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Alzheimer`s Disease/Questions Answered by Expert Mary Gordon
| Subject | Date Asked |
| almost bed ridden.. but not quite. | 2/4/2012 |
| Q: My mother(aged 69) advanced alzheimer's, diagnosed nearly six years ago..she has almost stopped ... A: don't blame yourself for finding her care difficult. As they become more helpless, it gets harder ... | |
| Hi | 1/13/2012 |
| Q: Can Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Ocd cause dementia? I hear stress shrinks the brain. ANSWER: There ... A: Jairo, You are a 22 year old. You may well be having trouble thinking clearly due to anxiety and ... | |
| End stages Alzheimer's | 1/13/2012 |
| Q: My mother has been in hospice care since May 2011 and we have said goodbye to her 3 times, the third ... A: I wish I had a good answer for you. I know this phase is a complete emotional grinder - and a ... | |
| Hi | 1/12/2012 |
| Q: Can Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Ocd cause dementia? I hear stress shrinks the brain. A: There was a recent study that suggested that stress might shrink the brain, but it only involved 103 ... | |
| Cause of death | 1/11/2012 |
| Q: Ms. Gordon: First, I must report that my wife died last month, about 30 months after she was ... A: I am very, very sorry for your loss. I hope you are taking care of yourself and have lots of family ... | |
| Grandfather with Alzheimer | 12/30/2011 |
| Q: I am writing to you from Hungary, as I have read some of your comments and they showed me with how ... A: In the UK and in North America, the specialists who evaluate dysphagia are speech pathologists, ... | |
| Grandfather with Alzheimer | 12/29/2011 |
| Q: I am writing to you from Hungary, as I have read some of your comments and they showed me with how ... A: it sounds like the main problem is some sort of throat infection or inflammation, not related to his ... | |
| End stages | 12/20/2011 |
| Q: Mary, I don't really have questions at this point, thanks to all the good information and guidance ... A: Our family was like all families faced with dementia. We were bewildered and distressed. With no ... | |
| How/when to include hospice care? | 11/26/2011 |
| Q: My mom is 84 and has lived at a dementia skilled nursing home for a year. My question is how and ... A: I think it's time for the conversation regarding a hospice care program. I wouldn't feel guilty ... | |
| valve surgery and dementia | 11/22/2011 |
| Q: My Mom, 76 has been diagnosed with micro vascular dementia. Recently she fainted and was taken to ... A: I think you already have an inkling of what I'm going to say. You have to come at this from the ... | |
| Mother with dementia | 11/12/2011 |
| Q: My soon to be 96 year old mother has lived with me for the past 2 years, has dementia, manageable at ... A: Susan, Seroquel is a medication used to treat conditions such as bipolar disorder. It is not ... | |
| Hi from San Francisco | 11/4/2011 |
| Q: My name is Sha. I am a graduate student from Academy of art University. I am developing an eating ... A: here is a good article for you to read about the experience of Alzheimer's. ... | |
| Eating | 11/1/2011 |
| Q: Mary Gordon: I'd welcome your suggestions and pointers re encouraging my wife (85, 2 years into an ... A: Weight loss is very common as Alzheimer's progresses. You should be weighing her regularly and ... | |
| Alzheimer's Pain before dying | 10/23/2011 |
| Q: My mother was hospitalized with severe infection and in shock three weeks before she was taken off ... A: The hospital should have prepared you and supported you better through the dying process. Here is ... | |
| Non-FDA drugs | 10/16/2011 |
| Q: Do you have any information on Dementia/Alzheimer treatments with IV Therapy or stem cells? Which ... A: Allen, I'm sorry you didn't like the answers I was able to give you. Here is a link to a June 2011 ... | |
| Non-FDA drugs | 10/16/2011 |
| Q: Do you have any information on Dementia/Alzheimer treatments with IV Therapy or stem cells? Which ... A: as far as I know, there are no treatments for AD with I therapy or stem cells. As you probably ... | |
| Activities | 10/15/2011 |
| Q: I am looking for ideas for intellectual activities that might resonate with my wife. She is 85 and ... A: Here are some links to good ideas for activities ... | |
| alzheimer stage | 10/8/2011 |
| Q: My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer about two years ago. She still recognizes most everyone. ... A: what you are looking at has NOTHING to do with her dementia. Blacking out and stopping breathing are ... | |
| Beginning ?'s About Husband's AD | 10/4/2011 |
| Q: My husband's mom had AD, so we've known for years he may also get it eventually. The time is here ... A: I hope your husband has been fully assessed by a neurologist or psychiatrist with a dementia ... | |
| Neurologist vs. family care Dr. | 9/18/2011 |
| Q: I'm back after a follow-up visit to my husband's visit to his primary care Dr. I wrote you about 4 ... A: The good news is that his doctor at least recognizes that she may not be totally current on the ... | |
| Grandmother with dementia seeing a psychiatrist | 9/15/2011 |
| Q: My husband's grandmother, who has some form of dementia, moved in with us almost a year ago. It has ... A: Below my signature, I have pasted the most commonly used set of stage descriptions for dementia. ... | |
| please guide me | 9/9/2011 |
| Q: my husband and i live in a small room,he dont have job,he is trying for it,i work,from past 7 to 8 ... A: Rishimbika, your first action should be to get him seen by a doctor. There are many, many ailments ... | |
| stages | 9/1/2011 |
| Q: I was wanting to know the length of time it takes from stage 6 to the end of her life if that is ... A: I know this is very hard. I very much suspect that the drug that you don't think is doing anything ... | |
| stages | 8/30/2011 |
| Q: I was wanting to know the length of time it takes from stage 6 to the end of her life if that is ... A: it's extremely difficult to say how long a person will survive. As you can appreciate, the overall ... | |
| Extreme tendency to sleep | 8/28/2011 |
| Q: Background: My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimers (AZ) two years ago by a local neurologist (and her ... A: A couple of things come to mind. Many people with progressive neurological damage will experience ... | |
| Dementia | 8/21/2011 |
| Q: Mary, Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question(s) a few days ago. Your ... A: sorry you have waited so long for a response. Something has gone kaput with my mouse and I genuinely ... | |
| Dementia | 8/16/2011 |
| Q: My Mother is 67 yrs old and was diagnosed with Alzheimers 6 yrs ago, then another doctor changed ... A: I know how hard this is. It must be very frustrating not to have a clear diagnosis, or know what her ... | |
| feeding technique | 8/12/2011 |
| Q: My mom, 92yrs.old, with AD, within the past few days has developed a really slow swallowing ... A: sounds like she's really having a challenge swallowing anything. This may be from the progress of ... | |
| End-Stage Alzheimer's | 8/7/2011 |
| Q: My mom is in the 9th year of AD. She can no longer walk, hasn't spoken in at least 3 years, has ... A: what you are seeing is caused by dysphagia, which is part of the disease. People in later ... | |
| AD | 8/5/2011 |
| Q: She is very rigid (which I understand is due to her years of immobility. Amazingly though, she will ... A: Some of what you are seeing is wasting, due to inactivity and immobility. As you can appreciate, she ... | |
| Alzheimer's Desease Final stage | 8/5/2011 |
| Q: I read some of your answers on AD and decided to ask you for advice. I am originally from Georgia ... A: I think what you are seeing in your father is a delirium rather than a change in his actual ... | |
| preparing for end stage | 8/1/2011 |
| Q: You have been kind enough to answer several questions for us in the last three years.. and every ... A: sorry for the delay in answering, I am away with my family. You are doing the right things to ... | |
| Parkinson/ lewy body dementia | 7/27/2011 |
| Q: you have been so helpful to me I thank you so much,, The first time I contacted you was regarding ... A: sorry it took me so long to get back to you. It's hard to say what is "normal" in terms of ... | |
| effect of surgery on Alzheimer's patient | 6/23/2011 |
| Q: At last a website, you, that is informative & helps, thank you so much. Friend,patient aged 56 had ... A: There are a couple of factors to consider. People in mid to later dementia are very fragile in terms ... | |
| East Coast to WEst Coast Transport for Alzheimers patient | 6/17/2011 |
| Q: My Mother has Alzheimers and resides in a nursing home with 24/7 care. She is unable to do anything ... A: Rosemarie, You would do well to do some research about insurance rules and your planned move, as ... | |
| alzheimers patients with feeding tubes | 6/16/2011 |
| Q: Three years ago my mom was in trouble. She admitted to me that she could not take care of herself ... A: I am very sorry that you and your mother were not treated in a more compassionate manner during her ... | |
| early PCP checkups | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: Mary, My mom, 83, has been twice to her PCP. Though I'm glad I've made some initial progress with ... A: I would ask for a referral to a neurogist with a dementia specialty right away. There is no purpose ... | |
| Parkinsons | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: My father aged 65 has advanced PD. Cannot talk difficult swallowing. in a wheel chair. Today X ray ... A: Anusha, it's impossible for me to know what the patch in his lung is. These are questions for a ... | |
| Alzheimers | 5/10/2011 |
| Q: You were kind enough to respond about 1-1/2 yrs. ago when my husbanc was first diagnosed with AD. ... A: I think you are right - given that this is a progressive illness with no cure, and a reasonably ... | |
| paranoia, memory loss | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: I just read something from "Cynthia" and this scenerio sounds exactly what my mom has been ... A: if you have not already done so, I would strongly urge you to get your mother to her doctor for a ... | |
| Alzheimers | 4/27/2011 |
| Q: My mother 78yrs has dementia, do you answer questions concerning dementia? She won't go to the ... A: I take it if she is getting B12 shots that your mother may have been diagnosed with what they used ... | |
| beginning stages | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: My mother is 83 and I'm becoming more concerned about her mental functioning. At first, I was ... A: I'd ask for a referral now. Usually, what a lay person can detect is the tip of the iceberg. You ... | |
| LBD | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: my mother was diagnosed with LBD in 2008. She has been going "down" slowly in both cognitive and ... A: as you know, one of the most frustrating features of Lewy Body can be the huge fluctuations in the ... | |
| Alzheimers | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: My mother 78yrs has dementia, do you answer questions concerning dementia? She won't go to the ... A: I take it this is a specialist your mum doesn't want to go see. I think at this point, someone might ... | |
| beginning stages | 4/1/2011 |
| Q: My mother is 83 and I'm becoming more concerned about her mental functioning. At first, I was ... A: Just as an aside, here is an example of sample screen a doctor can do in his office. ... | |
| beginning stages | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: My mother is 83 and I'm becoming more concerned about her mental functioning. At first, I was ... A: Listen to your gut. There is more than enough to alarm you here. What you are seeing is not normal. ... | |
| parkinson's with alzheimer's | 3/12/2011 |
| Q: Need your help again. During a routine check up last week, the doctor thought my mother(age ... A: as you probably know, Alzheimer's is not just a disease that impacts cognition and memory. It causes ... | |
| Alzheimers / Nicotinamide | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: I received information from a Dr. David G. Williams promoting Nicotinamide/niacinamide as a cure. ... A: You should probably know Dr. Williams is actually a chiropractor, not an MD. He makes his living ... | |
| Want an idea of what stage my father is in. | 3/9/2011 |
| Q: My dad is 84 years old. I started noticing memory problems several years ago until in 2010 he had ... A: sounds like he was never properly assessed and diagnosed with respect to his original memory issues. ... | |
| always hungry and diagnosed with Alzheimers | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: I am 46 years old and am the primary caregiver of my mother who is 88 years old and has been ... A: if she's been diagnosed for over a decade and is still walking and talking and feeding herself, she ... | |
| Easily agitated Mother | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: My mother has alzheimer's. She is in a nursing home. She does not like to be touched. She gets ... A: is there a time of the day when she is calmer? Quite often, people with dementia do better in the ... | |
| eating and needing to sleep right away? | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: My dad has middle stage Alzheimer which was diagnosed roughly 6 years ago. Over the past few months ... A: Any time there is a sudden change in the person like this, your first suspicion should be that there ... | |
| Stage 6 | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed a year and a half ago and is currently 57 years old. She matches all the ... A: it's often really hard to predict how long a person will survive - and this is especially true for ... | |
| eating and needing to sleep right away? | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: My dad has middle stage Alzheimer which was diagnosed roughly 6 years ago. Over the past few months ... A: I'm not sure what you mean by him sleeping 16 hours a week. Do you mean that much a day? I'm also ... | |
| Alzheimer's & Travel | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: I have been away from my family for 30 years and have come to what seems to be a disaster in the ... A: if you want the honest truth, I think this is doubtless a kindly intentioned idea, but not a ... | |
| sleeping in late stages of alzheimersz | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: My wife is in the late stage of ALZ and 8 days ago, she started having trouble walking, shaking, and ... A: any kind of sudden change, rather than a gradual decline, is usually a sign that something other ... | |
| Mum-in-law in hospital - vascular dementia | 2/20/2011 |
| Q: I stumbled across your answers to peoples questions about alzheimers/dementia when looking for ... A: Wow, what a lucky escape, although I will admit, I'm surprised they didn't do something immediately ... | |
| Mum-in-law in hospital - vascular dementia | 2/19/2011 |
| Q: I stumbled across your answers to peoples questions about alzheimers/dementia when looking for ... A: I can certainly relate to what you are saying. My mother in law was living in her own apartment, a ... | |
| Dementia & pleural effusions | 2/18/2011 |
| Q: I wanted to ask an expert like you on a few issues that we've had with my Dad. My Father was ... A: I don't know what the fluid they poured in was, or what it was for. A hiatal hernia means that ... | |
| Dementia & pleural effusions | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: I wanted to ask an expert like you on a few issues that we've had with my Dad. My Father was ... A: I know it is heartbreaking, but you shouldn't torture yourself. As dementia progresses, it doesn't ... | |
| End Stage eating | 2/16/2011 |
| Q: I have been with my husband sence 1965 and been through everything and I also have done work as ... A: you poor thing, you sound exhausted. I would call your doctor right away and find out about ... | |
| Lewy Body Dementia/Disease | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: My husbands father 81 just diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease is this a heredity disease I have read ... A: Lewy Body is NOT a dementia that appears to have a strong genetic component. At this point, ... | |
| need of help | 2/11/2011 |
| Q: I am having serious problem in dealing my mother in law. She is an Alzheimer patient.She does odd ... A: Farsha, you and your husband need to talk about her care. You must realize she is going to get ... | |
| dying from dementia | 2/10/2011 |
| Q: my grandad has had dementia for 10 years now and on Sunday he got took into hospital since then he ... A: I am sorry your grandfather is in poor shape. When people are in the dying process, they can do many ... | |
| need of help | 2/10/2011 |
| Q: I am having serious problem in dealing my mother in law. She is an Alzheimer patient.She does odd ... A: Now the problem is that her OCD is compounded by short term memory impairment. She cannot remember, ... | |
| Parkinson/ lewy body dementia | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: Good evening Mary, this is the second time within a month and the information I received was so ... A: People with Parkinson's do sometimes get pain. Here is a good article ... | |
| Timeline for final stages of early onset dementia | 1/31/2011 |
| Q: My mum is 64 and is in the final stages of vascular dementia. Her decline has been extremely rapid ... A: glad to hear from you. Here is a NZ hospice organization ... | |
| Timeline for final stages of early onset dementia | 1/31/2011 |
| Q: My mum is 64 and is in the final stages of vascular dementia. Her decline has been extremely rapid ... A: I know this is extremely difficult to deal with, and I have been in similar shoes. Unfortunately, ... | |
| Lewy Body Dementia Stages | 1/28/2011 |
| Q: I have a question about the different stages of Lewy Body Dementia. A while back, you answered a ... A: I'm so sorry your poor father is going through this. Here is some good general information on this ... | |
| Parkinson/ lewy body dementia | 1/23/2011 |
| Q: My spouse had P.D since 3yrs now his p.d says he is starting lewy body dementia and have put him on ... A: Joy, I'm so sorry your poor husband has received this diagnosis. Here is some good general ... | |
| lewy body end stage | 1/20/2011 |
| Q: My mother is most likely in Stage 7 of LBD. unable to control her head,limbs, and barely talking. ... A: generally, good indicators that death may be coming closer is the start and continuation of a steady ... | |
| vascular dimentia | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: he lived alone with cares going into him now he is in hospital as going to sleep and becoming non ... A: vascular dementia is caused by mini-strokes - it is progressive, as every time the person has ... | |
