Can a brain injury (for example an auto accident)cause Alzheimers in elderly people?
My 89 year old grandmother was in a serious auto accident in November '07. She was independant and in good health prior to that. Since the accident, she has spiraled downhill, especially mentally. Last week she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. I have read information from several websites, and she seems to have skipped over the first 3 stages and is already in the combative, suspicious stage. She can no longer be left alone and she has a significant memory loss. She asks the same questions over and over and accuses my mother, her caregiver, of mistreating her.
Could the accident have caused the onset of this? Could it be something else that may be more treatable? My grandmother is gone and this shell of person is left and it has happened very quickly.
Dear Donna,
I understand that your grandmother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease after getting into an automobile accident. After seeing her live independently for so many years, I imagine it is difficult for you to deal with these sudden, unexpected changes. It's understandable that many questions and concerns can arise after seeing this dramatic shift. Although a doctor is the only one who can determine the underlying reason for these changes, I would like you to know that a serious accident can indeed contribute to your grandmother's decline. If an accident causes injury to the brain and skull, the underlying brain tissue could be damaged and affect the individual's cognition as a result. This damage can be temporary or permanent depending on the impact of the injury. In some cases, functioning can return and the individual improves with time. Again, consultation with a qualified healthcare professional will provide insight.
You said that your grandmother has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. It is important to remember that while Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative illness, you should consult with a doctor about all modes of treatment. There are medications that can help slow down the progression of symptoms. In addition, you can take measures to increase your grandmother's quality of life. In the meantime, make the most out of her current abilities. Mental stimulation, physical exercise and good nutrition will all contribute to her mental status. Any activity that she is capable of doing should be pursued, even if it seems insignificant, because this will stimulate brain areas and may stabilize her functioning or possibly restore some functioning over time. Consult with a recreational therapist for ideas. Although she may not be the same person you remember, she can still offer a great deal.
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My heart breaks for you. My dad suffered a World War II brain injury. He recovered and learned to walk and talk again. In his 70s, he started having fluid build-up behind the scar tissue in his brain, so they put in a shunt to drain the fluid. This is usually successful. In his case, it backfired and he went into instant dementia, which lasted until his death, then years later.
There has been research showing that repeated concussions in even younger people can lead to Alzheimer's like diseases as they age. There was quite a bit of publicity awhile back (I wrote about it on this site) when a group of NFL wives were creating awareness of the strong link to their husband's head injuries from football and the high level of Alzheimer's these men suffer.
Your grandmother was at a rather advanced age when she was injured. Like my dad, she maybe had earlier stages going on already (there's no way to tell, as of now, when the very earliest stages begin), but the trauma of the injury may have sped up the disease. Perhaps something else is going on, however. Has she had PET scans and other workups by experts who know the nuances of Alzheimer's? We are hearing of non-specialists deciding, based on superficial testing, that people have Alzheimer's. the diagnosis can become a catch-all.
If your grandmother has had all the testing possible, by specialists in Alzheimer's, then it's possible the trauma hastened what was already happening in her brain. But, if she hasn't had all the testing, perhaps there is something being missed.
It's horrible to see that sudden change. When my kids saw their grandfather, after surgery, they were stunned and they had a hard time comprehending the sudden change. We all did. My deepest sympathy for what you are enduring.
Carol
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Thanks so much for your question Donna. It looks like you've gotten some good advice above. As she has just been diagnosed, I thought I'd give you some links to our materials that could help to shed some light on this disease and what is happening with you grandmother.
Just Diagnosed: If you or someone you love has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you’re probably experiencing a variety of emotions. Find articles written by those who have been where you are. They’ll help you wade through these first few days of uncertainty post-diagnosis with Alzheimer's.
Causes of Alzheimer's: Learn about the biological, genetic and environmental factors that determine who develops Alzheimer's and who does not.
Alzheimer's Web Resources: Get the latest news, information about research and treatment, get involved with advocacy and find support at these Alzheimer's sites.
Hope this helps and all the best, sue
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