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Alzheimer’s and radiation

jsmale
jsmale Member Posts: 15
10 Comments 5 Care Reactions
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in Caring For a Spouse or Partner

so my 63 yo husband who was diagnosed with early onset 1 year ago also had radiation and chemotherapy 4 years ago for tonsil cancer. I’ve been reading that the radiation could have something to do with his Alzheimer’s….anyone else know about this?

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  • Quilting brings calm
    Quilting brings calm Member Posts: 2,613
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    An internet inquiry shows articles about radiation to the brain having a risk for dementia. I don’t think radiation of the throat would be considered to have that risk.

    There’s really no way to know. Just because some people who have radiation develop dementia doesn’t mean that’s what caused it in his case. Even so - What was he going to do at the time -not treat his cancer?

    I really wouldn’t focus on this. The experts really don’t know what causes dementia to any degree of certainty- nor do they know how to prevent it.

  • WIGO23
    WIGO23 Member Posts: 150
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    I can only speak to my own experience. Since 2012 I have been diagnosed with an inoperable, bi-lateral cavernous meningioma (benign tumor of the meninges of the brain). In 2019, I was treated with 28 proton radiation sessions directly into this brain tumor to slow its growth. So far, so good. I have no cognitive issues other than natural aging. I am 73. My DH is the one who has been struck with Alzheimers. I always thought I might be the one who needed extensive care. So far, I am the one providing it. Life is full of ironic twists and turns. But may I say, I am not amused at this irony!

  • jsmale
    jsmale Member Posts: 15
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    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233037#Comment_233037
    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/232912#Comment_232912

    well obviously we wouldn’t have NOT treated his cancer and the radiation was to his neck. Was just curious

  • jsmale
    jsmale Member Posts: 15
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    Thanks for your input! Sounds like you have a lot going on :( Hoping you stay healthy!

  • WIGO23
    WIGO23 Member Posts: 150
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    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233372#Comment_233372
    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233372#Comment_233372

    And thank you for that as well. My dark humor thinks my DH and I should have a Brain Institute named after us for all we have spent on our brains thus far!

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
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