| removing beloved pet from dad | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: My father is 84, diagnosed with AD and lives in an ALF. We had to take his beloved dog away the ... A: Here is a great link to help you understand what your father is going through. It's worth printing ... | |
| lewy body disease | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: my grandpa has been diagnosed with lewy body disease and dementia and have been told that he only ... A: I'm very sorry to hear your grandfather has had this sad diagnosis. You probably know that Lewy Body ... | |
| alzheimer's and dentures | 1/4/2011 |
| Q: I have written you in the past and am seeking advice. My 95 year old aunt is living in a nursing ... A: Have you spoken to the home about what exactly is wrong with the dentures? With a price tag like ... | |
| Dementia | 12/21/2010 |
| Q: Is it ok to continue discussions, as something else has happened. I went to my doctor and told ... A: You may or may not be religious, but the Serenity Prayer applies. God, grant us the... Serenity to ... | |
| Dementia | 12/19/2010 |
| Q: Is it ok to continue discussions, as something else has happened. I went to my doctor and told ... A: I think it's a good idea to go to some counselling to deal with your fears and anxiety, and again, ... | |
| Dementia | 12/18/2010 |
| Q: Is it ok to continue discussions, as something else has happened. I went to my doctor and told ... A: Jane, I really think you need to lay off for a while. You've reached the point where instead of ... | |
| Dementia | 12/17/2010 |
| Q: and I will follow up on your suggestions. Families can be complex relationships. Now I'm scared ... A: Jane, the very best thing you can do is look after you. You can't be responsible for other people, ... | |
| Dementia | 12/17/2010 |
| Q: and I will follow up on your suggestions. Families can be complex relationships. Now I'm scared ... A: sounds like there is lots of drama. Perhaps it would be an idea to consider moving out, just to ... | |
| Dementia | 12/14/2010 |
| Q: My mother is displaying symptoms of dementia, short term memory loss, change in personality, ... A: you are doing the right thing to get her checked out. There is still no definitive test for ... | |
| End-stage AD | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: It seems to me that this end-stage of AD turns everyone into the same person. This Mother that I say ... A: The disease does gradually strip everything away from the person, until there is nothing left but ... | |
| How long is 'days' | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: My father has level 7 Alzheimer’s, had been in hospital for a month now and we've been told earlier ... A: I know this is a very difficult time. We went through it with my mother in law who survived to the ... | |
| Statin Drugs / Alzheimer's Disease | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: Is there a remote link between side affects of Statin drugs to acute onset of Alzheimer's Disease ... A: The current evidence suggests that statin drugs actually reduce a person's odds of developing ... | |
| end stage Alzheimer's | 11/29/2010 |
| Q: I have been visiting my 95 year old aunt in a nursing home for the past year and a half now. I ... A: I know it's heart breaking and difficult to watch, but what you are seeing is the normal and ... | |
| final stage - no emotions | 11/22/2010 |
| Q: My mother is 59 and in the final stage of alzheimers. This week she took a bad fall at the nursing ... A: I know this is heart breaking, but there's really nothing you can do about it except for love her ... | |
| the last stage | 11/15/2010 |
| Q: Is the end stage different for each individual who has AD A: It's only different in that things may progress slower in some people than others, and that many ... | |
| My wife in stage 6 | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: From what I see and read my wife has now been in stage 6 Alzheimer's for at least the past 4 months. ... A: my heart really goes out to you. I know this not what either of you had envisioned, and it's so ... | |
| grandfather attending granddaughter's wedding | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: my dad is in a long term care facility but is still somewhat cognitive and active. He comes for ... A: if you want the honest truth, I think this is a kindly intentioned idea, but not a practical one - ... | |
| still no diagnosis | 10/19/2010 |
| Q: Mary, I wrote to you about my husband in early September, we went to his Neurologist again this ... A: I'm not sure why the neurologist is delaying a diagnosis. As I mentioned to you before, when you go ... | |
| dementia | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with dementia about 10 years ago after a serious head injury(car accident)my ... A: Its very hard to know how long a person will survive in the end stages. They are both very fragile ... | |
| end stage Alzheimer's | 10/6/2010 |
| Q: I have been writing to you over the past feew months regarding my 94 year old aunt who lives in a ... A: they do get to the point where there is no point to put them on a toilet, as they can no longer ... | |
| Nearing the end | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: Mom is 93, in care and nearing the end of our journey together. Three months ago I asked for ... A: I know this is very hard. They clench their hands from disuse. It's a form of contracture. Muscle ... | |
| mom | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: i have wrote to you so many times about my mom and my husband.my mom is in stage 7 of ad my sister ... A: Gait problems, and balance issues are common in many dementias. Irrespective of the cause, as brain ... | |
| kidney failure | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: My father has had Alzheimers for several years now he is 72. My family believes he is in the final ... A: I really feel for you Dana, having been in your shoes. I am so sorry you are all going through this. ... | |
| kidney failure | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: My father has had Alzheimers for several years now he is 72. My family believes he is in the final ... A: it may well be that he has some health complications. As you observe, if his incontinence has only ... | |
| Alcoholic Dementia/Alzheimer | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: My mother in law has been a heavy drinker for about 20 years. In the last two years. She lost the ... A: the first thing you need to do before you even discuss having her live with you is to get her ... | |
| Alzheimer's and chewing gum | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: I heard there is a chewing gum that helps people with Alzheimer's. Do you know the name of the ... A: I think this is the article you are thinking of. ... | |
| Feeding End Stage Alzheimer Patient | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: I have been caring for my mother in my home and she has just entered the end stage of Alzheimers and ... A: all you can do is what you are doing. Don't try to force feed her. You don't want to turn eating ... | |
| my mom | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: Mary, I have written to you before and appreciated your response. I feel as if I am at the end of my ... A: ...am I imagining it, or did I answer a question about your sister? Anyway, MCI is a ''garbage pail ... | |
| husband | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: Mary, Went to the Dr. I ask that Dr. what changed with my husband 3 years ago the Dr said my ... A: I would definitely look for another doctor. You need someone who you can talk to, who will listen to ... | |
| 69 year old brother with Dementia | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: I am looking for help suggestions with behavior problems with my brother who lives in a memory care ... A: Dumb question, but surely a memory care unit - that deals with dementia patients - can deal with ... | |
| husband | 9/4/2010 |
| Q: mary, where do i start, my husband is in the hospital now due to CHF he has had a memory problem ... A: Sandy, make yourself a list of questions and take them to the doctor. Ask him directly the things ... | |
| husband | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: mary, where do i start, my husband is in the hospital now due to CHF he has had a memory problem ... A: I remember your previous notes. I'm glad he is in hospital, I recall you telling me he wouldn't see ... | |
| Diagnosis | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: Mary, I have been taking my Husband to a Neurologist since March after our General MD. referred us, ... A: I know how difficult this is, and how much anxiety you must be feeling. However, his doctor is doing ... | |
| mom | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I read a thread just now about someone who's mother was in the final stages...my mom is just 73 and ... A: I know how heart breaking this is, and how torn you feel. None of this is your fault and there is ... | |
| Early onset and my sister | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: My sister has early onset dementia, she is 58. She is currently living in a nursing home in ... A: I know this is very difficult and you are grieving over the situation. You miss your sister ... | |
| Stage 7 AD and Screaming | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: Mary, I've written to you before; you've been very helpful. My mother is in Stage 7 of AD. She ... A: I know this is really upsetting for the family and the caregiving team, but it isn't super rare. ... | |
| progression of Alzheimer's | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: I just came from seeing my aunt in the nursing home. It has been two weeks since I've seen her and ... A: with people with later dementia, a couple of things can go on. Their perceptions are altered, and ... | |
| husband | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: Mary, i took my husband to the Dr today and well to make a long story short he told the Dr he didn't ... A: Sandy, you have a right to know what your financial and legal situation is. See a lawyer. Taking ... | |
| husband | 8/6/2010 |
| Q: Mary, i took my husband to the Dr today and well to make a long story short he told the Dr he didn't ... A: You might want to contact the local Alzheimer's Association to find out about supports in your area. ... | |
| Has stopperd talking ...some rambled, no smiling, simply just listens to what is being said, cannot feed herself | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: Mother has stopped talking she just listens to whomever is talking BUT yes BUT when I say, Mother ... A: I know this is very difficult to watch. From what you say though, she seems quite comfortable and ... | |
| My Mum | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: My mum, who is 90, had been diagnosed with Alzheimers 4 years ago. I have noticed of late that she ... A: It sounds like she is in late stage. Keep in mind that at this stage, her brain damage is quite ... | |
| husband | 8/1/2010 |
| Q: heres my story, its my husband of eighteen years. he is 28 years older than i am but he is the love ... A: Sandy, if he is the love of your life, you have to stop waiting for his permission to get him to ... | |
| Alzheimers Sleeping | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: Mary my Mom is being feed 3 times a day by caregivers and they also make sure she drinks. Here is ... A: I know this is very difficult to watch this stage. My mother in law died from end stage Alzheimer's ... | |
| Alzheimers Sleeping | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: Mary my Mom is being feed 3 times a day by caregivers and they also make sure she drinks. Here is ... A: you don't mention what stage she is in. In the later stages, particularly Stage 7, sleeping a lot ... | |
| managing the nights and incontinence | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: Sorry to keep coming back..just wanted one quick clarification. how often should one change diapers ... A: If you use disposable diapers that are designed for night wear, you do not have to change her during ... | |
| managing the nights and incontinence | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: And, here I am again. My mother has been incontinent for nearly a year now. While we use an adult ... A: absolutely it is possible to be in adult diapers and avoid rashes. Why you tend to see seniors in ... | |
| early onset prognosis | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: my sister-in-law was diagnosed about 2 years ago with early onset alz. she is now 54. cognitive, ... A: Yes, it is common for abilities to fluctuate. This is particularly true when there are any ... | |
| Alzheimer's and eating | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: I tried to follow the directions regarding dysphagia with my aunt but still encountered another ... A: what we found with my mother in law is that by mid to later AD, she did better when she was fed ... | |
| the very end of life | 7/17/2010 |
| Q: My mom has been in a nursing home with alzheimer's for 10-1/2 years. It is a wonderful place and ... A: I know this is so so hard to watch. The waiting and not knowing is difficult. It won't be long now. ... | |
| R.O.A | 7/17/2010 |
| Q: My mother just got her ct scan results back in which they were seeking to identify why she was ... A: From what you are saying - she's probably somewhere in Stage 4. I think they gave you a reasonable ... | |
| R.O.A | 7/17/2010 |
| Q: My mother just got her ct scan results back in which they were seeking to identify why she was ... A: Has your mom been seen by a neurologist or psychiatrist with a specialty in early onset dementias? ... | |
| late stage alzheimer's and eating | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: My aunt is living in a nursing home and is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. I noticed that she ... A: Ellen, at the end of the day, you have to be at peace with her last months. I would do exactly what ... | |
| late stage alzheimer's and eating | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: My aunt is living in a nursing home and is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. I noticed that she ... A: as the disease progresses, they do tend to be less and less interested in food and drink. It's ... | |
| Lewy Body Dementia | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: My father is in a nursing home in the UK and is at the end stage of Lewy Body Dementia with ... A: I know how difficult this phase is - the uncertainty, and the heart break of seeing the person ... | |
| My husband & I are the only caregivers for his father | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: My father-in-law has had alzheimers diagnosed 3 yrs ago..it's been alot worse the past 10 months ... A: I did not intend to add to your burden. I know how difficult this miserable situation is, ... | |
| Medications and supplements | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: Please list the medications used and any supplements A: First off, it's really important that the person have an accurate diagnosis, done by a geriatric ... | |
| My husband & I are the only caregivers for his father | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: My father-in-law has had alzheimers diagnosed 3 yrs ago..it's been alot worse the past 10 months ... A: I'm also a Canadian, living in Ontario. You don't mention what province you live in. All Canadian ... | |
| Alzstimers disease | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: My grandmother has been sick for 7 years with Alzstimers. She can't talk and has to be rolled around ... A: its very hard to tell when someone will enter their final months. Sometimes the smallest health ... | |
| transition from home to care facility | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: Both my parents suffer from Alzheimer's disease and are almost 90 years old. They are in their own ... A: Having been through this with my mother in law, my best recommendation is to use his confusion and ... | |
| Alzheimer's and eating | 6/15/2010 |
| Q: It's been a little while since I've written. My 94 year old aunt has late stage Alzheimer's and ... A: but she is also going to lose interest in food and drink as her dementia progresses. It is as though ... | |
| Alzheimer's disease | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: Actually it's not a question but a sharing of knowledge based on Ayurvedic medicine (Indian ... A: Julakar I'm sorry but I am not really able to assist you with this. I am not a research scientist ... | |
| mother in law | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: I have turned to you once again for infomation because you have been so helpful in the past. The ... A: you don't mention anything else about her condition. Skin mottling CAN be a sign that death is ... | |
| Alzheimer's Dependency | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: I know there are a lot of details in this, but I was hoping perhaps would could give some guidance. ... A: Here is a good article on the experience of dementia, that might help you understand what your ... | |
| This is too hard | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: My mum is 59 years old and I am 19. She was diagnosed with Early onset Alzheimers disease 3 years ... A: I know this is heartbreaking - and I know you know this is a relentlessly progressive disease and ... | |
| Dad's AD and catheter | 5/8/2010 |
| Q: About 6 years ago Dad started showing signs of dementia. He is now 72. Of course he said there was ... A: you do realize that the catheter itself is probably why he is getting repeated UTIs - and this is ... | |
| help with decision regarding care of 85 yo father with AD | 5/6/2010 |
| Q: My 85 year old father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 9 years ago. His most recent ... A: you and your family are very wise to be thinking through these important questions - these are not ... | |
| Dad's memory loss, paranoia and delusions | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: His symptoms have become more severe since my mom passed away. The mental Health outreach program ... A: I know this is frightening, but he's pretty much textbook midstage dementia - probably in the region ... | |
| my dad is acting weird | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: he actually put on music and started dancing with me which was not bothering me until I felt his ... A: the brain is a very delicate thing. There are many causes of progressive dementia and cognitive ... | |
| mom | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: My name is Sandy and I have wrote to you several times before. You have always been very helpful . I ... A: Gait problems, and balance issues are common in many dementias. Irrespective of the cause, as brain ... | |
| Caring for sister | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: My sister is 52 and was diagnosed just under 6 months ago with dementia from early-onset alzhiemers. ... A: sorry I didn't answer right away. With early onset, the person is physically healthy compared to a ... | |
