Where do I stand in the variants of Alz?

Dan.K

I am a newbie here, so forgive me for any mistakes I make… And forgive me if I talk too much.

I don't remember how long ago it was that I got routed to a doctor who was, I think, fairly good with Alz patients. And, now, less than a year with me and him, I know what is going on - somewhat.

My stats for measuring my problems (is there another word for this?) are new too me. I was told I was near the lower end of Alz measurements. I am 74, by the way, fairly healthy - altho I am on a lot of meds for unrelated things like heart maint, blood management, cholesterol, various capsules, fish oil, vitamins, visibility in only one eye… None of those are about Alz, just for other things.

So - let's stick with ALZ. I feel good, read well, but I do hesitate on wordage - it's like the closest words are the one's hiding. I am getting some of the prescription meds for Alz. I don't feel like they bother at all, or help me very much. Maybe they do. On the other hand, I just recently accused a pharmacist of giving me 1 vial of pills, when I should have gotten 3. He said he HAD given them. And several days later, I found the 2 other vials in my bathroom. Visible, but not too easily.

So let's get to the point: I wonder where am I on the scale from 0% to 100% of Alz scale. Let's just consider the lower third. I have been told: it's early, and "they" - meaning, the doctors - can do lots of things to keep "me" - Dan - going… I am sitting here writing this, feeling fine (except for my ordinary problems) - but I have definite problems with some words or phrases - usually the ones I am just NOW TRYING to say, for THAT NEXT SENTENCE…

My unknown variable is how much am I seeing and doing as usual, and how much is accelerating into the dark future? And, either way, how long can I stay the way I am, as of RIGHT NOW? I don't really know the symptoms I have - my doctor Alz doctor does after each visit ... How can I tell if my 'symptoms' are minor or major? How and when will they get worse?

For now, I am going to hike a few hours with my wife this week. She is tougher than I am.

Dan

Iris L.

Welcome to our online support group, Dan. You seem to be doing what you need to be doing. That is, doing the lifestyle habits that help to keep us in the early stages. You are taking your meds, exercising, staying social, and stimulating your brain with reading. You mention having some heart issues, so are you eating a heart-healthy diet? This is mostly the same as a brain-healthy diet, or the Mediterranean diet, or the MIND diet. All of these lifestyle habits we call Best Practices. Best Practices also include avoiding stress, getting restful sleep, snd investigating alternative or complementary practices, if interested.

You mention a lot of heart issues. Cardiovascular issues can cause vascular dementia, which is somewhat different from Alzheimer's Disease. You can look at alz.org for the differences. Stay on top of your heart health. There are some people who may have a mixed dementia, with both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

As far as monitoring, I think you may be asking about stages. Doctors use a simplified staging system of early, middle and late stage dementia. You seem to be in the early stage, since you are still taking care of yourself and still getting around okay. But it is important to be aware of safety issues, such as dealing with finances and medications, which you have already noticed a problem handling. Figure out ways to ENABLE yourself to handle meds better, or feel free to delegate to your wife.

The same for your finances. You don't want to lose money or be caught in a scam. There are many people who want to take advantage of people with cognitive issues.

Also be aware of your driving. Ask your wife or a professional to assess your driving. One has to be sharp to maneuver in traffic, it's not just about driving the car.

Early Stage is the time to make preparations for your future. To make your end-of-life wishes known. To delegate a trustworthy person to help you handle your medical and financial affairs. Also to do whatever might be on your Bucket list, if you have one.

The caregivers use a 7 stage system of monitoring. You can look that up if you are interested.

Personally, I thought I might have Alzheimer's Disease, but a PET scan determined that I do not have AD at this time.

Please continue to post and keep us updated on how you are doing.

Iris