I take Aricept, though I am stopping it for ten days to see if the dreaming I've been having will lessen in its intensity. I play Nintendo's Brain Age every day which really has helped my focus time and cognitive skills. I write for this site, which keeps up my communication skills. And I hear from people like you who help further my socialization skills--and boost my mood! Thank you for writing. I hope you will read and respond again in the future. I'd like to hear how you are doing.
God bless you.
Leah
Dear Leah,
I hope you receive this, I seem to be having difficulty getting it to go!!! it keeps say "error has occur" hopeful this time it will fly. Fun,you should say the Arecept causes you to have dreaming episodes, Between "6 am and 9" am. I have a terrible time sleeping, nightmares, talking in my sleep, by the time I get up, I have to drag myself up. this is a "type "A" personality person, have to be on time, everything done. Now I am lucky if I can MOVE.
A little thing about myself. I live in Fl. retired with the hubby. I am 63. come from Massachusetts. the whole family live there.
I am so happy you responded, this is the first time in 1 year, that I have actually connected with someone that has the disease. someone, that knows what it feels like. whether you are happy, mad,sad, or glad. someone knows. Please respond again. Thanks Ging
Hi Leah,
This is the second time I have had to do this letter. for some reason, I hit something on the laptop, and everything I just did, disappears. I have noticed one thing, my spelling, and ability to be articulate, have totally left me.!!!
By the way, what exactly is "Vascualar Dementia/Alz; I have never heard of it. I hope you don't mind my asking.
Chat later Ginger PS: My email address is"
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If you're crazy we all should be so crazy. Your intelligence and your "normalcy" shine through your words. I'm honored that you've chosen Our Alzheimer's to be the showcase for the greatest teaching experience of your life, Leah. And I'm honored to share some writing space with you, as we, your students, learn.
Oh, and yes - please get a new dictionary. :)
Carol