Question that Comes to Me Often

WIGO23

Are there caregivers on the forum who’s LO did not progress beyond mild or moderate cognitive impairment with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s?

harshedbuzz

There are people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, which not considered dementia but often precedes Alzheimer's, to remain fairly stable. It is possible for some but not all people with Wernicke-Korsakoff's, a form caused by a B1 deficiency (most often related to alcohol use disorder) to be treated and remain at a steady mild or moderate level of function so long as they remain sober.

Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia are terminal and progressive. A person with one of these conditions will worsen unless some other condition kills them first.

HB

Quilting brings calm

Everyone’s journey is different. Some people progress rapidly, and reach the last stage in just a few years. Some people have been known to take over two decades to get there. So yes there are present day caregivers with loved ones in mild or moderate stages. my mom has been diagnosed as mildly impaired for over four years now and seems stable.

Some people succumb to other diseases along the way while they are still in the stages you mention. So yes there are former caregivers whose loved ones never progressed beyond mild or moderate stages

My step-father was diagnosed with mild dementia over a year ago. He just entered hospice for other issues. So he’s not going to proceed to the later stages.

There are people who have dementia like conditions that are treatable if not curable. B-12 issues, thyroid issues etc. So those people could stabilize at mild or moderate impairment.

Iris L.

My diagnosis remains cognitive impairment not otherwise specified after fifteen years. I have several medical conditions for possible causes (hypertension, systemic lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome and sleep apnea). An Anviid PET scan indicated that I do not have Alzheimer's Disease. My neurologist checks my neurocognitive functions periodically and so far, there has been no significant progression. I continue to use Exelon patch and memantine along with antihypertensive meds and CPAP.

Iris

Denise1847

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/199398#Comment_199398

Iris, You are so amazing and courageous. I so admire your fighting spirit and appreciate that you share your personal experience with us. It really is helpful. Thank you.

charley0419

My wife diagnosed moderate 15 months ago

Iris L.

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/199404#Comment_199404

I was not courageous when I joined. I was scared and eventually fell into a deep depression from what a geriatrician said to me. But I came out of the deep depression and became strong with the support of the members on these boards, both the members who were patients and the caregiver members. PEER SUPPORT IS VITAL for dealing with dementia, because there is little to no support in the outside world, and what exists is often wrong. So it is important for everyone to keep posting and sharing!

Iris