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Alzheimer`s Disease/NPH + Alzheimer's
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Question
Is it possible for a patient to have both conditions? My mother had surgery for NPH 2 yrs ago. Helped her walking and falling alot. Now her times, days, dates and simple tasks are decreasing. Can a patient have both? Thanks. She has a dr. appt. in a few weeks.
Yes Lynn, its absolutely possible to have more than one cause of dementia at work at the same time. Your mother's shunt may have stopped working (they do malfunction sometimes) or it could be something else entirely - such as tiny strokes (multi-infarcts), Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or any of the many other illnesses that can impact cognition. You are doing the right thing to get her to the doctor. It is always worth getting a proper evaluation and diagnosis, so you can determine what, if anything can be done to help - as well as being able to make some educated plans for what may come next.
Hope this helps.
Mary G.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks Mary for your quick response. I will do some checking & have better questions for the dr. appt. in a few weeks. Blessings, Lynn | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Mary Gordon
Expertise
Several years direct experience as caregiver for family member who died of end stage AD. Did lots of research and dealt with a lot of health care professionals and caregivers over the 7 years from diagnosis to the end. Used various care options from community based resources to increasing levels of institutional. Mother of three, two born during our loved one's decline, so I know what it is to be the ham in the sandwich, taking care of the older generation and the younger at the same time and trying to balance everyone`s needs. Ask me, I`ve probably been there, done that. We made lost of mistakes and learned everything the hard way - but you don`t have to! If I can`t answer your question, I`ll steer you to a place or person who can.
Experience
Currently a program manager for a large utility company. My Alzheimers experience comes from having the illness in our family. Out of necessity, we did a lot of research in order to understand the disease, plan for what might come next, and make the right decisions to help and support our loved one. Please note, I am a Canadian living in Toronto, and therefore am not the best person to ask about US regulations and insurance rules!
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