Helpful, Dr. David Hilfiker,
I'm 77 and was disappointed when a local, young Neuro recently gave me extensive tests and diagnosed NO considerable dementia and no Parkinsons. A year ago I suffered a TIA while visiting Richmond, VA., had EKG and echo plus CT and MRA and a subclavian stent installed (added to the 13 other cardio stents and CABG over the past 15 years). At Richmond, the floor physician gave me a simple test for dementia and subsequently called in from another hospital an 80 y.o. "famous" neuro teacher-of-neuros who told me, "about a level-two dementia" when I pressed him, "How bad am I, Doc?" My current anxiety is partly because my brother, age 79, is locked up in a V.A. Alz unit. And my father had Parkinson's for 10 years until he died at 87. So I have found both disappointment and freedom in the conflicting diag's. I don't have alz? No parkinsons? I might have to live 10 more years with my present frustrating daily and gradual worsening level of poor memory and erratic jerking of my arms, hands and head? Dang! I say, "What's up with this," while knowing there is no clear answer. Your article was enlightening. Dave H.
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I don't understand the remark about being disappointed to find out I don't have Alzheimer's. I would be happy with that diagnosis. I will be 83 on March 17th. St Patrick's day. I am getting very absent-minded. I forgot my grand daughter's 10th birthday which is tomorrow. I sent her a greeting to my son's computer and put a card in the mail today. I live in a Sr independent living apartment. I am not too happy here, but it beats an assistant living or a homeless shelter. I am very thankful to God for what I have, but miss my own home. My children think I would be better off here instead of living alone in my house. So I sold it and moved here. I am not complaining, just stating the facts. I will go and play bingo later this evening. It is something to do. I spend my time writing books and they are published/printed by CreateSpace. It is a hobby and give away more books than I sell. You can take a peek if you want to by going on Amazon.com. I am not asking any of you to buy them, just take a peek and see what kind I write. Mostly Christian theme, but not preachy. I am NOT asking you to buy any. Please believe me. I enjoy doing it. I think it keeps by mind from going completely bonkers. Take care. Verna
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Sorry, that was my own article and I thought I was reviewing it so then realized what I had checked. Please excuse, do not report. Jodie
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I occasionally read some of these articles. This was my first of this, shall I say group.
This articles caused me to see myself, 89 in July, leaning that I cannot do all I would
like and yes, trying to learn to accept that, but learning to try to have a balance and
continue doing what I can, and not allow my not doing to bother as much.
I use the computer to send short notes of encouragement, where as I would have
visited otherwise, short (maybe sometime too long, conversations to check on people
who need encouragement. Just allow a few things to go undone and get my needed
rest. Thank you for more insight and I will pass this on to a family who is struggling
with a patient. It makes me more grateful and encourages me to continue doing all
I can to keep my health in tact and share love for others. Matt. 6:33. j a
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I occasionally read some of these articles. This was my first of this, shall I say group.
This articles caused me to see myself, 89 in July, leaning that I cannot do all I would
like and yes, trying to learn to accept that, but learning to try to have a balance and
continue doing what I can, and not allow my not doing to bother as much.
I use the computer to send short notes of encouragement, where as I would have
visited otherwise, short (maybe sometime too long, conversations to check on people
who need encouragement. Just allow a few things to go undone and get my needed
rest. Thank you for more insight and I will pass this on to a family who is struggling
with a patient. It makes me more grateful and encourages me to continue doing all
I can to keep my health in tact and share love for others. Matt. 6:33. j a
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Someone wrote and it showed up with my picture to quit wanting pity. I have never asked for pity. I try to be helpful when making a comment. I don't condemn folks like some comments I have read. I have never told anyone to quit asking for pity. Why this in my page, I don't have a clue. Verna
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Who are you without Alzheimer's!!!! A very talent woman who can get on with her life. Quit expecting pity from anyone. Who needs that!!! Do your thing and let the chips fall where they may. Good Luck.
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I made an error in my email address when signing up, how to fix......
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Thank you
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Identity 'theft' even has an effect for the caregiver when trying to care for the parent when the parent treats you like a child. Day after day it takes a toll on 'trying' to be yourself and what your life used to be. It also robs you of living your life in a very bitter-sweet way, because isn't that what love really is? Putting someone else before yourself?
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Your title grabbed my attention. Identity is one of my personal ongoing issues. As a former professional ballet dancer, my career was ended in 1998 by an automible accident. At age 40, I faced mortality and my entire life changed forever. Fast forward to 2012 and I became my 91 year old father's primary care giver. I was told he had Alzheimer's, but it is simply dementia. Well, some sort of dementia, but not Alzheimer's. When he forgets the painful experiences of his life, like the passing of his brother, I feel relieved. Basically my life revolves around his GI tract, sleep patterns, meals, doctor appointments, etc. .I am not sure who I am any longer. However, my years of dedication, discipline and performing ballet have served me well. I have abilities and skills that have enabled me to cope with a complicated family situation in addition to caring for Dad fulltime. It reminds me of the marathon season of "The Nutcracker," without the applause. Cynthia
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