| mother in law | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: This is the second time I have turned to you for information. I thank you for the excellent advise ... A: I think they are taking the right approach in that the staff are trying to concentrate on the most ... | |
| alz and low energy | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: My husband was diagnosed 2 mo. ago with moderate stage Alz. I'm not sure that he understands the ... A: This is extremely difficult to fathom and deal with. As hard as it to do, you have to get to the ... | |
| mom | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: Mary, I thank God you are here for all of us. My Mom is in a NH and has been for almost 2 years ... A: I know this is awful. It's so unfair. She didn't deserve to have this happen to her and you don't ... | |
| How long can this last? | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: My mom is 84, has had a diagnosis of ?AD for 8 years now. She has been incontinent of bowel and ... A: sounds like your poor mom is closing in on the last stage. There are a number of indicators for the ... | |
| my mama | 4/17/2010 |
| Q: my mama was diagnosed with alzheimer's at age 63 at age 64 she went into a nursing home wheres she ... A: I know this is completely gruelling and heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to you and your sister. ... | |
| Mother-in-law end of life? | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: My 88 year old mother-in-law was diagnosed almost 9 years ago with Alzheimers. She is now in a ... A: couple of questions for you - what and how are they feeding her? Are they expecting her to feed ... | |
| husband | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: Mary, I have tried tricking him into going to the Dr. He is a very hardheaded man. I have even ... A: Sandy, I would concentrate on getting the doctor's help and advice - there may be things he or she ... | |
| husband | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: Mary, I have wrote to you before about my mother but this time its my husband i have a question ... A: Think sideways and sneaky about this. Use every creative avenue open to you. Don't be afraid to use ... | |
| mom w vascualr dementia | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: "Hi, My mom has been diagnosed with small vessel disease over a year ago. She suffers short term ... A: Toprol is classed as a beta blocker, and yes, absolutely, it can cause what you are seeing. It can ... | |
| Hand movements | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: My Mom who is 92 and has dementia/AD hangs on to her opposite hand and twists on her fingers, ... A: The concern I have is that she will hurt herself. What you are seeing is a form of agitation ... | |
| alzhiemers | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: my mother has recently been diagnosed and she is very agitated. She swears at everyone,hits the ... A: The first thing to consider is what is triggering her aggression and agitation. You and the staff ... | |
| Father with ALZ/Parkinsons | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: my dad is in end stage AD/Parkinson's. He had been eating every meal and suddenly isn't ... A: yes, absolutely, having a catheter increases risk of infection. - in fect, it's extremely high. ... | |
| Father with ALZ/Parkinsons | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: my dad is in end stage AD/Parkinson's. He had been eating every meal and suddenly isn't ... A: has he been checked for any changes, like undetected infections? As you probably know, even a minor ... | |
| late stage of alzheimer's | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: You were so helpful the last time that I e-mailed you, that I felt compelled to write to you again. ... A: sorry for the delay in responding. I'm out of town. I know how very tough this is to watch, but one ... | |
| bedridden | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: I lost my mother, aunt, grandmother, %26 cousin to Alzheimer. Now my mother in law is in the late ... A: If she is still able to sit with propping, and is awake at least part of the day, there is no reason ... | |
| mom | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: I have a question about my mom. She has had A.D. for about 10 years now .She is in stage 7 . My ... A: you should talk to the doctor about your mother's hands if you think they are causing any discomfort ... | |
| faecal incontinence | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: Hes now immobile and incontinent on faesces and urine. He cant speak out for himself anymore . My ... A: I would get him to the doctor right away. The nurses should know better - this is something that ... | |
| End stage Alzheimers | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: My aunt is 78 and was diagnosed with dementia six or seven years ago. Two years ago she was getting ... A: she might not even recognize where she was if she was home. She is losing the ability to recognize ... | |
| End stage Alzheimers | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: My aunt is 78 and was diagnosed with dementia six or seven years ago. Two years ago she was getting ... A: I know this is gut wrenching to watch. A lot of people with dementia will beg to go home. The ... | |
| How long can an Alzheimer's patient live without food | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: Mary, My mother is 83 years old and in the last stage of Alzheimers. She only weighs about 75 lbs. ... A: there isn't much I can tell you. I know this is a grinder for you - the waiting and waiting, and not ... | |
| Stopped talking and cannot swalllow most times | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: I am so grateful that you are here...I have been my mother's caregiver for 8 years literally. She ... A: You've had quite a journey. I know this is heart breaking to watch, but I truly believe this is much ... | |
| good days ?????? | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: and has ad, she sleeps loads,personal hygene bad, flat messy, the usuall things associated with ... A: Fluctuations are pretty common in people with dementia. Sometimes you will notice a change from day ... | |
| sleeping | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: My father is 70 he was diagnosed with Karzakoffs disease,3 years ago.he almost died then. 6 weeks ... A: I would think the odds of him surviving this are not great. I could be wrong - the frail elderly can ... | |
| Phases of Vascular Dementia | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: It has been about one year since I contacted you about my mother-in-law. She had just lost her ... A: It's not unusual for people in mid dementia to have trouble integrating. When my mother in law could ... | |
| clenched fist | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's/Parkinsons 3 years ago, is wheel chair bound, and must be ... A: They are also the ones who direct therapies and various kinds of splints. They sometimes work out of ... | |
| Dementia/Eating | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: My mother has vascular dementia and is in the late stage of the disease. She has been on hospice ... A: Nancy, she is almost certainly in her final days unless you are giving her fluids by IV. At this ... | |
| clenched hand/botox | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: Mary, My mother has a clenched left hand which stays moist from lack of air and the skin between ... A: Usually the claw hand problem is related to the median and/or ulnar nerves, and some of the muscle ... | |
| Dementia and Geodon | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: My farther was put into a senior behavioral unit the Friday before Fathers day. Before going in he ... A: Geodon is not a treatment for Alzheimer's - it does not slow down the progress of the illness. Drugs ... | |
| eating | 2/6/2010 |
| Q: My Mom for yrs. didn't eat milk or it's by products. She is diagnosed w/ AD. She eats everything ... A: some people with dementia may eat too much food. They can forget they have just eaten or they may ... | |
| Post operative dimentia | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: My ex father-in-law (70 years old) with diabetes and high blood pressure went in for a 5x heart ... A: his mental decline is likely to be related to the bypass surgery. It sometimes gets called pump head ... | |
| managing alzheimer's at nighttime | 1/31/2010 |
| Q: She had hoped to get him in the routine of sleeping at night and staying awake during the day. This ... A: Your poor mother in law ! As you probably know, sleep disturbances are fairly common in people with ... | |
| Leaving spouse with Alzheimers | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: Mary, I just stumbled on this site this morning. You could be a life-saver. I am in Canada also. ... A: Cassandra, you really are in the soup - caught between a rock and a hard place. My advice - get the ... | |
| End Stage | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: My Mum hasn't eaten for nearly 3 weeks and not had any fluids for about 4 days. Before she stopped ... A: I know this is difficult to watch - but hang in, hold tight. I truly believe that you are suffering ... | |
| My Mother's Mental Deterioration | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: My 80 year old father is in the process of recovering from a serious bout of hydrocephalus. A shunt ... A: You are right to be really alarmed. The brain is a very delicate thing, and it doesn't take much out ... | |
| Inside the Dementia patient | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: I just went through ten months of dementia with my mother, culminating in her death. During all ... A: Here is a very good article on the experience of dementia that talks a lot about their perceptions. ... | |
| Late stage dementia and hip fracture prognosis | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: My father turns 85 in March. He was diagnosed about 5 years ago with dementia (vascular/Alz or ... A: I'm very sorry to have taken so long to reply - we had some family issues over the weekend. I know ... | |
| bed sores and future falls.. | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: My mom was diagnosed just 2 years ago and inspite of us doing everything we've been asked to do.. ... A: Your poor mother has a progressive and incurable dementia - which means that she will continue to ... | |
| Amputation and Dementia | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: My mother has had dementia for over 7 years. She is confined to a wheel chair with no motor skills ... A: you probably know there are major risks associated with the surgery for a person like your mother. ... | |
| What to do as a caregiver in the final stages stages of AD | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: first of all thank you for taking the time to answer my question. 6 years ago my mother was ... A: I'm resending this because I looked at the answer and the ends of the lines are all chopped off, so ... | |
| husband's dementia | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: My husband is 62, having been diagnosed with AD in 2005. At the time, he was considered 10 years ... A: I really feel for you. He really has defied the odds, hasn't he - what a heart breaker for him to ... | |
| neurological disorders? Alzheimers? | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: My father has experienced an incredibly fast onset of neurological problems. A year ago, he was ... A: You don't mention how old he is, or how his general health is - or what process was gone through to ... | |
| AD in Mom | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: Mom was afflicted with the onset of sudden blindness on top of 3rd stage AD while I was on respite ... A: Gigi, you don't mention the time frame or what they have tried. She must be terrified and confused. ... | |
| walking & walking with head down | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer in approx 2005.She recently stopped walking ,it was ... A: have you taken her to the doctor? Any time you have a sudden change like this, it's worth checking ... | |
| Alzheimers' Seizures | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: My 81 year old mum has been in a board and care for three years. She has some late stage symptoms ... A: If I were a betting woman, I'd put money on the idea that what you are seeing is likely the direct ... | |
| Lewy Body Disease life expectancy | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: My 71-year-old husband has recently been diagnosed with Lewy body disease but his symptoms of ... A: You don't describe what stage he's at in the progress of the dementia. Many people are like your ... | |
| alzheimer's care | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: I wrote to you several months ago about my aunt, who now resides in a nursing home. I have seen a ... A: below my signature I've pasted my response to you last September, just to remind you of what we ... | |
| alzhemirs | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: how do people know if they have alzhemirs A: Warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and some dementias include: 1. Memory loss that affects job ... | |
| cortical atrophy | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: I wonder if you can help me understand what's going on with my father... He is 81 yrs old and had ... A: It does sound a lot like PCA - also called Benson's syndrome. Here is a good page from England that ... | |
| Stage | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: My 73yr old mother has had dementia/alzheimers for about 6 years now. She's in a full time care ... A: As you probably know - the FAST (Functional Assessment STaging) scale is actually a continuum - so ... | |
| Alzheimer's disease/losing weight rapidly | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: My mother is 85 and has had Alzheimer's for five years. When I took her to a memory care facility ... A: the care facility should be concerned. She's lost 15% of her body weight over that two year period. ... | |
| Traveling | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: My father in law has Alzheimer and we want him to come stay with us for the Christmas holidays. He ... A: There is only one airline as far as I know that offers any meaningful travel assistance for the ... | |
| pneumonia | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: I wrote to you a week ago about my 87 year old dad with Alzheimer's and his weight loss. He now has ... A: I know this is a tough one for many people - and I do agree this is a much more difficult struggle ... | |
| Parkinson's and alzheimer's disease cure? | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: 1. is there a known cure for these diseases? 2. if there is no cure, or if there is a cure, are ... A: 1. Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease are very different illnesses. There is no known cure ... | |
| dementia in 80 year old woman | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: How quickly can an 80 year old woman progress to a stage 7 dementia? I was at her 80th birthday ... A: What you are describing is certainly not typical of a progressive dementia such as Alzheimer's, ... | |
| Awaken state | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: This will be my 3rd note to you. I went to see my mother today to take the priest up for "last ... A: my goodness, how absolutely touching and wonderful - I think these were moments you will remember ... | |
| Seizures | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: I wrote on 11-10-09 to you and you were so helpful. Yesterday Mom started have siezures. So I'm ... A: People with AD often develop seizures - they are many times more susceptible than a person without a ... | |
| Timing for entering a personal care home | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: I have placed my husband in a personal care home. He has been there for five weeks. He has had a ... A: I know it is very hard to do, but hang in there. It is early days yet. It will take a while for him ... | |
| weight loss with Alzheimer's | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: My 87 year old dad has had AD for 9 years. He does not recognize us most of the time, hardly any ... A: Sadly, Cindy, the weight loss is very typical in later stage Alzheimer's. It's heart breaking to see ... | |
| Final Days of Lewy Bodies disease | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: My mother appears to be in the last stage of Lewy Bodies disease. She is 87 and wouldn't eat when I ... A: Tenita, I know this is difficult, but there is no come back from where she is. This illness is a one ... | |
| End of Life | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: My mother has had AD for 9+ years. She has been in a nursing home for the last 5 and prior lived ... A: My heart goes out to you. This part is so hard for those she will leave behind. My guess would be ... | |
| dementia | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: My husband had a massive stroke in Jan 08, resulting in left side paralysis and progressive ... A: to register complaints against Nursing Home or Hospitals in Maine, you can call the complaint ... | |
| dementia | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: My husband had a massive stroke in Jan 08, resulting in left side paralysis and progressive ... A: If he has been treated the way you describe, it's a good thing he's out of that place! He deserves ... | |
| Early Onset Alzheimer's CRYING | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: My father is going to be 82 next May, his wife (my Stepmother) is only 63 and has been dealing with ... A: you need the support of a neurologist or psychiatrist who have a specialty in dementias. It sounds ... | |
| dementia | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: My husband had a massive stroke in Jan 08, resulting in left side paralysis and progressive ... A: is the reason they are rejecting him because he is physically combatative ? I ask because if he is ... | |
| What to do now? | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: My Mother (78) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2005. Since then she's had stints put in her heart ... A: at what point do you go for comfort measures to keep her out of pain and distress, and just strive ... | |
| Levels of Alzheimer's | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: Are there standards used to judge how bad the Alzheimer's is in a person? Amazing how bad off ... A: below my signature I've pasted the most commonly used set of "stages". Your Dad sounds like he is in ... | |
| walking & walking with head down | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer in approx 2005.She recently stopped walking ,it was ... A: eating problems are also a common problem. By this stage, she will have lost a lot of her sense of ... | |
