Words ... trouble with words

My new Normal

I'm probably two years into having problems with words. I often describe things rather than use their noun name. A TV might be the "thing you watch stuff on." My Ipad is often "the flat thing that plays video." I wrote 1993 on a legal document a few days ago. How could I be decades off? This is My New Normal.

Iris L.

I do the same things. It is odd, isn't it?

Iris

DIANELYNETTE

That's totally normal. I have been doing that forever. i call most thing "that apparatus that does..." Or use your hands to help explain the object. I have not been diagnosed with anything yet. Im a caretaker for my mom. I just laugh about it so I wont cry. warm regards

Watson1

Amy Joy

hi and welcome

I’m sorry to hear about your dementia.

I have dementia and I have other health problems.

I’m told still mom and brother have dementia and I’m having dementia and starting to have embarrassing problems

CKCMaggio

I'm sympathetic. Have a long-time friend that I've lived w/ for about 20 years who "developed" dementia, for lack of better term, and now has to be in a nursing home. She wasn't safe here, I couldn't keep her safe. She wandered outside one winter night and slipped in the driveway (why she went out I have no idea). Broke her collarbone. Things just continued from there. Forgetting who lived here was a big one, many police calls.

The fact that you can acknowledge you have this condition is a plus, as she was in denial. I hope you can all find some adequate treatment, and wish you the best.

Iris L.

Seventy percent of PWDs have anosognosia. To the family, a PWD may seem to be in denial, but in actuality they are truly unaware of having dementia. Anosognosia is a characteristic of dementia. Anosognosia keep PWDs from being aware of safety. PWDs may wander outdoors because they might be searching for someone or something that their mind tells them about. Or they may get outdoors and don't remember how to return home, even if it's only a few steps, because they no longer recognize their home.

Iris

PRN

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/184970#Comment_184970

is there nothing that can be done, when you are still in the stage of being aware of your cognitive decline? It seems like sitting at the top of a slide and the only choice you have is to slide down. I think, if you are aware, surely there is something that can be done to at least, slow your decent.

Iris L.

PRN, the first step to take is to do a thorough medical and neurological evaluation to look for potentially treatable dementia mimics. If no medical cause is found and the diagnosis is early Alzheimer's Disease, there are still steps that can be taken to prolong the early stages. These are lifestyle habits that improve brain functions and are called Best Practices. These include:

--taking medications as prescribed, both memory meds or other medications

--eating the Mediterranean or MIND diet, which include fruits and vegetables for antioxidants, and fish and nuts for omega-3 fats. Some red wine may be allowed if desired.

--exercising vigorously to tolerance

--continuing to stimulate the brain with new learning and appropriate activities

--continuing to socialize, usually in small groups.

Members also take steps to get restful sleep and limit or avoid stress and anxiety.

Complementary or alternative medicine can be implemented if desired. There are a few threads remaining on aromatherapy.

Many doctors and professionals will tell you that there is nothing that can be done. But board members promoted Best Practices when I first joined and I have found these Practices to be very beneficial to me. These are not meant or promoted to be a cure for dementia, but an aid to functioning.

Iris

Joni Beck Brewer

I’m new to this group, and already find it helpful! It feels like I’m finally “talking” to people experiencing some of the early stage Alzheimer’s things that I am. One thing that I don’t think was mentioned yet here is working with a speech pathologist who can help with difficulty in speech, writing, things you can do to help with the next stage, ex. I had no idea that these folks do such a variety of things.

Iris L.

Welcome to our online support group Joni. It seems that you are working with a speech therapist for cognitive rehabilitation. I'm glad this is helping you. Can you share an example of a tip for help in speech or writing?

Iris

Joni Beck Brewer

One example of something that really helped with writing was the difficulty I was having remembering how to spell and write the names of my three children and their partners. This was really bothering me. The speech pathologist had me write out the list of names 10 times while looking at her writing of them, then had me do the same without looking at anything. It worked, and every once in a while I do this again at home to see if I can still do it.

This is just a small example, but a good example of how she listens to my concerns and looks to find ways to address them. We also spend a lot of time working on things I can do now that will help later on when things progress.

Iris L.

That's wonderful! I'm so glad you have found a professional who is willing to listen to you. Keep practicing!

Are you on any memory medications, Joni?

Iris

DrMichaelSG

I tend to say "That guy" or "That lady" without providing any context. As if my DW knows who I'm thinking of in my head (with only 8 billion people in the world, how could she NOT know who I'm referring to?)... ;)

I had a friend with Alzheimer’s who did this same thing (i.e., used indeterminate naming for specific people or things). Must be common across the dementia spectrum (?).