Newly diagnosed LO

rich51 · August 13

I will be looking discussions and participating for information and support. I have looked at a few discussions and have noticed the stages mentioned. Is this something that my wife's Dr. would evaluate? We have known that she has had memory problems for some time, but she also has MS, so diagnosis has been difficult. Her Dr. ordered a PET scan and the results did confirm Alzheimer's. For now she is very mobile and most times communicating well. We understand this will change, but I was curious about the stages of the disease. Looking for some guidance. Thank you.

annie51 · August 13

Sorry you have to be here but it’s a wonderful place to get help, advice, and empathy.
There are a few staging tools out there, but they are mostly for your own use. The most common and useful one is the DBAT. Here is the link. You can keep track of behaviors, maybe use it for communication with the doctor.

https://www.tamcummings.com/tools

There is another one called the FAST scale that you can Google. Most doctors use only a 3 level scale - mild, moderate, severe.

It’s a good idea to document behaviors and dates so you can more easily assess changes and share info with doctors at the point where medications are needed.
I hope this helps you get started.

annie51 · August 13

I will add that videos by Teepa Snow, Tam Cummings, Natali Edmonds, to name a few are very helpful on a wide variety of topics.

Jeff H · August 14

Sorry you are here but you have great support and information right here.

My wife was officially diagnosed with Alheimer's after her annual blood test. The test included AD DETECT PHOSPHORYLATED TAU217, PLASMA and her result was 2.02 with anything greater than 0.646 as high likelihood.

Maybe ask her doctor about a blood test?

H1235 · August 14

Doctors usually use the three stage model. I think for us caregivers it’s nots as helpful as dbat. It’s a rough tool, but still helpful. Every person with dementia is different. She may never experience some of the symptoms listed. Someone is usually considered to be in the last stage they have symptoms in.

rich51 · August 14

Thank you for the comments. I know that this could be a long process and I will be checking in as we go.

Michele P · August 14

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/76827/newly-diagnosed-lo

Welcome. I would also suggest reading The 36 Hour Day. It is an excellent resource that will help you understand the disease and prepare for what is coming.

Newly diagnosed LO

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