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Rapid Transit

I'm 64 and recently diagnosed with AD. 

What an experience the last few months have been. In August all is well. In September somethings off, but I can't put my finger on it. Better get a physical. By October I'm getting lost in my own neighborhood and forgetting words for common objects. Diagnosed in January with AD. 

I feel the ground below my feet has just opened up, and down I go. I suppose everyone's experience is different, but here I am on the fast train, wondering what's around the corner. 

Comments

  • Michael Ellenbogen
    Michael Ellenbogen Member Posts: 991
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    Sorry to hear that but if I was you I would make sure to get a second opinion. I don’t know what test they already did.

  • Iris L.
    Iris L. Member Posts: 4,433
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    Welcome muzicman.  To go from "all is well" to Alzheimer's Disease in 5-6 months is very unusual.  As Michael says, it is most important to be certain that the diagnostic process was thorough.  This is because there are many dementia mimics, which can be found out by certain blood tests.  All medications, prescription and over the counter, should be checked for cognitive side effects.  Is there a history of old or recent head trauma?  Is there a history of major depression?  Has sleep apnea been ruled out?  Only after these things have been ruled out can you entertain a diagnosis of AD.

    If all of these have been done, what plan did the neurologist offer?  There is no cure yet, but there is treatment for symptoms.  There are plans you need to make. You wonder what's around the corner.  There is a lot!  But you can prepare yourself.  There is quite a lot of information on these pages, but information can be hard to find.  Please keep posting, and we will try to help you.

    Iris

  • EllisA
    EllisA Member Posts: 34
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    Iris L.  Right on track once again  I do hope he muzicman gets a second opinion,  This is really fast disease progression.  He did not mention what medical professional made the decision, but it would be really good IDEA to seek an appointment from a neurologist that has worked in this area.  I pray that happens soon
  • Michael Ellenbogen
    Michael Ellenbogen Member Posts: 991
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     I should also add that time is critical in this case and this should be treated at the highest priority with no room for errors.

  • EllisA
    EllisA Member Posts: 34
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    muzicman:  call your doc, a  specialist in neurology even some specializing in geriatrics  ,    NOW PLEASE.  Please let us know ASAP!!!!!    WE CARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Amy Joy
    Amy Joy Member Posts: 90
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     Hi Muzicman!

    Welcome!

    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and hope you are doing well.

    It’s not easy finding out you have memory loss.

    Have you seen a special doctor yet?

    I was diagnosed with early onset dementia at 49

    And have a family history of dementia.

  • muzicman
    muzicman Member Posts: 3
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    Thank you for the kind words of support, Amy Joy. 

    I've been touched by the kindness shown by my doctors and the wonderful folks at the imaging clinics (perhaps they should have a frequent-flyer program?). My family has been unfailingly supportive when given the news. 

    It seems that EO is uncommon enough that people outside the medical community don't really have much context. Still, the friends and family we've told have been most kind and concerned once they got their heads around the news. That helps immensely. 

  • Amy Joy
    Amy Joy Member Posts: 90
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     Hi muzicman!

    You’re welcome!

    I’m happy to connect with someone who is going through my dementia problems!

    I had a hard time realizing I had dementia.

    We can give each other support!

    I hope to chat soon!

    Have good night 

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more