Expert: Alanna Shaikh - 4/11/2008

Question
My Father-in-law in recently retired. June 07 and by Aug was experiencing some anxiety, then within a couple of months he started thinking his wife wanted a divorce and that we were plotting against him etc. now 7 months later he worries about the cars not making it to locations ( they are new cars), he doesn't trust doctors. He worries about his appearance, but he looks fine and is often confused about the time of day. The doctor we are seeing believe that this might be early Alzheimer signs (he is only 67). What to you think? He is still very sharp about numbers, city he lives in and family. We are very confused and concerned.

Thank you

Answer
Dear Cathi,

I am sorry your family is in such a difficult situation. It's very hard when our family members start experiencing these kinds of difficulties. Your father-in-law's symptoms are very typical signs of early Alzheimer's. Paranoia and groundless anxiety in particular are very often a sign.

It's difficult to diagnose Alzheimer's, especially early Alzheimer's. Your father-in-law should be seeing a neurologist who specializes in dementia if his current doctor is not a specialist. If he is already seeing a neurologist, you should get a second opinion.

Your father-in-law should also start medications as quickly as possible. There are a number of medications that a person with Alzheimer's can start to slow the progress of the disease.

I also have one suggestion to make from personal experience. While your father-in-law is still in these early stages, help him to learn as much as possible about Alzheimer's disease and what the progression may be. Talk to him about what kind of care he'd want eventually. It is very hard and depressing to have these conversations, I know, but they can guide you later when your father-in-law can no longer make his own choices.

Best,
Alanna