Expert: Paula Damgaard - 2/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Paula,  I wonder if you could tell me if you think my father is in the early stages of alzheimer's disease.  For about forty years he had his own business but has recently retired but over the last year or so we have noticed he has become very forgetful, and repeats himself over and over again.  Can never rememeber things like what he has eaten for lunch or if he has done the shopping.  He hids things eg. his wallet and can't remember where he has hidden it. He has no hobbies or interests never reads a book but reads the paper over and over again.  He only wants to be with my mum and can't bear her going out without him.  He is always tired and could sleep most of the day away and still sleep at night.  Could you tell me if this sounds like AD.  Both mum and dad won't go to the doctors but I think they should sort it out sooner rather later and before its too late.  Thank you for listening.

ANSWER: Hi Jennifer, Run don't walk to the nearest doctor and get him diagnosed.  The meds that we have now help to slow the progression down and will give him a better quality of life.  Make sure that the doctor that you take him to is either a geriatric specialist or a neurologist who specializes in behavioral medicine.  

Tell you mom, this is so important, both for her and your dad.  I hope you can make them go.  Good luck.  Let me know how it goes.  Paula

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Paula, thank you for your speedy reponse to my previous question.  I wonder if you could answer one more question for me.  Could you tell me roughly how quickly a person with suspected AD could deteriorate without medication from the early stages where they are still capable of doing everyday things. Is it years or could it be months?
Many thanks. Jennifer

Answer
Hi Jennifer, there is no method to the madness...  Having said that, there is no real time schedule.  People progress at their own rate.  Similar to childhood development only in reverse.  Without medication it has been proven they decline faster.  

So medicating is the key and early diagnosis.  Paula