Both my paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather died of the disease about the time the name, Alzheimer’s entered the vernacular. One during the 1970s and the other in 1980s. I thought they’d have a cure for my parents for sure! My mother died of it 7 years ago. I’m really hoping at 50, it’s not too late for me. Thank you for this thoughtful article.
Both my paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather died of the disease about the time the name, Alzheimer’s entered the vernacular. One during the 1970s and the other in 1980s. I thought they’d have a cure for my parents for sure! My mother died of it 7 years ago. I’m really hoping at 50, it’s not too late for me. Thank you for this thoughtful article.
Kate, your comment was heartbreaking and very brave. I offer a salute from someone facing dementia as well. I don't have a definite diagnosis yet, but I see the signs.
The article failed to mention what the alternate theories are. That would be interesting.
My husband's maternal grandmother had a much longer death from Alzheimer's than is typical (farm-raised bodies are exceptionally sturdy), and I was seeing signs of the disease in his mom in her mid 60s before she died of other causes. I'm terrified of what this may mean for my husband as we reach our mid 50s.
I'm very sorry. No one volunteers for this. It is very hard. But there are resources to check out, such as Brednesen for preventive health, and Teepa Snow, for a more positive approach to understanding and helping people with dementia. It is possible to live each day as it comes and to make people understand I am still me, for as long as I can, and to help me family prepare and learn how to help. I am lucky. I found out (will find out) early and am able to prepare. And there are medical tests now to check for Alzheimers. Things have actually come a long way in terms of diagnosis. It is prevention and cure that haven't arrived (but see above).
Please google Dale Brednesen. He mentions 36 possible mechanisms in cognitive decline.
I hope you are getting a complete neurological work up to see if you have something that is interfering with cognitive function and look into Bredneson's work who is affiliated with UCLA and the Buck Institute in California
Both my paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather died of the disease about the time the name, Alzheimer’s entered the vernacular. One during the 1970s and the other in 1980s. I thought they’d have a cure for my parents for sure! My mother died of it 7 years ago. I’m really hoping at 50, it’s not too late for me. Thank you for this thoughtful article.
Kate, your comment was heartbreaking and very brave. I offer a salute from someone facing dementia as well. I don't have a definite diagnosis yet, but I see the signs.
The article failed to mention what the alternate theories are. That would be interesting.
My husband's maternal grandmother had a much longer death from Alzheimer's than is typical (farm-raised bodies are exceptionally sturdy), and I was seeing signs of the disease in his mom in her mid 60s before she died of other causes. I'm terrified of what this may mean for my husband as we reach our mid 50s.
I'm very sorry. No one volunteers for this. It is very hard. But there are resources to check out, such as Brednesen for preventive health, and Teepa Snow, for a more positive approach to understanding and helping people with dementia. It is possible to live each day as it comes and to make people understand I am still me, for as long as I can, and to help me family prepare and learn how to help. I am lucky. I found out (will find out) early and am able to prepare. And there are medical tests now to check for Alzheimers. Things have actually come a long way in terms of diagnosis. It is prevention and cure that haven't arrived (but see above).
Please google Dale Brednesen. He mentions 36 possible mechanisms in cognitive decline.
I hope you are getting a complete neurological work up to see if you have something that is interfering with cognitive function and look into Bredneson's work who is affiliated with UCLA and the Buck Institute in California
I'm so sorry to hear it. I hope it's not that, but I also hope that whatever it is, you are able to face it bravely.
You are so right about alternate theories! Especially because I've not heard any dissent from the plaque model before.