| agitation | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I have been caring for a 94-year old Grandmother with Alzheimers for over two years now, but she had ... A: the UTI alone can be enough to really plunge a person into a spiral mentally. I'm not sure what the ... | |
| Weightloss | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: What concerns me, is the fact that she is losing weight very fast. She cant eat by herself anymore, ... A: sounds like you do have some very valid concerns. If she has hunger and will eat, and is losing ... | |
| Weightloss | 10/24/2009 |
| Q: What concerns me, is the fact that she is losing weight very fast. She cant eat by herself anymore, ... A: It's very common for a person with late stage Alzheimers to begin to lose weight steadily. As you ... | |
| Diagnosis | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: My 83 year old father has a cognitive disorder, but I have yet to get a real diagnosis as to what it ... A: The term "dementia" is not a diagnosis, as I know you realize. It is a term like "fever". It ... | |
| Down's Syndrome and AD | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: I wrote once before and greatly appreciated the response to my question. I questioned the grimacing ... A: I'm glad she's feeling more content - you must be relieved. It doubles the heartbreak when the ... | |
| Long hours sleeping | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: My dad is 85, has moderate Alzheimer's and dementia. At home he would sleep 20-22 hours each day. ... A: Many people with progressive neurological damage will experience excessive sleepiness and lethargy - ... | |
| alzheimer | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: my mom has progressive supra nuclear palls, she complains about nervousness, agitation and her head ... A: the dementia that can come from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)is different than the dementia ... | |
| digestion | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: My sister has early-onset Alzheimer's. She is only 59 but is already almost non-verbal (except for ... A: Your poor sister!! Constipation is a common problem for people with Alzheimer's disease. It's most ... | |
| Mom's rages | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: My mother has LBD and is quite agitated when I call her. I don't know how to calm her. How has ... A: although they can't use things like conventional neuroleptics (the antipsychotics like haloperidol), ... | |
| Mother in Stage 7 | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: Mary, We moved my mother into an Alzheimer's nursing home at the beginning of August. At first she ... A: any time there is a precipitous decline like this, something has happened other than the progress of ... | |
| End Stage Dementia | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: My mom is 85 years old and suffering from dementia (multi infarct). She was hospitalized in May 2009 ... A: its very hard to know how long she can continue like this. However, as you know, even people who are ... | |
| UTI in an 81 year old | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: My mother is 81 and suffers from AD, as well as Hep C, Type 2 diabites and is in a wheelchair. My ... A: yes, absolutely, she could have been sick for a couple of weeks - and missing them in the early ... | |
| Communication subjects | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: My mother is 98 in a nursing home and first diagnosed by a herpetologist with Alzhiemer's dementia ... A: Hi Matthew, sounds like your mother has been blessed with a long and relatively healthy life. I ... | |
| Timing | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is wanting to move her Stage 6c Mom from her present location in Oklahoma to New Mexico. ... A: I'd say...within the next 12 months...? Fairly certain she will be into Stage 7 - and I'm sure that ... | |
| Alzheimer's | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: My mom is 81 years old. She has had Alzheimer's since February 2006, we think she had the beginning ... A: you don't mention where you live so it's hard for me to know what kind of program she is in at the ... | |
| Alzheimer's | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: My mom is 81 years old. She has had Alzheimer's since February 2006, we think she had the beginning ... A: A lot of people in later dementia develop the kind of stiffness you describe. It's part of her ... | |
| late stage alzheimers | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: I recently learned that my aunt is in a nursing home with late stage Alzheimer's. My cousin was ... A: eek, somehow my answer ended up in a reject message. This was an accident, not sure how it happened ... | |
| normal MRI | 9/18/2009 |
| Q: My brother-in-law has been slipping into some form of dementia for around 6 years now. He's been ... A: might be time for a new doctor! And I'm not entirely kidding. A significant proportion of ... | |
| My dad | 9/18/2009 |
| Q: Something is concerning me about my dad rather suddenly. Three things I must share as an interest of ... A: I know the dilemma - I also had a father who was pretty much a force of nature, and who was not ... | |
| Late-Stage Alzheimer's | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: My beloved mother is in the final stage of AD. She is 78 years old. She has had the disease for ... A: This really is a heartbreaking phase for everyone - and so relentlessly wearing. I feel for you and ... | |
| My dad | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: Something is concerning me about my dad rather suddenly. Three things I must share as an interest of ... A: Your dad is doing the right thing in seeing the doctor. Given his age, it is unlikely that he has ... | |
| 88 year old mom with Alzheimers | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: My 88 year old mom has Alzheimers and my 88 year old dad is her primary caregiver. She occasionally ... A: there is only one way to find out and that is to try the medication. Start with a low dose and see ... | |
| Brain Shrinkage diagnosis | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: My sister and I are seeking information regarding a diagnosis that we recently received regarding ... A: You are doing the right thing getting her assessed and diagnosed. As you can appreciate, there are ... | |
| mom | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: Mary, i have wrote to you before,mom is starting to swish her food in her mouth . she cant eat ... A: what's happening to her is called dysphagia - it's from loss of coordination. She is having trouble ... | |
| alzheimers fah | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: My father, 79, was diagnosed with Alzheimers approx. 10yrs ago. For the past year we have had to ... A: Debbie, here is a good description of the last stage ... | |
| alzheimers fah | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: My father, 79, was diagnosed with Alzheimers approx. 10yrs ago. For the past year we have had to ... A: None of your personal details will be visible - allexperts screens all of that out to protect your ... | |
| Alzheimers and diabetes | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: My father is 59. He has been a diabetic for a very long time. He is doing dialysis three days a ... A: LaQuita, oh my goodness - have you discussed this with his kidney doctor? If not, you need to tell ... | |
| paranoia | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: my mother is 84 years old.She has moved 4 times in the last 6 yrs because she thinks the next door ... A: this is very likely to be the result of a short term memory deficit - which may or may not be ... | |
| please help grandma | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: my grandma was fine one night then the next day she seems restless and her speech is not that great ... A: Yes, absolutely, any time there is a sudden deterioration in a person with dementia, an infection ... | |
| stage 6 progresive alzheimers | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: My dad of 70 is on stage 6 alzheimers. My mum looks after him, this week the doctors have said he ... A: As far as I know, they can't forcibly take your father unless it can be determined both of them are ... | |
| Paranoia and Aging | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: My mother is 80 yrs. old and has in the last 3 yrs. become extremely paranoid and believes that ... A: I would say.....it is time to get a new doctor. You either need a new family doctor, or a referral ... | |
| AD and Down's Syndrome | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: I've been following the questions and thoughtful, kind responses on and off in the last 5 months. ... A: you must be heart broken. Your sister came into the world with so much to struggle against, it ... | |
| alzheimer's diagnosis | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: My 72 yr.old husband displayed some cognitive impairment that I asked him to mention to his doc. ... A: I know this is heartbreaking, but it does sound like a reasonably thorough job was done in assessing ... | |
| alzheimer's diagnosis | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: My 72 yr.old husband displayed some cognitive impairment that I asked him to mention to his doc. ... A: Gail, if I were you, I might not tell friends unless impairment is becoming obvious and they need to ... | |
| Dementia | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with dementia 2 years ago. She is 67 years old. She has had mental problems ... A: When your mother was assessed as having a progressive cognitive impairment two years ago, what was ... | |
| taking away meds | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: My mother has AD and COPD. She is in the latter stage of COPD. This diease has brought the AD own at ... A: you probably know that COPD in and of itself often causes cognitive decline ... | |
| difficult behavior | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: My mother has been suffering from dementia for about 5 years...my father is her primary ... A: Here is a really terrific article for you to read that will help you understand what your mother is ... | |
| Age | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: My mother is 49 years old and I'm starting to see signs of Alzheimer's. She has a family history of ... A: as you know, the brain is a very delicate thing, and there are all kinds of physical and emotional ... | |
| Stage 7 | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: good evening.... my mom has alzheimer's (dementia) and is going into stage 7 i believe. yesterday ... A: you really have the double whammy with two frail parents. I wish I could give you a solid answer. ... | |
| Notifying friends | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: Recently, Mom moved from an assisted living facility to a nursing home and I think her friends ... A: Maybe you could include the new address and perhaps a few encouraging words for potential visitors. ... | |
| mother | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: my mother is 90yrs old and went into a rest home 2 years ago. mum was on anti depressants for ... A: it sounds very much like your mother has some sort of cognitive impairment. This is not just ... | |
| Anger and Alzheimer's Disease | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: My father is turning 85 this year, and I believe he is starting to show personality changes possibly ... A: Cynthia, here is a really great article for you to read that will give you some insight into what he ... | |
| stage 7 | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: ...She was diagnosed with Alzhiemers in 02. she is now bed ridden, her hands and feet are ... A: Jean, You do not have to allow them to put in a feeding tube. At this point, there is no ... | |
| mom | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: My sister and I had our Moms meds stopped. Mom is in stage 7 . I was told that because Mom was on ... A: I know this is really hard on you. It's very hard to know how long she will hang on. It is very ... | |
| Alzheimers | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: My girlfriend is 58. Her sister has alzheimers. Her sister has had it for about five years or so. ... A: Gary The only form of Alzheimer Disease (AD) which appears to have a definite genetic link is a ... | |
| mom | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: Mary, mom is in a alzheimers unit . she has been there for 8 months. she is in stage 7 my sister ... A: Sandy, the Alzheimer's drug is NOT necessary for her physical health. It is only to slow down the ... | |
| mom | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: Mary, mom is in a alzheimers unit . she has been there for 8 months. she is in stage 7 my sister ... A: You might want to have a conference with the nursing home staff about hospice type palliative care, ... | |
| Agressive Alzheimers behavior | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: my dad is 72 years of age, had a stroke 14 years ago, currently has vascular dementia. His behavior ... A: I'm sorry to hear your poor dad is feeling so upset. It must be distressing to you to see him in ... | |
| Mixed Dementia | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: My Dad was diagnosed with Dementia last october he is only 55yrs old, they are now saying it is ... A: Your poor dad! As you can imagine, even in a person your dad's age with only one cause of dementia ... | |
| Early Onset Life Expectancy? | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: My aunt was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's about 10 years ago. She's now 64, stage 7 and ... A: It's very hard to predict survival time in a person with early onset. Because they are younger, they ... | |
| AD | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: My Dad has moderate to severe Ad. My mom and my sisters and I are just learning how to deal with ... A: Couple of things for you to read that I think may help you understand what is happening to your Dad. ... | |
| Dementia | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: My friend is 75 yrs. old. She cannot remember things from yesterday, yet she remembers things from ... A: Francine, if she has a dementia, her brain is being damaged. Delusions are very common in dementia A ... | |
| Dementia | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: My friend is 75 yrs. old. She cannot remember things from yesterday, yet she remembers things from ... A: Francine, you have very good reason to be worried about your friend. What she is displaying are ... | |
| dementia/alzheimers | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: My siblings and I have just found out our mother has Stage 3 Alzheimers. She lives more than 200 ... A: if you haven't had close dealings with a person who has advancing brain damage from a progressive ... | |
| HIGH FEVERS AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: Good morning Mary, My father-in-law is in Stage 7 of Alzheimers Disease. He is still able to feed ... A: Here is a good article on abdominal pain in the elderly ... | |
| Seeking Help for Patient that Refuses Help and Services | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: My mother is pre-demential with a lot of confusion and memory loss. This condition is compounded ... A: My guess is that your mother is actually getting close to Stage 6, so she's not classed aser as ... | |
| Grateful for your website!! | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: I first want to tell you that your website has helped me more than I can articulate. Many thanks!! ... A: I'm surprised she has declined very rapidly - this isn't typical. It almost sounds like she might ... | |
| End stage | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: The patient is in stage 6 with the primary problems relating to safety. She is in an Alzheimers ... A: Bill, there is no way to completely prevent falling in a person with advancing dementia - i.e. even ... | |
| Alz evaluation Scale | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: Mom will be 90 next month. I first noticed something wrong in March 1990 a delusional moment that ... A: What a lot of people don't realize is just how delicate the brain is, and how many causes of ... | |
| Alz evaluation Scale | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: Mom will be 90 next month. I first noticed something wrong in March 1990 a delusional moment that ... A: I know this is so hard on everyone who cares about her. As you know, when they are in the final ... | |
| dementia and paranoia/anger | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: My father suffered 13 small strokes last year that started the process of dementia, according to the ... A: Two things - first is to get yourself a copy of the 36 Hour Day by Mace and Rabin. It's in paperback ... | |
| medication for Alzheimers | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: My Mom was told by her primary physician that she has Alzheimer. She's 73, and has symptoms of ... A: Kelly, it really is impossible to say if your mother has a progressive dementia such as Alzheimer's ... | |
| nursing home or assisted living | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: My mom, 88 years old, was recently doing pretty well in an adult home/assisted living environment. ... A: Because of the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans researchers know now that dementia is ... | |
| mini strokes | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: My 78 year old mother has shown signs of dementia for the last 5 or 6 years and was formally ... A: I'm not sure how your mother was originally diagnosed - did they put her through some comprehensive ... | |
| Feet | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: Short question. I am a South African and have lived in Ireland for nine years. I moved my Mom from ... A: whatever is going on with her circulation isn't related to the Alzheimer's disease. It does sound ... | |
| doesnt want to eat anymore | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: my grandmother a young 93 with ad up until she was recently hospitilized was eating like a champ ... A: Bea, loss of interest in eating and drinking, and increased problems chewing and swallowing is one ... | |
| late stage AD | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: My mom is in the late stages of AD and is 78 and not in the best of health; however she can still ... A: This is the really brutal part - for you, not her. The waiting is so hard, when you know there is ... | |
| nursing home or assisted living | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: My mom, 88 years old, was recently doing pretty well in an adult home/assisted living environment. ... A: she will probably come round a bit from where she is, but not back to where she was before the ... | |
