Just diagnosed

It seems that alzheimer's is the most feared disease including cancer. I felt very scared when first diagnosed, had a complete melt down. It's been almost a year now, and I am doing ok. The fear has turned into acceptance, and just hoping and praying that I stay where I am for a long time. I am an 80 yr. old lady, and the thought of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's NEVER crossed my mind before the CT scan MRI, and all the other test. I am doing ok today. Just remember that you can stay mentally ok for an unknown period of time. I do understand your fear & concerns. I have been there, still am on a much more acceptable level. Keep the faith. Faith in God is important to me. Take care of yourself and wishing you the best.

I too was diagnosed about a year ago. Yes, it was a huge shock. But I've learned from others with the disease and from very good neurological and health professionals that there are things you can do to go on and continue with a fulfilling life. If you haven't already, finding the professional help you need is critical. And, with their help, there are steps you can take to ease the symptoms and, if you choose, slow the progression. And there is more on the horizon. Lots of research in process pointing to the likelihood of letter treatments. And there are things that you can do pretty much on your own, that is to say without a lot of help, because how well you do will likely depend among other things on your health in general. Keeping your blood pressure down, moderate alcohol consumption, exercise (both your body and your brain, e.g. by learning something new), maintaining social contacts, treat your hearing loss (yes, most people your age— and mine — have some, whether or not they recognize and are willing to acknowledge it), get some sleep, moderate your diet (e.g. more veggies and fruit, less red meat), and stop smoking (if you do). The other thing is looking to the future, including (as you mentioned) future needs for care, and what that may mean for your family and for your finances. That's something all of us in our 70s and 80s should be doing whether or not with an Alzheimer's or other diagnosis, but many don't. What's available in your area? Most probably there are resources. What are your care preferences (and reasonable expectations) of those close to you? These are all things that I too am now engaged in. And I'm finding that there are resources out there. Should have been thinking more about them before my diagnosis, but like so many others I had the illusion that there was unlimited time. Hope this is of some help.