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About 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!
   

You are here:  Experts > People/Relationships > Senior Health > Alzheimer`s Disease

Questions Answered By Expert  Mary Gordon 
In Category  Alzheimer`s Disease

SubjectDate Asked

pneumonia11/20/2009
  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 woman11/19/2009
  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 state11/18/2009
  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 ...
Seizures11/17/2009
  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 home11/17/2009
  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's11/12/2009
  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 disease11/11/2009
  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 Life11/10/2009
  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 ...
dementia11/7/2009
  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 ...
dementia11/6/2009
  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 CRYING11/6/2009
  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 ...
dementia11/5/2009
  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's11/2/2009
  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 down11/1/2009
  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 ...
agitation10/26/2009
  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 ...
Weightloss10/25/2009
  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 ...
Weightloss10/24/2009
  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 ...
Diagnosis10/20/2009
  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 AD10/17/2009
  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 sleeping10/16/2009
  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 - ...
alzheimer10/15/2009
  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 ...
digestion10/12/2009
  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 rages10/9/2009
  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 710/5/2009
  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 Dementia10/4/2009
  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 old9/28/2009
  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 subjects9/24/2009
  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 ...
Timing9/23/2009
  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's9/22/2009
  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's9/22/2009
  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 alzheimers9/21/2009
  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 MRI9/18/2009
  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 dad9/18/2009
  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's9/17/2009
  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 dad9/14/2009
  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 Alzheimers9/14/2009
  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 diagnosis9/9/2009
  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 ...
mom9/7/2009
  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 fah9/6/2009
  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 fah9/3/2009
  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 diabetes9/1/2009
  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 ...
paranoia8/26/2009
  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 grandma8/24/2009
  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 alzheimers8/24/2009
  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 Aging8/19/2009
  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 Syndrome8/18/2009
  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 diagnosis8/8/2009
  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 diagnosis8/8/2009
  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 ...
Dementia8/5/2009
  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 meds8/1/2009
  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 behavior7/26/2009
  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 ...
Age7/23/2009
  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 77/9/2009
  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 friends6/23/2009
  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. ...
mother6/16/2009
  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 Disease6/14/2009
  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 76/10/2009
  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 ...
mom6/6/2009
  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 ...
Alzheimers5/28/2009
  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 ...
mom5/17/2009
  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 ...
mom5/16/2009
  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 behavior5/7/2009
  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 Dementia5/5/2009
  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 ...
AD4/26/2009
  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. ...
Dementia4/20/2009
  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 ...
Dementia4/19/2009
  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/alzheimers4/17/2009
  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 DISEASE4/15/2009
  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 Services4/15/2009
  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 stage4/11/2009
  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 Scale4/5/2009
  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 Scale4/4/2009
  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/anger4/1/2009
  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 Alzheimers3/26/2009
  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 living3/15/2009
  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 strokes3/11/2009
  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 ...
Feet3/9/2009
  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 anymore3/8/2009
  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 AD3/3/2009
  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 living3/1/2009
  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 Dementia2/28/2009
  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 ...
Parents2/23/2009
  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 dementia2/17/2009
  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 caregiver2/11/2009
  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 disease2/10/2009
  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 Mom2/9/2009
  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 facility1/25/2009
  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 ...
mom1/20/2009
  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 Patient1/19/2009
  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's1/17/2009
  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's1/17/2009
  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 Patient1/16/2009
  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's1/13/2009
  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 On1/12/2009
  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's1/12/2009
  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 hygeine1/10/2009
  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 dementia1/7/2009
  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 dementia1/5/2009
  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 tests1/5/2009
  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 Question1/4/2009
  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 ...
prognosis1/4/2009
  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 ...
Alzheimers12/20/2008
  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 habits12/12/2008
  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's12/4/2008
  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 hands12/4/2008
  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 ...
dementia12/2/2008
  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/depakote12/1/2008
  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/depakote11/30/2008
  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 Mum11/24/2008
  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's11/14/2008
  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’s11/14/2008
  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 dementia11/12/2008
  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 lot11/9/2008
  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 death11/9/2008
  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 death11/9/2008
  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 pts11/8/2008
  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 driving10/28/2008
  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 Alzheimers10/27/2008
  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 Alzheimers10/26/2008
  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 - ...
ALTZHEIMERS10/25/2008
  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's10/23/2008
  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 AD10/22/2008
  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 ...
dementia10/14/2008
  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 ...
mom10/9/2008
  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 Alzeimhers10/8/2008
  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 ...
mom10/4/2008
  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 living10/1/2008
  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 Demntia9/27/2008
  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 answers9/26/2008
  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 essay9/25/2008
  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 do9/22/2008
  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 ...
mom9/20/2008
  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 symptoms9/20/2008
  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 ...
dad9/16/2008
  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 ...
stages9/15/2008
  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 email9/14/2008
  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 AD9/13/2008
  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 / Paranoia9/8/2008
  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 ...
incontinence8/31/2008
  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 it8/27/2008
  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 nutrition7/31/2008
  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 care7/29/2008
  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 ...
dimentia7/23/2008
  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 Issues7/17/2008
  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's7/15/2008
  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's7/8/2008
  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 neck7/2/2008
  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 ...