| Treatment for Vascular Dementia | 2/28/2009 |
| Q: My 80 year-old mother-in-law has vascular dementia and lost her caregiver her husband (married 63 ... A: I very strongly suspect your mother in law is more impaired and on more fronts than you are aware of ... | |
| Parents | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: My dad had a pace maker installed in 2006. The day he came home from the hospital we noticed he had ... A: I don't think there is a way to sugar coat this, so I won't try. I think it is extremely likely that ... | |
| Surgery for ALZ midstage patient with dementia | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: My 91 year old mother-in-law fell and broke her upper right arm/shoulder. It's so bad that the bone ... A: I totally understand your dilemma - you really are between a rock and a hard place on this one. ... | |
| AD vs. polymyositis? | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: My grandmother is in her 70's. She has a very mild cognitive impairment, I'd say as a normal older ... A: There are a number of neuromuscular diseases that can cause muscle wasting in older people, and some ... | |
| AD and caregiver | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: I am a 21 year old college student and very close with my family. My grandfather is 79 and seems to ... A: below my signature I've pasted the most commonly used set of "stage" descriptions. From what you say ... | |
| Lewy body disease | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: My 88 year old mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years ago. In the past week she was ... A: about 30% of patients who end up diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia start with classical Parkinson's ... | |
| Plan of Care for Mom | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: My mom has alzheimer's. She has been in a nursing home since June 2008. She refused to walk at that ... A: I know its frustrating, but I doubt if a private therapist would accomplish anything. People with ... | |
| Mom just placed in a facility | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: My mom was just placed in a lovely ad 3 weeks ago as I could no longer take care of her as I have a ... A: Joanna, you need some time to yourself, to regroup and recover. Caregiving is so relentless, you ... | |
| mom | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: mom is in a ad home and has been for 5 months now. my question is i was going to see her every day ... A: Sandy, I wouldn't worry about your mom missing your visits. She has no short term memory, and ... | |
| Heart Surgery for Dementia Patient | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: My Dad has recently been diagnosed (by 2 neurologists) with Lewy Body Dementia. At the same time we ... A: A good book you might want to buy is called the 36 Hour Day by Mace and Rabin, 4th Edition. Its in ... | |
| Stage 7 Alzheimer's | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: I'm wondering about average length of life once the patient reaches the end of stage 7. My mother ... A: Norma, thanks for explaining. I'm amazed you can get her upright at all. My mother in law would ... | |
| Stage 7 Alzheimer's | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: I'm wondering about average length of life once the patient reaches the end of stage 7. My mother ... A: its so hard to predict survival time. You've seen the Reisberg or FAST stage description of the ... | |
| Heart Surgery for Dementia Patient | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: My Dad has recently been diagnosed (by 2 neurologists) with Lewy Body Dementia. At the same time we ... A: I know this is very difficult, and its also very hard to wrap your head around what is going to ... | |
| Alzheimer's | 1/13/2009 |
| Q: I am perplexed about the symptoms my husband displays. I don't know what stage he is in. He has ... A: The average age of onset for the frontotemporal dementias is younger than that of sporadic ... | |
| Holding On | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: Well I will keep this brief. I have been reading your questions and answers for over 5 years now. ... A: I really feel for you. It sounds like you've been trudging down the long road for a long, long time. ... | |
| Alzheimer's | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: I am perplexed about the symptoms my husband displays. I don't know what stage he is in. He has ... A: you don't tell me enough about his symptoms to really gauge what's been going on. The stage ... | |
| Alzheimers and hygeine | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: Since my fathers death 2 months ago, I have seen an abrupt decline in my mothers behavior. She had ... A: Irene, I think in your gut you probably already know the answer to this one. She has Alzheimer's ... | |
| vascular dementia | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: My dad has vascular dementia and has been accessed as borderline EMI. He has been in hospital since ... A: Below my signature I've pasted the most commonly used set "stage descriptions. Keep in mind that the ... | |
| just a question . | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: . recently i recognize that my ability to concentrate and remember is decreased,may be due to my ... A: Yehia, the best advice for keeping your brain in tip top shape is to do all things your grandmother ... | |
| Vascular dementia | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I are 65 years old and have been married for 44 years. We were also a couple ... A: Yes, its entirely possible that your husband has vascular or "multi-infarct" dementia. Infarct is ... | |
| mini-mental tests | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: In a court hearing to determine the validity of a will, do scores of 27/30&29/30 in mini-mental test ... A: The short answer is, the test scores you mention would be considered perfectly normal. For the ... | |
| Quick Question | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: I am a 49 year old indiviual. I am on disability for OCD. My question is this...I would like to make ... A: As you probably know, the laws on advance directives vary from state to state. Here are some Nevada ... | |
| Living on Alert 24/7 ? | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: What do I say,that anyone in this situation has not already felt, and terribly regrets anyone who is ... A: My heart really goes out to you - I know this is such a harrowing stage for everyone who loves your ... | |
| prognosis | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: My partner has been diasgnosed with Mixed dementia, after suffering (apparently) a couple of ... A: You are not bothering me!! This is going to be hard to hear - and I truly wish there was something ... | |
| Alzheimers | 12/20/2008 |
| Q: my husband recently had cryo-ablation of a small tumor in his kedney, he also has some large ... A: you sound like you have your hands full. Yes, absolutely, medical problems like infections can ... | |
| Alzheimer's Disease clients bathroom habits | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: There is an Alzheimer's Disease client's family that is concerned about her new bathroom habits. She ... A: I think you are attributing motives to this poor lady that are more complex than she is capable of. ... | |
| Altzheimer's | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer in 2003. He is currently in stage 3 or stage 4. He is 76 ... A: I apologise for not getting back to you quicker! I had a few disasters this week, and I am very ... | |
| clenched hands | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: My mother has bravely looked after my father at home in the UK for 10 years after he was diagnosed ... A: I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you. What has the doctor advised? They make all kinds ... | |
| dementia | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: My Daddy has multiple problems, including senile dementia, Parkinson's, a history of stroke 5 years ... A: Wow Melanie, you have your hands full - and you are doing an amazing job. I hope your family ... | |
| Methadone/depakote | 12/1/2008 |
| Q: I recently put my dad in the VA home, which is excellent, because he was in assisted living with ... A: Best of luck, Lucinda I know how hard it is to carry on and do the right thing when others close to ... | |
| Methadone/depakote | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: I recently put my dad in the VA home, which is excellent, because he was in assisted living with ... A: Here is a link about depakote http://www.whatmeds.com/meds/depakote.html You will note it can cause ... | |
| My Mum | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I have asked you questions before about my mum and I know have another one. It seems that my mum has ... A: Noises and crowds of people, and even changes to their routine can really overwhelm people with ... | |
| My father has lewy body w/dimentia?? | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: My dad has been in the hospital for a week and one day now. They took him off his nutrients and ... A: You poor thing, I am so sorry you are going through such a difficult time. Dementia is a word that ... | |
| How Long does She suffer in End Stage? | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: My mother is 77 and currently in a nursing home. Her doctor says she is in "End Stage" of ... A: the social worker confused you for no real reason. It is true that the only definitive way to ... | |
| Alheimer's | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: My mother is 87 and has Alzheimer's, she has had it for about 8 years this past year she has really ... A: this really is the awful stage, as terrible as what went before was - its so hard on everyone. My ... | |
| Alzheimer’s | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: I, and virtually all of my friends (all 65-72 years old,) are constantly complaining about not being ... A: Everyone has "senior's moments" as they get older. Your brain does slow down a bit. Heck, I'm in my ... | |
| vascular dementia | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: My dad has vascular dementia and has been accessed as borderline EMI. He has been in hospital since ... A: you must be in the UK - I'm in Canada and in North America you never hear the "Elderly, Mentally ... | |
| Early Signs of Dementia? | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: My mother is 59 and I just visited with her and I am seeing evidence of memory loss between her and ... A: what you are describing is not part of natural aging. People just don't get senile from being ... | |
| Sleeping a lot | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: My mom is 78 now. She has had Alzheimer's for about 18 years. She did a lot of crossword puzzles and ... A: given your mother's very slow and atypical decline, it may be possible that her dementia is from ... | |
| Years till death | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to plan my future and my families future and and seeking a likely number of years that ... A: I know you are so concerned for her well being - but you almost have to be like a parent leaving a ... | |
| Years till death | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to plan my future and my families future and and seeking a likely number of years that ... A: My heart really goes out to you. Its particularly difficult to predict survival time in someone who ... | |
| how to control the enviornment of AD pts | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: I am a social worker on a short term geriatric psychiatric unit in a hospital. We have patients ... A: Here is a good link discussing the issue ... | |
| father's driving | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: My dad is 74 years old, has epilepsy and takes anti-seizure medication. He has been seizure-free ... A: you don't mention if your father has any form of dementia (which I have to ask, given that you've ... | |
| Late Stages Alzheimers | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: I am 42 & my brother is 40. He has 4 yr old twins & I have 2 kids aged 9 & 14. My mom started ... A: I'm so sorry you are going through this. You've certainly already done most of what needs doing, so ... | |
| **** ARICEPT **** | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: Good morning Mary, I was reading one of your answers on medication and saw that you had said that ... A: They probably told you to give it to her at night because in some people it causes drowsiness, and ... | |
| Late Stages Alzheimers | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: I am 42 & my brother is 40. He has 4 yr old twins & I have 2 kids aged 9 & 14. My mom started ... A: I am surprised the facility isn't trying to do something to make your mother more comfortable - ... | |
| ALTZHEIMERS | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: MY FATHER IS 74 YEARS OLD. HE HAS ALTZHEIMERS FOR 6 YEARS. PRESENTLY IN PHASE 7. IS THERE ANY ... A: below my signature I've pasted the last two stages. If he's this mobile and agitated, he's more ... | |
| Alzheimer's | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: Like any Alzheimer's patient, my father has his own personal problems that seem to make the disease ... A: Here is a link to a really long but GREAT article about what happens to a person with Alzheimer's - ... | |
| G'Ma lost G'Pa has AD | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: My 93 year old G'pa passed the other day at home, comfortably, the way he wanted. My 85 year old ... A: Here is a really great article for you to read about what your grandmother is going through ... | |
| dementia | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: My father-in-law has Alzheimer's. My mother-in-law is having a hard time. They live in a ... A: Take a deep breath, and really think this through. I know it is a frightening reality to try and get ... | |
| mom | 10/9/2008 |
| Q: Mary, the med seroquel ended up with a trip to the ER. i ask them about the med. and they said ... A: The thing is Sandy, Seroquel is not approved for use in dementia patients - its an "off label" use. ... | |
| Final Stage Alzeimhers | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: I wonder can you help me? My 68yr old Dad has Alzemhers and his condition has detioriorated rapidly ... A: Below my signature I've pasted the stages of Alzheimer's. He sounds like he is in Stage 6. What is ... | |
| mom | 10/4/2008 |
| Q: Mary, mom is starting to hit another person that is in the home. she has hit this same person 3 ... A: Well its good news that your mom is gaining some weight - I'm guessing the routine around meals is ... | |
| Grandmother with A.D. | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: My grandmother is 92 years old and she suffers from Alzheimers. She has resorted back to her ... A: below is a the most commonly used set of stage descriptions. From what you are saying, I would guess ... | |
| Assisted living | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: My 81-year-old mother-in-law is in stage 5-6 of Alzheimer's and still lives alone in her own home. ... A: that your mother-in-law is living alone is a HUGE red flag at this phase, and the fact the doctor ... | |
| Vascular Demntia | 9/27/2008 |
| Q: My mother has been diagnosed with vascular demntia.She has been in a nursing home since last ... A: here are the most commonly used descriptions of Stage 6 and 7 (from Dr. Reisberg). Level 6 Severe ... | |
| need some answers | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: My 81 year old mother has Alzheimer's and was recently move to a long term care facility. She is ... A: I know you are really feeling tortured over your mother's condition. One of the best explanations ... | |
| alz essay | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: Mary, Success!! I found the site I wrote to you about. It's ... A: Wow, Tammy. That is a great article and covers so much ground. Thanks so much. I could really ... | |
| not sure what to do | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: I have an aunt that is 60 and her husband is saying his doctor says she has Alzheimer's. Let me ... A: Leslie, I think you do have major reasons for concern. For starters, you don't get Alzheimer's ... | |
| mom | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: Mary i hope you can help me . my mother is in a nursing home has been for a month now . i go see her ... A: it sounds like she is developing dysphagia, which is issues with chewing, manipulating food in the ... | |
| Alzheimer's symptoms | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: My step-father is having some health issues. The Cat Scan and other tests that have been run have ... A: Cindy, what kind of doctor was your step-dad referred to? He should see a neurologist with a ... | |
| dad | 9/16/2008 |
| Q: My dad was diagnosed with alzheimers when he was 58. He is now 69. He is in the 7th stage. He no ... A: Its very difficult for anyone to say what he is experiencing. Does the tylenol have any effect at ... | |
| stages | 9/15/2008 |
| Q: Somewhere, I'm not sure if it was here or Alz.org, or somewhere else entirely I stumbled upon an ... A: gee, I wish I did know where there was such a great article about the stages. If you stumble over it ... | |
| Mom died of Alzheimer's? | 9/15/2008 |
| Q: I was reading some of your Q&A, you indicated a person does die from Alzheimer's and often it is due ... A: Laura, you poor thing - I can tell you are really struggling with your grief and feeling as though ... | |
| response to your email | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: It would take me a month of sundays to explain why my mother would never go see a doctor unless she ... A: Hey Dave, Sounds like you are doing some of the right things with respect to the legal aspects. The ... | |
| stages of AD | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: I am beginning to strongly suspect my mother (81) has AD. She will not see a doctor. I need to plan ... A: You do need to think about how to get her to a doctor. Besides incurable progressive dementias like ... | |
| Dementia / Paranoia | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: My mother is in an assisted living facility. She has Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. She still ... A: The behavior you are describing, increased agitation later in the day, is extremely common. It is so ... | |
| incontinence | 8/31/2008 |
| Q: My Mother is in Stage 6 Alzheimer's Disease. We moved her to a live-in facility last month. They ... A: Colleen, its extremely concerning that the home cannot keep your mother in the locked dementia ward. ... | |
| ending it | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: My Dr.agrees that igmu36f I have signed a health care directive ordering my proxy to stop food and ... A: You asked me a very similar question about four months ago. ... | |
