- Introduction
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prevention
-
Caregiving
- Coping with Emotional Changes
- Coping with Memory Loss
- Costs and Insurance
- Creating a Daily Routine
- Exercise
- Health and Wellbeing of the Caregiver
- Home Safety Adjustments
- Mental Exercises
- Respite Care
- Talking to Children about Alzheimer's
- Talking to Friends about Alzheimer's
- Telling Someone They Have Alzheimer's
- Transition to Assisted Living
- Transition to Nursing Home
- Work
- Related Conditions
- Resources
There are many types of dementia. When a people develop dementia it means that their body has changed and their brain no longer functions at an optimum level. Many conditions can mimic dementia, so it's crucial to have a specialist make the determination. Medication side effects, infections such as urinary tract infections, and other illnesses that need treating can throw off a diagnosis and make a person act as through dementia is the problem. If the diagnosis is dementia, it's important to find out the type because treatments may vary. Alzheimer's is likely the most common type, but vascular and frontotemporal dementia as two that follow closely. Dementia with Parkinson's disease is another one. If you or a loved one is suffering from memory problems or altered judgment, please get a good checkup . Early diagnosis is important.
Take care,
Carol
Your husband's denial isn't unusual. Since he's been diagnosed and is on versions of the only available medications at this time for AD, I'm afraid you are in the mode where education and planning the next steps. I hope you have Power Of Attorney because you will need that, both for health care and some financial issues if there are assets in his name. That is something everyone should do, so his AD isn't the only issue. You should both get this legal work done if you haven't.
Please go online to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org). They both offer fantastic resources. Also, call your local Alzheimer's organization and ask about support groups. Knowing you are not alone is helpful. I'd suggest that you check into the Well Spouse Association at www.wellspouse.org. Many people get support throught that website.
As your husband's disease progresses, you may want to see if you can get him to a neurolgoist, but it seems as though the doctor he is seeing is doing a good job so far. I'd concentrate on learning to manage the disease at this point.
Take care of yourself. You will need all of the support and strength you can muster. Please check back and let us know how you are doing,
Carol
Your husband's denial isn't unusual. Since he's been diagnosed and is on versions of the only available medications at this time for AD, I'm afraid you are in the mode where education and planning the next steps. I hope you have Power Of Attorney because you will need that, both for health care and some financial issues if there are assets in his name. That is something everyone should do, so his AD isn't the only issue. You should both get this legal work done if you haven't.
Please go online to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org). They both offer fantastic resources. Also, call your local Alzheimer's organization and ask about support groups. Knowing you are not alone is helpful. I'd suggest that you check into the Well Spouse Association at www.wellspouse.org. Many people get support throught that website.
As your husband's disease progresses, you may want to see if you can get him to a neurolgoist, but it seems as though the doctor he is seeing is doing a good job so far. I'd concentrate on learning to manage the disease at this point.
Take care of yourself. You will need all of the support and strength you can muster. Please check back and let us know how you are doing,
Carol
Medically dementia is a serious disease - it is a brain disease. Often people mention dementia casually to indicate the forgetfulness in general. Dementia if diagnosed is a brain disease that is not curable and the person with dementia needs long-term care.
There are many types of dementia. The patient needs to be diagnosed with a specific type of dementia in order to be treated properly.
Regards,
Nina
Hi, eightisenough,
The U.S. National Library of Medicine's PubMed Health describes dementia as "a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior." Their website provides a good overview that may be helpful to you.
Take care and keep us posted!
Dorian
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
12 Ways to Slow Mental Decline 
10 Ways to Protect Your Brain Against Alzheimer’s 
10 Signs of Alzheimer's 
10 Things to Do After an Alzheimer's Diagnosis Featuring Content From:
- About Us |
- Contact Us |
- Privacy Policy |
- Terms of Use |
- Security Policy |
- Advertising Policy |
- Advertise With Us
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2013 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
