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Staging tools

Jeanne C.
Jeanne C. Member Posts: 841
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edited February 20 in Social Groups

Here are a couple that I've found. A Google search will help you find many more.

From the Fisher Center (has detailed descriptions and a link to a downloadable PDF if you want): https://www.alzinfo.org/understand-alzheimers/clinical-stages-of-alzheimers/

From a hospice company (I find this one useful bc it maps to mental age and MMSE score): https://www.melodiacare.com/fast-scale-for-dementia/

FTD staging:

Also, there are several staging tools int the Tam Cummings handouts.

Comments

  • MsMish
    MsMish Member Posts: 1
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    Member
    What are microhemorrhages?
    This is a recent finding on my DH’s MRI of the brain. The neuropsychologist seemed unconcerned. My husband is 68, never had high blood pressure, no head trauma. Seems to be in the MCI stage, according to his Neurolgist.
  • Jeanne C.
    Jeanne C. Member Posts: 841
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    Hi and welcome. I don't know about microhemorrhaging. I suggest that you post questions like this on one of the main pages of the forum (like https://alzconnected.org/categories/i-am-a-caregiver-%28general-topics%29) which will get a lot more traffic. I think you'll find the people here to be kind and helpful.

  • zo9345
    zo9345 Member Posts: 1
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    Member

    I need some virtual support groups

  • Jeanne C.
    Jeanne C. Member Posts: 841
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    Member

    Hello. I think you'll find the people on this forum to be kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. I recommend posting on one of the main message boards to get more responses. You can also try reaching out to the helpline (number at bottom of the page) and a care consultant may be able to point you in the right direction.

  • desoto1000
    desoto1000 Member Posts: 1
    First Comment
    Member

    Hello!

    My name is Marta Maria Mendez. New to this. I’m not sure how to use the boards, but I need support. My best friend was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last October. We live together. It is not easy to reach out for help but I know I can’t do it alone. Thank you for everything you do.

  • Jeanne C.
    Jeanne C. Member Posts: 841
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    edited October 8

    HI Marta @desoto1000 - I'm sorry you and your friend are going through this. Caregiving is, as you know, a lot of exhausting and emotional work. It's great that your friend has you. And you're right, you really can't do it alone.

    While your loved one is able to still sign off on decisions, you need to plan for the future. In addition to a health team I strongly suggest getting a certified elder law attorney (CELA). They will be an expert on durable and medical power of attorney in addition to longterm care benefits available in your state. I don't know if you intend to help manage longterm care or if your friend has family who will step in, but it's very important to have this set up as soon as possible.

    Make sure to post questions on the main caregivers board:

    https://alzconnected.org/categories/i-am-a-caregiver-(general-topics)

    This group page really doesn't get much attention. I think you'll find the people here to be kind and helpful.

    All the best to you.

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