| alzheimers, hospice and nutrition | 7/31/2008 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with A.D.in June 2007, although she was probably showing mild symptoms ... A: I know you are grieving. This phase is like one long goodbye. It really is like having a body laid ... | |
| How to get my mother into care | 7/29/2008 |
| Q: My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and has had her driver's license revoked for a ... A: Do you know what kind of power of attorney your mother signed? This is key, because there are three ... | |
| dimentia | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: Explain why dementia is not a 'normal part' of the ageing process A: Jessy, you asked why dementia is not a "normal" part of aging. First off, dementia is a term like ... | |
| Behavior Issues | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: My dad was diagnosed with alzheimer's around the age of 52. He is now 66. About a month ago he had ... A: Your family absolutely has the right to know exactly what medications they are giving your father. ... | |
| Alzheimer's | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: I have a few questions/concerns regarding taking care of my mother-in-law whom has Alzheimer. My ... A: The last stage can really be a grinder. My mother in law survived two years in the last stage. She ... | |
| father has advanced dementia & parkinson's | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: My father-in-law has had dementia & parkinson's for about 20 years. He's now 83. The past year he ... A: Debbie, there is only one thing only you and your husband can do like no one else, and that is to ... | |
| Last stage and stiff bent neck | 7/2/2008 |
| Q: My mother has an advance stage of Alzheimer's, she is 70 now. Her cognitive abilities declined ... A: I am sorry you are going through this. It must be very difficult to deal with when she is in ... | |
| Dad | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: My father-in-law, 80, has been caring for my mother-in-law for the past several years (5, probably). ... A: I know this is awful to watch. It gets worse from here, although I know you are so stressed right ... | |
| ALZheimers and anesthesia | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: My father has alzheimers.He is in the early stages-don't know what one. He had surgery and was given ... A: Louise, what you are describing is EXTREMELY common, and no one is really sure exactly why it ... | |
| 89 year old mother | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: Our Mother is in stage 6.She has gotten to where she sleeps alot during the day and gets up ... A: You don't mention where you live, but in most places hospice help can be called in when the person ... | |
| alzheimers | 5/28/2008 |
| Q: I have asked you a few questions in the last few months. My mom passed away on Thursday, but we were ... A: Patti, I am so, so sorry for your loss. You must be grieving - and I do know how you feel. It's so ... | |
| Lewy Dementia - Mother-In-Law | 5/25/2008 |
| Q: Mary -- I appreciate being able to speak to you since you were a caregiver just as I am. I have ... A: sorry it took me so long to get back to you - something went funny with your question, and I had to ... | |
| What's next | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: I have been reading your answers for several months and believe you are the one to seek information ... A: back in the saddle now!! I know this is so, so hard. The fluctuations in particular make you doubt ... | |
| Mom with AD | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: My mom is currently in the hospital. The team of doctors is having difficulty finding the reasons ... A: below my signature I've pasted the stages of Alzheimers - the most commonly used set, developed by ... | |
| is it close to being over? | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when he was 70. At that time he was advanced enough that ... A: I know this is just heart breaking, but he may live for another couple of years. My mother in law ... | |
| mom | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: mom is in end of stage six. lastnight she went to the bathroom and when she came out she was bending ... A: Sandy, if she is losing weight, try to make every bite count. By that I mean, whatever she will eat ... | |
| alzheimers | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: The doctor says my mom is in the final stages of alzheimers. I know you can't tell me how long this ... A: sounds like your mother in the last stage. Below my signature, I've pasted the descriptions of the ... | |
| mom | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: mom is in end of stage six. lastnight she went to the bathroom and when she came out she was bending ... A: sounds like she had a seizure of some sort. It would be worth finding out what it was from - she may ... | |
| final stage alzheimers | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: My mom has had alz for about 10 years. My sister has been taking care of her at home. On April 8, ... A: I don't blame you for being upset at the hospice care. Usually they are terrific, but it sounds like ... | |
| final stage alzheimers | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: My mom has had alz for about 10 years. My sister has been taking care of her at home. On April 8, ... A: She is getting fluids via the drip they are using to give her drugs. That she is producing at least ... | |
| Poor memory and recall | 5/1/2008 |
| Q: I don't have or know anyone with Alzheimer's, but I'd like to know how to prevent it and also, more ... A: Alzheimer's is not something you can really prevent with what we know now. We know, for example, ... | |
| Life Span of Alzheimers | 4/28/2008 |
| Q: My husband started showing signs of Alzheimers at the age of 55. He is now 60 this year, and is in a ... A: you must be absolutely heart broken. It's miserably unfair in someone so young. Has the nursing ... | |
| Lewy body disease, end stage | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: Only one question for now, more to follow, I'm sure. I suspect my father has LBD but has not been ... A: in later dementia it is common to develop all kinds of problems with eating. A big one is from ... | |
| Alzheimer's Care | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: My father is 82 years old, likely with late stage Alzheimer's. Until about two months ago he was ... A: You don't mention what meds he was on at the time, any concurrent medical problems he may have had, ... | |
| Depakote | 4/19/2008 |
| Q: Mary, My father is in the end stages of AD. He is currently in a nursing home/rehabilitation ... A: didn't mean to infer he shouldn't have any therapy or treatment. I just wasn't sure if it was for ... | |
| Depakote | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: Mary, My father is in the end stages of AD. He is currently in a nursing home/rehabilitation ... A: I take it the depakote was given to him to curb some agitation/aggression or other behavioral ... | |
| my mom | 4/17/2008 |
| Q: I have noticed such a decline in my mother's thinking ability and memory in the last few months. Her ... A: If the alarm bells are going off in your gut, I'd trust them. The thing is....MCI is not really a ... | |
| Last stage | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: Once again I am writing to you in a quandary. My mother has been in stage 7 for best part of 3 ... A: I really feel for you. There is nothing worse than living with a situation every day, and feeling so ... | |
| mom | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: I've wrote alot to you and you have answered my questions really good and i have another one . we ... A: You need another eye doctor!! If your mother can cooperate at all, they can read the curvature of ... | |
| How long can the final stages of AD last? | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: I was wandering if you could inform us on how long can the final stages of AD last. My mother is ... A: Unfortunately, survival time is a very hard thing to gauge. Its particularly difficult in someone as ... | |
| mom | 4/5/2008 |
| Q: My mom has alzheimers and I think she has entered the final stages. My dad died a year ago and he ... A: here is a description of Stage 7 Level 7 Very severe cognitive decline (Late Dementia or Severe ... | |
| Stage 7 | 4/4/2008 |
| Q: I wrote to you in feb about my mother who is in stage 7 and has been for approx two and a half ... A: I'm glad they finally got her spasticity under control and that she is at least more comfortable. I ... | |
| food/fluid | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: Am 88 and have seen too many friends rot away mindlessly with Alzhiemer's, impoverishing the souls ... A: if you are feeling what you suspect are the signs of any cognitive impairment, my first move would ... | |
| The End Stage | 4/1/2008 |
| Q: Mary, You seem to be very informative about AD. I too have three young children and my 84 year old ... A: I'm sorry you are going through such a difficult experience with your father. Its hard to say what ... | |
| Sleeping | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: My mother in law has moderate Alzheimer. She is a very sweet lady and I, as well as other family ... A: Joyce, you've hit the nail on the head. Absolutely, your mother in law should not be sleeping that ... | |
| Alzheimer's late stage 6 | 3/18/2008 |
| Q: How long does a patient in late stage 6 Alzheimer's usually live? My grandfather exhibits all the ... A: Its tough to guess how long he will live. There are so many factors involved. You don't say if he ... | |
| my 85 year old grand father | 3/7/2008 |
| Q: ..my name is Angela, I'm from Montreal, Canada. My question to you is regarding my 85 year old ... A: You should realize that "dementia" is just a term like "fever". It describes a set of symptoms - ... | |
| Caring for in-law in our home | 2/29/2008 |
| Q: My father-in-law came to live with my husband and me about a year ago. He is in the mid to late ... A: I can really empathize with you. It is so tough when someone you respect and love starts to need ... | |
| Late stage Alzheimers | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: I wrote to you in Jan about my mother ( 78 years) who is in stage 7 she is incontinent and needs to ... A: It's terrible to watch anyone in pain and not be able to help. I also know how distressing this ... | |
| legs stop working | 2/18/2008 |
| Q: My granny has been battling this disease for 7 years now. We have a 24/7 caregiver that lives with ... A: you don't mention what stage in the disease she's in. They do lose their ability to walk due to ... | |
| Mom | 2/9/2008 |
| Q: My mother was just diagnosed with AD she is 70 years old. She does not know that I have found this ... A: I'm going to blether on for a bit, and you can take away any useful ideas for your situation. You ... | |
| alternatives to Adivan | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: You spoke to this issue in a response to a "Jackie" in 2006. Is it possible that my father, in late ... A: Sounds to me like staff at the facility may be using a tranquilizer as a form of "chemical ... | |
| mom | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: mom is talking to people thats not there and she is scared all the time. is there any thing we can ... A: First off Sandy, it is TOTALLY terrifying and unacceptable that your mother just "got out". Any ... | |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 2/5/2008 |
| Q: If Alzheimer is not part of the normal aging process, why is it occurring so frequently amongst ... A: there are many causes of dementia in the elderly. Alzheimer's disease is just one of them. The main ... | |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 2/5/2008 |
| Q: Describe the different stages of Alzheimer's? A: Here they are, hope this helps. Mary G. Stages of Alzheimers In 1982 Dr. Barry Reisberg ... | |
| Treatment care and Hospice | 2/4/2008 |
| Q: My Father is in the beginning of stage 7, he can no longer speak, has not for over a year, is ... A: Vicki, I would ask the doctor that question - but yes, given that your father is quite young, he may ... | |
| Treatment care and Hospice | 2/3/2008 |
| Q: My Father is in the beginning of stage 7, he can no longer speak, has not for over a year, is ... A: this is a tough question. Its always hard to know, since if he is generally healthy other than his ... | |
| going into a home | 2/2/2008 |
| Q: My Dad is 91 and has just been formally diagnosed with small vessel disease dementia and ... A: I know this is breaking your heart, but sadly, you have to think rationally about this situation. ... | |
| Mom | 1/31/2008 |
| Q: I found this website quite by accident, and have been crying reading all the questions and your ... A: As you may know, there are many causes of dementia. Dementia itself just means mental impairment - ... | |
| mom | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: i hope you can help me . i have wrote you a few times before. we found mom what i think is a good ... A: I don't think you should feel guilty or like a failure for considering a home. Things are at the ... | |
| contractures in Alzheimer's | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: My father has advanced dementia. He does not have functional speech, is incontinent and has to be ... A: Here is a description of the last stage (7) of Alzheimer's (developed by Dr. Reisberg). Very severe ... | |
| Late stage Alzheimers | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: My mother has had Alzheimer for 11 years. She is very poorly with it now. She can do nothing for ... A: I'm sorry I was so slow to respond - I was out of town. You poor thing - I know exactly how you ... | |
| wasting away | 1/17/2008 |
| Q: We have had my father-in-law in hour home for 2 years. He is almost 96 and has dementia. He has had ... A: My heart really goes out to you. Sadly, what you are describing is not unusual at all. Below my ... | |
| device to remove excess saliva | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: First of all thank you for your thorough answer last time I asked you a question. This time I want ... A: Your question about a suction machine was great - one no one ever asked before. After a little ... | |
| mom | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: the Dr took pictures of moms kidneys and blatter it showed that mom has a cyst on her kidney she is ... A: you will have to ask the doctor about the kidney and bladder problems and what to expect - it may be ... | |
| my mom's "mild cognative impairment" | 12/31/2007 |
| Q: Mom was recently diagnosed with mci. My sister and I are her care givers. We have many questions. ... A: "MCI" is a non-diagnosis because it doesn't tell you what the underlying cause is...and after all, ... | |
| communicating with Alzheimer's patient | 12/25/2007 |
| Q: My father is a very devoted caregiver to his lady friend of over 20 years. Her sons and daughters ... A: below my signature I've pasted the last two stages of Alzheimer's. She's moving into Stage 7. A lot ... | |
| End Stage Lewy Body Dementia | 12/24/2007 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with end stage lewy body dementia on October 2005 after she started ... A: - this must be a tough thing to deal with during the festive season. Everything I've ever read ... | |
| MOM | 12/11/2007 |
| Q: I don't want you to think that I want Mom to go on I know Moms know where close to just letting her ... A: Sandy, all I can tell you is what happened to me in my early 20's. I developed a sore back and ... | |
| MOM | 12/9/2007 |
| Q: I HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION . AT WHAT POINT DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD JUST MAKE SURE MOM IS COMFORTABLE ... A: At this stage, your mother may live for a couple more years. She's still able to walk and talk and ... | |
| mom | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: mom has ad and she is complaining with her back hurting. the Dr is sending her to a specialist on ... A: There isn't an easy answer. I know how hard this is. Many caregivers cope quite well with the home ... | |
| AD - Final stage? | 11/26/2007 |
| Q: My aunt's first symptoms started about 10 years ago. She is 85 years old. It is about 3 year that ... A: I don't think there is anyone on earth who can tell you how long your aunt will survive. She has a ... | |
| end stage & sleeping | 11/16/2007 |
| Q: My dad is in what appears to be end stage alzheimer's. He sleeps all the time day and night. If ... A: At this point, with hospice care happening, I presume you have opted for palliative care, and ... | |
| mom | 10/27/2007 |
| Q: mom is on airaset shes been on it for some time. shes not sleeping at all. we thought that the other ... A: Sandy, I still really think you need to talk to the doctor about the medication. It may just be that ... | |
| mom | 10/27/2007 |
| Q: mom has taken 2 haloperidol tabs and we stopped giving it to her because she is just setting with a ... A: Sandy, haloperidol doesn't have permanent effects. When it wears off, she will be the way she was. ... | |
| MOM | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: THE DOCTOR HAS PUT MOM ON A DRUG CALLED HALENPUIDOL .WE GAVE IT TO HER FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST ... A: the drug haloperidol is more commonly called haldol. Its an antipsychotic, and what they call a ... | |
| acute alzheimers | 10/25/2007 |
| Q: Just wondring if you have heard of this. My dad has been in the hospital for about a month, appeared ... A: The thing is....Alzheimer's isn't a disease with an acute onset. As you may know, it is an illness ... | |
| MOM | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER WE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF MOM. AS I SAID BEFORE SHE LIVES WITH MY ... A: Sandy, below my signature I have pasted the stages of Alzheimer's. My guess is that she is in Stage ... | |
| Stage 6 Mother | 10/18/2007 |
| Q: What would you suggest to offer to my mom as activities? she has that nervous energy esp. in the ... A: My mother in law went through a "picking" stage when she would pluck and worry away at threads in ... | |
| mom | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: moms not sleeping at all. we have done every thing all the books say to do but its not working at ... A: Sandy, its really common for people with Alzheimer's to experience major sleep disturbances. The ... | |
| My Mom / Alzheimer's / Pace maker | 10/12/2007 |
| Q: My Mom has Alzheimer's and is in nursing home because she's no longer able to take care of herself. ... A: I haven't been through this particular scenario, but we did lose my mother in law to end stage ... | |
| mom | 10/9/2007 |
| Q: our mom is getting to where she don't eat much and she has went from 150 down to 100 lbs. i hate ... A: Do I have suggestions for you. Not really - but I have walked in your shoes. I know exactly where ... | |
