Expert: Paula Damgaard - 8/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Paula, my paternal Grandmother died from Alzheimer's when she was 80. My own mother was diagnosed three year ago, she is now 74. I read your past answers about a 50/50 chance of inheriting Alzheimer's and the fact that my Mom's father, her sister and two brothers are all mentally ill, alarms. I am 53 and feel like I am constantly forgetting things if I don't write them down. I feel disoriented at times, maybe due to stress, as I work full time as a cashier in a busy supermarket. I also have heart disease and currently take Crestor for that condition. I may just be paranoid knowing Mom's diagnosis. Like you said, everyone all thought she and her family were mentally ill. I've mentioned this to my GP and Cardiologist, but they say I am too young to have this. What is your take? Thanks, Melody

ANSWER: Melody, There are many things going on in your life a few of which you mentioned.  The other thing that you didn't mention is your hormonal age.  Unfortunately as women, when we go through menopause this causes changes in our bodies besides just stopping our periods!  Our body works as a whole.  Studies have been done to see if the drop in estrogen might be a cause of AD but so far nothing has panned out, but we still seem to have more problems with our memories as we go through it.  We are also subject to depression at this age.  Our children are leaving us, our lives are not as full as they once were and depression can cause you to feel like you are losing your mind.  

Have heart disease does put you at a higher risk, but if you are very good at being heart healthy, you can stave it off.  

If you are really worried about it, I would suggest have a battery of neuropsych tests done as a baseline, but BEFORE you do that, do you have long term care insurance?  If you don't I suggest you get it asap.  Who is going to pay for your care if you do get AD?  And if you go down the path to see if you do have a memory problem before you get it you won't be able to after.  Insurance companies will deny you coverage just because you "think" you might have a problem!  So get it first before you go down that road.  

I understand your angst I feel it everyday as well.  Do I panic?  Sure sometimes, but then I have to remind myself that my little brain can only hold so much and I have a lot to keep in it!

Good luck and I hope I never have to hear for you with this disease!  The good thing for us is that science is moving ahead and we are going to find something hopefully sooner rather than later!  Take care.  Paula


Melody, make sure your insurance you have with BCBS is LONG TERM, regular health insurance will NOT cover care!  Try to get rid of some of your stress if you can.  Remember life is short!.

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

QUESTION: Paula, sorry to be such a pain, but do you think the early onset of menopause contributes to AD? I have read where docs think smoking and drinking alcohol are factors in AD. My Mom and Grandmother never smoked or drank alcohol. Just makes me wonder what the trigger is. I guess that is why AD is such a mysterious disease. I also wondered about childhood sexual abuse. Mom was sexually abused as a teen and I don't know about Grandmother. I was kidnapped when I was 18 months old in 1957, so of course, I don't remember and officials did not do those kinds of DNA testing back them. Just curious. Again, thanks Paula, you are a blessing to me, Melody

Answer
No problem, we have no idea if early onset menopause contributes to AD.  Many studies have been done but nothing conclusive.  So don't know the true answer to that, but am leaning towards doesn't make a difference.  I have seen many women who have gone through regular menopause and they are still demented.  

We really don't know what causes it, I doubt that anything like the abuse contributed to it, not everyone that is abused gets AD.  

My best advice to you, which I should have told you in the very first answer is: get an autopsy done on your mom.  You really don't know for sure if she has AD cause the only 100% diagnosis can be done right now with autopsy.  And if researchers in the future are looking for direct descendants of AD patients you will be able to get in line (behind me of course) because you will have the evidence in hand.  Without it you can only say that she probably had it.  

Look into that today!  Paula