| diagnosis? | 10/3/2007 |
| Q: My mom is 76, her sister is in late stage Alzheimer's and her mother suffered from Alzheimer's ... A: if your mother herself has concerns, you are in a good position to help her. What you are ... | |
| Mother in stage 2 | 8/23/2007 |
| Q: I've brought my mom two hours from her home to live with my husband and I. She has enough money for ... A: I'm so sorry I didn't respond promptly. I came away to our summer cottage for the long weekend and ... | |
| Mother in stage 2 | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: I've brought my mom two hours from her home to live with my husband and I. She has enough money for ... A: First thing to do is to talk to her doctor about your mother's depression. Seroquel is an ... | |
| NPH + Alzheimer's | 8/21/2007 |
| Q: Is it possible for a patient to have both conditions? My mother had surgery for NPH 2 yrs ago. ... A: Yes Lynn, its absolutely possible to have more than one cause of dementia at work at the same time. ... | |
| dementia????????????? | 8/3/2007 |
| Q: My Nan is 86, we have noticed that she has become very "forgetful" over the last year. It seems ... A: There are many health issues that can affect cognition in the elderly. Some are reversible, some can ... | |
| Alz. | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: If a person with Alz. keeps hurting your feelings, intentionally or untentionally, do you have to ... A: Julie, I don't think you need to see her face to face, if in this phase she's hurting you. However, ... | |
| Alzheimer's/Nursing Home protocol | 7/25/2007 |
| Q: It has been exactly four years since you responded to a question I had regarding my Dad's alzheimers ... A: Nice to hear from you again. A couple of things occur to me. By law, an employer has an obligation ... | |
| Dementia | 7/21/2007 |
| Q: I am POA for a senior who has been diagnosed with Dementia, Alzheimer's type. Everything is brand ... A: Jeannee, okay, 92, metastatic cancer. Whole other ballgame. What has the doctor suggested about the ... | |
| Vascular Dimentia | 7/20/2007 |
| Q: Mary, Good Morning, First I preivously emailed you on 5/31/07 about my mom who had just turned 80. ... A: Treatment for multi-infarct/vascular dementias focuses on preventing future strokes by controlling ... | |
| Dementia | 7/20/2007 |
| Q: I am POA for a senior who has been diagnosed with Dementia, Alzheimer's type. Everything is brand ... A: Did they arrive at the diagnosis after a really comprehensive evaluation? Normally, this would ... | |
| What are the next steps | 7/13/2007 |
| Q: I have a grandmother that has dementia. The last time we could get her to see the doctor was about ... A: Yes, this clinic is a good place to start. As discussed, given that she has no insight into her own ... | |
| What are the next steps | 7/11/2007 |
| Q: I have a grandmother that has dementia. The last time we could get her to see the doctor was about ... A: I have pasted the stages of Alzheimer's below my signature so you can make reference to them. She ... | |
| Last Stages i dont know | 6/14/2007 |
| Q: Every day i make breakfast dinner and tea but she just plays with it making it in to a pile also she ... A: My mother in law, for example, lived two years after she stopped walking. She was incontinent, ... | |
| Mother with altzheimers | 6/12/2007 |
| Q: my mother started showing signs which caused us caution in 1999, she completely forgot to play uno, ... A: Below my signature are the description of stages of Alzheimers - if you have a look, I think you ... | |
| Alzheimer's or dementia? | 6/10/2007 |
| Q: Are alzheimer's disease and dementia the same thing? My mother is 83 and for the last seven years ... A: Dementia is a word like fever. It describes a symptom - not what is CAUSING the symptom. If you went ... | |
| Gram | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's approximately 7 years ago. She is 86 now. At first, ... A: I know this is heartbreaking. My mother in law also died from end stage Alzheimers. I wish there was ... | |
| Mom is 80 | 5/31/2007 |
| Q: Mary My mother is 80 years old will turn 81 in July. Her diagnosis of Dimentia was determined in ... A: your mother's doctor should have taken the time to explain things better. "Dementia" is a term like ... | |
| alzehmers | 5/25/2007 |
| Q: what age do you get this at can you get it at 15 A: Jack, there are at least two forms of Alzheimers, which may ultimately be two entirely separate ... | |
| dad | 5/21/2007 |
| Q: mary my dad hits me all the time for no reason and he gets a look in his eyes like he wants to kill ... A: Aah, now I see what you are facing. What you are seeing is catastrophic reactions - he lashes out ... | |
| Advance Alzheimer's & Card Playing | 5/18/2007 |
| Q: Would you be able to help me understand something? My Father has been diagnosed with Advanced ... A: How was your father diagnosed? Did they do a comprehensive work up and exam? There are many causes ... | |
| Father with Ad | 5/17/2007 |
| Q: My dad was diagnosed with Ad 2 years ago. He needs help with bathing, (he hates bathing), dressing, ... A: Mary, there IS no way to prepare your father. He can't see his own impairments or assess his ... | |
| Father with Ad | 5/16/2007 |
| Q: My dad was diagnosed with Ad 2 years ago. He needs help with bathing, (he hates bathing), dressing, ... A: Your brother shouldn't be trying to lay this all on you - he obviously is having a very hard time ... | |
| alzheimers | 5/15/2007 |
| Q: what are the chances of passing the trait to your offspring? What steps could you take to determine ... A: First off, you should realize there are many, many causes of dementia in the elderly -i.e. not every ... | |
| Mother with AD | 4/28/2007 |
| Q: My parents are 87 and both in the nursing home. Dad has Parkinsons. He walks and feeds himself. He ... A: Dee, heart and soul, I think you are doing the right thing. You are going to lose both of them ... | |
| Alzheimer's and WWII | 4/19/2007 |
| Q: My grandfather served in WWII as a navigator and for 17 years thereafter. He is now suffering from ... A: Well, I can't do your homework for you, but I have to tell you, the idea that being a navigator ... | |
| Mini stroke in elderly Mother | 4/11/2007 |
| Q: My mom (86 years old)had a mini-stroke about two months ago and now is hallucinating-She has seen ... A: After your mother's stroke, was she given a brain scan of any kind to look for damage? After ... | |
| Alzheimer and Demintia | 4/10/2007 |
| Q: What is the incidence of these diseases in other countries of the world? If there is a higher ... A: Although there are stats comparing countries, I don't think they are reliable. Even in North ... | |
| end stage Alzheimer's | 4/1/2007 |
| Q: My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's type dementia two years ago. He'd been suffering from a ... A: Sue, my heart goes out to you. I doubt very much this will go on much more than a few months. As you ... | |
| Late stage Alzheimers | 3/27/2007 |
| Q: My mother is 78 and has had Alzheimers for 10 years. She is wheelchair bound and cannot feed ... A: Mary, I'm so, so sorry this has happened to both of you. None of you deserved this - not you or your ... | |
| last stages Alzheimers | 1/11/2007 |
| Q: Is it common for Alzheimers patients to have spells of stopping breathing? A: Here is a description of the last two stages from Dr. Reisberg (the most commonly used set of ... | |
| Immune System Breakdown-Late Stage AD | 1/6/2007 |
| Q: My dear Mom, age 93 1/2, now late stage 6, diagnosed 1998 (but I first noticed very small things ... A: Wow, you and your poor mother are really going through some difficult challenges. She's lucky to ... | |
| adjustment to assisted living | 1/5/2007 |
| Q: My mom, who has early stage dementia, entered assisted living reluctantly two months ago at the ... A: A lot of people in early to mid AD get very depressed, and it contributes to general purpose ... | |
| mri results | 1/5/2007 |
| Q: i have been having dizziness and loss of balance for some time. no headaches, hypertension, etc. ... A: If I were you, yes, absolutely I would ask to see a neurologist. Small vessel disease implies ... | |
| bedsores with alzheimers | 12/28/2006 |
| Q: what will happen when the body no longer has the capacity to heal the bedsores and they become ... A: Pressure sores are a problem with anyone who is bedridden or in a wheelchair, particularly those ... | |
| alz. | 12/26/2006 |
| Q: Help, My mother has alz and her case has been so strange. Very strong willed, has had systoms ... A: What you are describing makes me wonder if your mother actually had some other cause of dementia ... | |
| Alzheimer's Disease Reversel | 12/16/2006 |
| Q: Wish to know if the taking of Vitamin B12 will help in the reversal of of Alzheimer's disease. How ... A: Will, I apologise for not getting back to you sooner. My silly spam filter suddenly regressed and ... | |
| Sleeping & caregiver concerns | 12/1/2006 |
| Q: Mary. I have two more questions and apologize if these have already been answered, but haven't had a ... A: Sorry I didn't respond promptly. My silly spam filter suddenly regressed and starting classing all ... | |
| Sleeping & caregiver concerns | 11/28/2006 |
| Q: My 79 year old father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years ago. He has just regressed from a ... A: I'm a Canadian as well - I live in Toronto. What you are facing will require a multi-pronged ... | |
| My Mother | 11/15/2006 |
| Q: I have so many questions. My Mom has diabetes and all that goes with that. 2 and half years ago she ... A: My advice is not to do a lot of talking about the subject - you will only get her upset - and she ... | |
| My Precious Mother | 11/6/2006 |
| Q: Almost a yr and a half ago, I learned that my mother is suffering from Dimentia/Alzheimers. I have ... A: Myrah, why do you think this has anything to do with anything you might or might not have done. ... | |
| Normal stage of Alzheimer or not? | 10/24/2006 |
| Q: I hope you can help me understand what is going on with my mom. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's ... A: Gail, I note that you did not read my response and I've been very worried about you and your poor ... | |
| AD vs NPH | 10/24/2006 |
| Q: My grandmother is 91 years old. She was diagnosed with AD several years ago and is taking medicine ... A: While it is true that dementia and gait disturbances can be caused by NPH, what has gone on with ... | |
| early-onset | 10/23/2006 |
| Q: We began to notice my mom's symptoms at 59/60 years of age. Her mother also had AD. I am sending a ... A: Here is a good explanation of the current understanding of the genetics of Alzheimer's ... | |
| Vascular Dementia | 10/22/2006 |
| Q: My husband is 63 and has been diagnosed with vascular dementia since 2000. In the last year, he has ... A: sorry it took me so long to get back to you. As I mentioned, I was away until late yesterday. I ... | |
| Alzheimers and Mood-Altering Drugs | 10/21/2006 |
| Q: Good Day Mary: My Mother is in what I would consider the late stages of Alzheimers. I have three ... A: whew, I'm back now. I do apologise for the wait. Below my signature, I've pasted the stages of ... | |
| alzheimers | 10/16/2006 |
| Q: My mom has been diagnosed with beginning alzheimers. It has been hard...i feel as if i lost my ... A: if your mom has the communication issues you describe, she is not in "beginning alzheimer's" (i.e. ... | |
| hallucinations | 10/12/2006 |
| Q: I am a facing a different problem.I am staying in a house which is haunted.All of us used to see ... A: sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I was away for the weekend and only got back late today. ... | |
| Dealing with dad | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: I hope you can help us because we are at wits end. My father-in-law has dementia. My wife and I ... A: I think you know the answer - and I know its just agony to face. My heart goes out to you and your ... | |
| Sundowners | 9/29/2006 |
| Q: I have recently started working as a Recreational Activities Officer in an Aged Care Facility that ... A: There are lots of good resources - you can start with a couple of good books ... | |
| vascular dementia | 9/28/2006 |
| Q: My name is Jason Swearingin. Im 22 years old. I have recently found out that my grandma had ... A: this is vascular dementia, so she doesn't have Alzheimer's. Having said that, it will take her to ... | |
| what are the chances of my dad dying from some other cause | 9/27/2006 |
| Q: My dad has been having symptoms of dementia for 6 years. He is very healthy and he doesn't seem to ... A: you can't second guess decisions you made in the past. If you were going to tell him the diagnosis, ... | |
| Home vs. assisted living | 9/26/2006 |
| Q: there- Maybe there isn't an answer for this question but I thought I'd try. My mother is 77 with ... A: Having been through this with my mother in law....listen to your gut. Its time. She really does need ... | |
| what are the chances of my dad dying from some other cause | 9/25/2006 |
| Q: what are the chances of my dad dying of some other cause before he reaches end stage alzheimers? A: you'll hate my answer.....because it has to be "it depends"...on how old he is, and what other ... | |
| Godsend | 9/10/2006 |
| Q: I don't have a particular question as I believe your site has answered everything I needed to know. ... A: I absolutely agree with you - which is why I started doing this shortly after my mother in law died ... | |
| Test for Alzhemiers disease | 9/2/2006 |
| Q: During the summer I had heard of a test that they were using to determine if it is truly alzheimers ... A: There is no such thing as dementia due to aging. Dementia is just a term like "fever" that describes ... | |
| 83 year old G.Mother Stage 7-Time for Hospice? | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: My mother and I have been caring for my 83 year old Grandmother at home for a few years now with ... A: I would urge you to call hospice and ask them your questions. Palliative care is all about ... | |
| Need some answers | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: My Boyfriends mother was diagnoised with AD about 8 months ago, she's 89. We think that she has had ... A: Very sadly, her behaviour is actually quite "normal" for a person with mid stage Alzheimer's. Keep ... | |
| Feeding and end-stage Alzheimer's | 8/26/2006 |
| Q: My wife first showed symptoms of AD 10 years ago. Since then she has progressed through every stage ... A: I really feel for you - this is so difficult, and I know how hard you are trying. You know she is ... | |
| confusing dreams & reality | 8/25/2006 |
| Q: You were so very helpful when I lost my mother to Alzheimer's this past May.Here we go with round ... A: I'm thinking Lewy Body Dementia. You need to get him to a neurologist or psychiatrist with a ... | |
| Is this normal in alzheimer patients? | 8/11/2006 |
| Q: My mom died 2 wks ago from alzheimers disease. Prior to the last month and half before her death ... A: Here is the clinical description of the last stag , which can last as long as couple of years. ... | |
| Lose ability to feel pain | 8/10/2006 |
| Q: Mary, clearly you are very educated on Alzheimers. Have you ever heard of an AD patient in the ... A: Given the degree of accumulated brain damage that your poor father has at this stage, we probably ... | |
| Regarding my 89 yr old grandmother | 8/2/2006 |
| Q: my grandmother is 89 yrs old and has been bedridden from the past 7 years due to a debilitating knee ... A: Its sounds like your grandmother's overall mental decline (prior to her current illness) is likely ... | |
| end stage alzheimer's | 7/22/2006 |
| Q: My mom has had alzheimer's for the past 15 years. She is now in the end stage and living in a ... A: First off Jackie, I owe you a huge apology. I get a lot of junk mail and my husband recently changed ... | |
| Vision problems | 7/9/2006 |
| Q: My mother is in the late stage of Alzheimers: she can't walk or feed herself and talks less and ... A: First off Susan, I owe you a huge apology. I get a lot of junk mail and my husband recently changed ... | |
| Memory loss is worsening. | 6/21/2006 |
| Q: I am 55 years old and my memory is really giving me problems. As a young person I prided myself on ... A: Priscilla, you are not exactly OLD quite yet - most women at 55 can look forward to at LEAST another ... | |
| Latest Treatment | 6/9/2006 |
| Q: My Mom has alzheimers disease and i was wondering what the latest new treatement was? ... A: The best of whats out there currently seems to be a combination drug therapy - usually memantine and ... | |
| Alzheimer's or NPH? | 6/4/2006 |
| Q: I have a question regarding my friend's father -- he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and ... A: What you are describing would be described as a verbal tic, and no, its not a routine part of ... | |
| Is there anything I can say to ease my Grandmother's mind? | 5/31/2006 |
| Q: I'd guess. She's closer to me than my mother and we always had the tightest bond, even tighter than ... A: Your grandmother is lucky to have such loving family around her. I think you are doing exactly the ... | |
| the human brain | 5/26/2006 |
| Q: i think i have received too many hits to the brain all my life, is there a drink or a pill or a ... A: David, if you are saying you have concerns that you've done injury to your brain, from either ... | |
| Dementia/Alzheimer s | 5/23/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could settle an argument. The answer is probably 6 dozen one and half a ... A: I guess the source of the conflict is what is meant by the term dementia. If you are ever given a ... | |
| Alzheimers End of Life | 5/11/2006 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with AD 15 years ago, however, her first noticable symptoms were at least 5 ... A: I would guess the end is not far away. Any person who is totally immobile and bedridden becomes ... | |
| My Grandmother is on day 10 without food or drink | 5/9/2006 |
| Q: I just read your description of your mother-in-law's alzheimer disease process and it described our ... A: She is likely very near to death - so the real question for you, is there any alternative to letting ... | |
| Intrest | 5/8/2006 |
| Q: My mother has no interest in anything. She seems very unhappy all the time, and the only thing she ... A: Below I've pasted a description of the stages of Alzheimer's, just so you can get a feel for where ... | |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 4/26/2006 |
| Q: What would be the best first step in locating an Alzheimer's support group in a particular location ... A: I'd start by calling the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association ... | |
| mother | 4/19/2006 |
| Q: my momma is 91 years of age .We just found out thurs day that she has alzeimers.She can remember ... A: My heart really goes out to you - I know how hard this must be. The only positive is that her ... | |
| help | 4/8/2006 |
| Q: Have been having some problems with headaches that are like migraines and it scared me so much that ... A: I'm not a doctor - I'm just a person who has been a caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimers, and in ... | |
| Do I need to stop taking my mother along on vacations | 4/4/2006 |
| Q: My mother 80 had surgery on a large frontal lobe brain tumor in 1999 and has been cognitively ... A: I guess the question for you is ...why do you feel its important to get her agreement to a plan? Why ... | |
| Alzheimer's/mixed dementia and sleepiness | 3/26/2006 |
| Q: I have been my mother's primary caregiver six years now. In April of 2000, she had a stroke and the ... A: As I know you fear, this could be a sign that things are progressing to the point where she is ... | |
| Alzheimers medication | 3/10/2006 |
| Q: My mom is in early stage AD - about stage 4. She has been prescribed Namenda despite not being ... A: below my signature I've pasted the stages of Alzheimer's just for your reference. If the doctor is ... | |
| SALMONELLA | 3/6/2006 |
| Q: I was wonndering if u could help me with salmonella Questions ? Location in the body ? Organs that ... A: Kimberly, this is the wrong place to ask about a bacterial disease like Salmonella. I'm an ... | |
| Salmonella | 3/6/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could answer some questions about Salmonella, 1)Direct contact, Are any ... A: Samantha, you have asked a question about Salmonella to an Alzheimer's expert. Wrong place to ask - ... | |
| My mom has dementia, and I am alone and grieving | 2/27/2006 |
| Q: It was 3 years ago that it was noticed that my mom was starting to forget. Today, she layers her ... A: You don't mention how many sibs you have or where they live. Things are getting hard for you - and ... | |
| Late stage alzheimers | 1/7/2006 |
| Q: My ex-husband (the father of my four children) is 82 and in a locked facility here in Sacramento, ... A: Listening to stories like yours makes me very, very glad I live in Canada and don't have to cope ... | |
| Severe dehydration dilemma | 1/5/2006 |
| Q: we followed our gut this evening as my MIL's blood pressure had dropped severely low and she was ... A: Deidre, You can make formal complaints to the Ministry of Health (see info on this page) ... | |
| End stages of Alzheimers | 1/2/2006 |
| Q: law - after going into a nursing home just 12 days ago (she was at home, eating limited soft foods, ... A: in my mind, as does the fact she made her wishes known. I had another woman asking a similar ... | |
| End stages of Alzheimers | 1/1/2006 |
| Q: law - after going into a nursing home just 12 days ago (she was at home, eating limited soft foods, ... A: It would be extremely unusual for her to make such a precipitate change in such a short time due to ... | |
| Radiation vs. Alzheimers | 12/31/2005 |
| Q: My mother was officially diagnosed with Alz about 5 years ago, although, I feel the disease has ... A: Denise, Below my signature I've pasted the description of stage 6 and 7 just for your reference. ... | |
| movement urge V brittle bones | 12/30/2005 |
| Q: my mum has AD. she has just got out of hospital following a fall (more of a crumple actually) & is ... A: A couple of thoughts - a really great product to consider is the Merry Walker line. Have a look at ... | |
| Does someone I know have alzheimer's? | 12/14/2005 |
| Q: Someone I know is 45 years of age. Alzheimer's is not a genetic disease in the family but her dad ... A: Kelly, as you may know "early onset" Alzheimer's is a distinct subtype of AD, and does have an ... | |
| Mom can't talk but cries very often | 12/11/2005 |
| Q: My mom has AD and is 87. She had been in Assisted Living using a walker until June 2004, when other ... A: I understand your anguish - this is just so hard to watch. You love her so much and there is so ... | |
| Moderate Stage Alzheimer's | 12/9/2005 |
| Q: Mom was diagnosed with moderate stage Alzheimer's 2 and 1/2 years ago (I had to put her in a nursing ... A: You don't mention how she was diagnosed, but it may well be that she has another progressive ... | |
| Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus | 12/3/2005 |
| Q: There has been some debate in my family and among my 85 year old dad's current and former doctors ... A: Wow, what an unpleasant family situation. It was so disrespectful of your mother's step children to ... | |
| Compensation | 11/10/2005 |
| Q: My wife and I have been taking care of my ninety year old father who has the beginning stages of ... A: As upsetting as this episode was to you, it appears it served a good purpose - to blast your ... | |
| End Stage | 10/27/2005 |
| Q: Mary: My mother has been off IV for 6 days as of today. I knew in my heart and with her wishes, ... A: Eileen, hang in, hang on, hold tight. I know this rough on all of you who love her, but it doesn't ... | |
| When do you step in? | 10/25/2005 |
| Q: My mother is in the early stages of Alzheimers .... she is still driving and handling most of her ... A: The scary part of Alzheimer's is really that its like an iceberg. There is always much more ... | |
| Early stage Alzheimer's test | 10/21/2005 |
| Q: Mary, AD has been very prevalent in my mother's family. She had several aunts and uncles die of AD. ... A: You are absolutely right to be concerned and your mother's doctors should not be dismissing this. If ... | |
| Dementia | 9/29/2005 |
| Q: Ms. Gordon... From reading previous answers on the stages of alzheimer's, I believe my father who ... A: The problems you describe are fairly common - sometimes a person will carry saliva or food around ... | |
| facts about Alzheimer's | 9/28/2005 |
| Q: How long do people with Alzheimers live? A: I'd love to be able to give you a really definitive answer. AD is now considered a fatal illness, ... | |
| End stage alzheimers | 9/20/2005 |
| Q: First of all, thank you for taking the time to touch so many of us out here hurting while watching ... A: Well, you are completely right about families having a very, very hard time understanding what brain ... | |
| End stage alzheimers | 9/19/2005 |
| Q: First of all, thank you for taking the time to touch so many of us out here hurting while watching ... A: The term dementia just describes a state of cognitive impairment. So, its a term for a symptom, not ... | |
| Pain associated with end-stage Alzheimers | 9/8/2005 |
| Q: My mother (81 yrs young) is in an Alzheimer's residence, with hospice. I have heard them refer to ... A: I know what you are going through - this is a very scary time because you are facing the unknown and ... | |
| Alzhiemers, depression or supplements | 7/19/2005 |
| Q: First of all, thank you for your community service. This was my first day of research and you handle ... A: Randy, I'm assuming when you say level 5-6, you are referring to the Reisberg definition of the ... | |
| Caregiver Problem | 6/26/2005 |
| Q: I am compiling info for a research paper and came across your website. I have this question. Other ... A: I think the answer to that question would very much depend on what country you live in. I'm a ... | |
| My mother in law seems to... | 6/22/2005 |
| Q: My mother in law seems to forget stuff every half an hour to 15 minutes. I suspect she has ... A: Sam, I think you already know what you need to do. Get her to a doctor!!! The symptoms you are ... | |
| Forgetting how to walk? | 6/13/2005 |
| Q: My mother, age 71, looks to be in stage 6. She's had AD for 5-6 years. Within the last 4 weeks she ... A: Sadly, the disease is unpredictable and CAN go in apparent fits and starts. Its never a perfectly ... | |
| Screening | 6/3/2005 |
| Q: Is there any cognitive screening (online or elsewhere) that I can take on my own, without going to a ... A: Jo, if you honestly think your mind is slipping, you really do need to see a doctor. I don't have to ... | |
| Too much medication? | 5/18/2005 |
| Q: Do you feel (as someone who has been there and done that) that a person can be overmedicated for the ... A: Connie, Your aunt may well be having bad hip and back pain, but neither has ANYTHING to do with her ... | |
| How do you know if someone has alzheimer's? | 4/28/2005 |
| Q: How do you know if someone has Alzheimer's? I'm concerned about my mother-in-love. She's been ... A: Serina, OH MY GOODNESS!! Time for a new family doctor, and I absolutely mean it. 74 is NOT too ... | |
| End stage Alzheimers | 4/12/2005 |
| Q: I wrote to you the beginning of March of this year about my father who was what appeared to be end ... A: Oh Bonnie, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope that ... | |
| Is it dementia just old age and stubborness | 4/5/2005 |
| Q: My step mother, age 82, has always had a very sharp mind and excellent memory. There have been ... A: If the alarm bells are going off in your gut (and clearly they are), I'd listen to them. The early ... | |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 3/11/2005 |
| Q: We are just beginning down the trail of memory loss and I am beside myself as we go through the test ... A: My heart goes out to you Jean-Paul. Its one thing to face this with a parent - quite another to face ... | |
| end stage alzheimers | 3/8/2005 |
| Q: My dad is almost 71 and appears to be in the end stage of alzheimers. He has just been sent home ... A: it does, and family members ask themselves how much longer can this go on. I've been there/done ... | |
| Sundowning | 2/9/2005 |
| Q: My grandmother has just been diagnosed with "early stage" Alzheimer's by her internal medicine ... A: We share the same name, but I'm a Mary-Elizabeth. Sundowning and hallucinations are NOT early ... | |
| Can you help? | 1/3/2005 |
| Q: My mother is suffering from mid-stage Alzheimer's Disease. We are currently taking care of her at ... A: Pam, Here are some web pages to get you started. However, as you know, the rules are very ... | |
| alzheimer's end of life care | 12/29/2004 |
| Q: Mary, I am responsible for an aunt with alzheimer's. This is the end of the 10th year of nursing ... A: My heart breaks for you - I've been there/done that - my mother-in-law died from end stage ... | |
| Where can I find.... | 12/27/2004 |
| Q: My two sisters and I are currently taking care of my mom who is 78 and was diagnosed with Vascular ... A: Regional Alzheimer’s Associations Florida Gulf Coast Chapter http://www.alz-tbc.org/ 9365 ... | |
| Signs and symtoms of Alz.. | 12/21/2004 |
| Q: I am in my mid thirties and living with my grandfather while I go to college. He and I have noticed ... A: If the alarm bells are going off in your gut, I'd listen to them. The early stages of progressive ... | |
| Stage 6 | 12/20/2004 |
| Q: My southern gentleman father is 90 and has been officially diagnosed at modeart AD for three years. ... A: Below my signature, I've pasted Dr. Reisberg scale of seven stages of Alzheimers, which I know ... | |
| disease | 12/11/2004 |
| Q: I know someone who for the past years (I think) has developed a "habit" of verbal irregularities and ... A: Al, there are a number of things that can affect concentration, word finding ability, memory etc. ... | |
| Alzheimer's | 11/26/2004 |
| Q: A friend of mine (he REALLY is a friend, not me) is a writer who is 66 years old and a writer. He ... A: Steve, I think you know the answer already. If your friend is concerned that he is experiencing ... | |
| mother | 11/26/2004 |
| Q: My mother seems to be forgetting things that she was so sharp in memory on before. I have noticed ... A: memory loss and confusion in the elderly is never a normal part of aging. It is always caused by ... | |
| Alzheimer's info | 11/26/2004 |
| Q: What are the latest trends and technologies for the treatment of alzhemiers and the future status of ... A: Here is a link to the latest in Alzheimer's news and other information: ... | |
| Stem cell research | 11/19/2004 |
| Q: I'm here to ask you what your thoughts are on the subject of stem cell research. This is a very ... A: I'm a Canadian, and like many people in countries other than the US, I confess to finding some of ... | |
| Memory Test | 11/2/2004 |
| Q: I'm a high school student doing a research project on the effect of food on cognition and I'm trying ... A: The most commonly used one is called the Folstein Mini-Mental Status Exam (it gets referred to as ... | |
| constant eating | 10/28/2004 |
| Q: Number one Iam sorry for your loss. My question is my 80 year old mom lives with me now and she is ... A: Nancy Sometimes a person with dementia may eat far more food than they require. This is due to ... | |
| mother | 10/27/2004 |
| Q: My mother has had several small strokes which have left her in a condition similar to that of ... A: Robert, I'd like to suggest you purchase and read a book called The 36 Hour Day by Mace and Rabin, ... | |
| my aunt | 10/22/2004 |
| Q: She still has not been diagnosed as she refuses to be tested by any dr. One month ago she fell and ... A: Yes, any kind of illness or injury will really set back someone with a progressive dementia like ... | |
| TREATING DAD | 10/15/2004 |
| Q: MY DAD IS IN LATE STAGES OF ALZHEIMERS AND NOW SEEMS TO BE GETTING UTI'S MORE FREQUENTLY...WAS JUST ... A: My heart breaks for you - I've been there/done that - my mother-in-law died from Alzheimers - not ... | |
| My Dads problems | 9/28/2004 |
| Q: Mary, My dad has the disease and as of now my Mom is caring for him at home. They live in a guest ... A: I know it may look like your dad is being stubborn, but whats happening is something that happens to ... | |
| End Stage | 9/22/2004 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with early onset dementia about 5 years ago. Since that time she has had a ... A: I wish there was a good answer for you. I know what you are going through - just when you think it ... | |
| alzheimer's & financial advice | 9/21/2004 |
| Q: my stepfather, who is 81, was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. My mother, who is 71, is ... A: Here are some places to start: http://www.elderlawfirm.com/index-2.html - scroll down to the ... | |
| what to do? | 9/7/2004 |
| Q: We are wondering if it is time to put our parents in a home now. They are truly lost, cannot dress ... A: You've asked a tough question. I've pasted an outline of the most widely used stages of Alzheimer's ... | |
| financial advice | 8/4/2004 |
| Q: My mother-in-law has had alzheimer's for a year. We have hired sitters around the clock for this ... A: Here are some web pages to explore with lots of good information and links, contact numbers etc. ... | |
| financial advice | 8/2/2004 |
| Q: My mother-in-law has had alzheimer's for a year. We have hired sitters around the clock for this ... A: You don't mention what country you are in, or what stage of the illness she's in. Below my signature ... | |
| End stage | 7/31/2004 |
| Q: My 64 year old husband is now in the end stage of Alzheimer's Disease. He is in a local nursing home ... A: I truly feel for you - this is such a hard, hard thing to experience. I know when my mother in law ... | |
| MOM HAS ALZHEIMERS | 7/16/2004 |
| Q: Mom has constant diarrhoea - is this part of this dreadful disease?I also need guidance on what she ... A: You don't mention what medications she's on. The most common drugs given for Alzheimers are ... | |
| Driving | 6/19/2004 |
| Q: My 84 year old mother in law lives next door to us, alone and at this point without a companion, yet ... A: This is going to be long - I'll ramble on, and hopefully, you will take from what I say the useful ... | |
| interfering relatives | 6/4/2004 |
| Q: Your last response was so helpful, my whole family really appreciated it, so here I am again... To ... A: If they are suspicious and worried now, then shutting them out completely is going to make them more ... | |
| Taking Dad out for outings | 5/27/2004 |
| Q: My dad has been in a nursing home for just about 2 months. Before that he lived at home, but was ... A: Becky, I really feel for you - it is so hard to be doing your best for someone you love and not be ... | |
| end stage alzheimers | 5/24/2004 |
| Q: My father,88,is in end stage alzheimers. He is in a nursing care facility. My mother is still ... A: Alzheimer's is such a nightmare of a disease - and having been in your shoes, I really feel for you ... | |
| alzheimers and nutrition | 5/23/2004 |
| Q: I am looking for a diet that perhaps could keep AD from getting worse. What are the connections ... A: Last bit, hope this works High potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement. Omega 3 Fatty ... | |
| end stage alzheimers | 5/23/2004 |
| Q: My father,88,is in end stage alzheimers. He is in a nursing care facility. My mother is still ... A: I know what a painful time this is for you. This could go on for weeks, or months or years - which ... | |
| family members and alzheimer's disease | 4/20/2004 |
| Q: Should family memebers be allowed to terminate medical care for Alzheimer's disease? Why or why not? A: You don't give the back story for your wondering about this issue so I'll tell you my experience, ... | |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 3/27/2004 |
| Q: what is the tests for Alzheimer's Disease? A: almost never done, for obvious reasons. Since a brain biopsy is too invasive and risky, Alzheimers ... | |
| caring for someone with AD | 3/6/2004 |
| Q: I am writing a paper on this subject for a class. can you tell me what are the down falls of caring ... A: I don't think I CAN steer you one way or another, since the answer is "it depends". Its not black ... | |
| my aunt | 2/5/2004 |
| Q: My family believes my aunt who is 83 and lives with my father and mother has some form of demintia. ... A: What you are describing could be Alzheimer's or it could be a lot of other things. Alzheimer's is ... | |
| prior alzheimers information | 1/27/2004 |
| Q: dear Mary, The "allexperts" website was such a wonderful blessing and continues to be so: I emailed ... A: I know what a devastating thing Alzheimers must have been for your family, as it was for mine. I had ... | |
| Alzhiemers vs. mental disorders | 1/22/2004 |
| Q: my husband and I are seperated becasue he can't understand he needs help. He is 54. I saw the show ... A: Stephanie What you are describing could be the early stages of Alzheimer's or it could be a lot of ... | |
| Alzheimer's Evaluation Scale | 1/18/2004 |
| Q: My best friend was diagnosed with AD three years ago and I'm now seeing a major decline in her ... A: There are a number of scoring systems used for evaluation of cognitive abilities, but the most ... | |
| mom with Alzheimers | 10/14/2003 |
| Q: I read some of your posts on the About site, and thought you might be the best person to ask about ... A: This is going to be looong, so hang in there and bear with me. I've been thinking about you all day ... | |
Alzheimer`s Disease
Answers by Expert:
Mary Gordon
Top Expert on this page
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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