Dad6/25/2008
  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 anesthesia6/18/2008
  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 mother6/3/2008
  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 ...
alzheimers5/28/2008
  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-Law5/25/2008
  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 next5/13/2008
  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 AD5/11/2008
  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 ...
mom5/2/2008
  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 ...
alzheimers5/2/2008
  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 ...
mom5/2/2008
  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 alzheimers5/2/2008
  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 alzheimers5/2/2008
  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 recall5/1/2008
  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 Alzheimers4/28/2008
  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 stage4/27/2008
  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 Care4/27/2008
  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, ...
Depakote4/19/2008
  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 ...
Depakote4/18/2008
  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 mom4/17/2008
  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 stage4/14/2008
  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 ...
mom4/11/2008
  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 ...
mom4/5/2008
  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 74/4/2008
  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/fluid4/2/2008
  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 Stage4/1/2008
  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 ...
Sleeping3/31/2008
  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 63/18/2008
  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 father3/7/2008
  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 home2/29/2008
  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 Alzheimers2/22/2008
  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 working2/18/2008
  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 ...
Mom2/9/2008
  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 Adivan2/8/2008
  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 ...
mom2/7/2008
  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 Disease2/5/2008
  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 Disease2/5/2008
  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 Hospice2/4/2008
  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 Hospice2/3/2008
  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 home2/2/2008
  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. ...
Mom1/31/2008
  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 - ...
mom1/27/2008
  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's1/25/2008
  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 Alzheimers1/23/2008
  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 away1/17/2008
  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 saliva1/5/2008
  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 ...
mom1/4/2008
  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 patient12/25/2007
  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 Dementia12/24/2007
  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 ...
MOM12/11/2007
  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 ...
MOM12/9/2007
  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 ...
mom12/7/2007
  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 & sleeping11/16/2007
  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 ...
mom10/27/2007
  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 ...
mom10/27/2007
  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. ...
MOM10/26/2007
  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 alzheimers10/25/2007
  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 ...
MOM10/23/2007
  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 Mother10/18/2007
  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 ...
mom10/13/2007
  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 maker10/12/2007
  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 ...
mom10/9/2007
  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 28/23/2007
  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 28/22/2007
  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's8/21/2007
  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 protocol7/25/2007
  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 ...
Dementia7/21/2007
  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 Dimentia7/20/2007
  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 ...
Dementia7/20/2007
  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 steps7/13/2007
  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 steps7/11/2007
  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 know6/14/2007
  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 altzheimers6/12/2007
  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 ...
Gram6/6/2007
  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 805/31/2007
  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 ...
alzehmers5/25/2007
  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 ...
dad5/21/2007
  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 Playing5/18/2007
  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 Ad5/17/2007
  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 Ad5/16/2007
  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 ...
alzheimers5/15/2007
  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 AD4/28/2007
  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 WWII4/19/2007
  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 Mother4/11/2007
  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 Demintia4/10/2007
  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's4/1/2007
  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 Alzheimers3/27/2007
  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 Alzheimers1/11/2007
  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 AD1/6/2007
  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 living1/5/2007
  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 results1/5/2007
  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 alzheimers12/28/2006
  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 Reversel12/16/2006
  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 concerns12/1/2006
  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 concerns11/28/2006
  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 Mother11/15/2006
  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 Mother11/6/2006
  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 NPH10/24/2006
  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-onset10/23/2006
  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 Dementia10/22/2006
  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 Drugs10/21/2006
  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 ...
alzheimers10/16/2006
  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. ...
hallucinations10/12/2006
  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 dad10/10/2006
  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 ...
Sundowners9/29/2006
  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 dementia9/28/2006
  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 cause9/27/2006
  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 living9/26/2006
  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 cause9/25/2006
  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 ...
Godsend9/10/2006
  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 disease9/2/2006
  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 answers8/29/2006
  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's8/26/2006
  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 & reality8/25/2006
  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 pain8/10/2006
  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 grandmother8/2/2006
  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's7/22/2006
  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 problems7/9/2006
  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 Treatment6/9/2006
  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 brain5/26/2006
  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 s5/23/2006
  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 Life5/11/2006
  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 drink5/9/2006
  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 ...
Intrest5/8/2006
  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 Disease4/26/2006
  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 ...
mother4/19/2006
  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 ...
help4/8/2006
  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 vacations4/4/2006
  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 sleepiness3/26/2006
  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 medication3/10/2006
  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 ...
SALMONELLA3/6/2006
  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 ...
Salmonella3/6/2006
  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 grieving2/27/2006
  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 alzheimers1/7/2006
  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 dilemma1/5/2006
  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 Alzheimers1/2/2006
  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 Alzheimers1/1/2006
  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. Alzheimers12/31/2005
  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 bones12/30/2005
  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 often12/11/2005
  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's12/9/2005
  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 Hydrocephalus12/3/2005
  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 ...
Compensation11/10/2005
  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 Stage10/27/2005
  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 test10/21/2005
  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 ...
Dementia9/29/2005
  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's9/28/2005
  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 alzheimers9/20/2005
  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 alzheimers9/19/2005
  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 Alzheimers9/8/2005
  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 supplements7/19/2005
  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 Problem6/26/2005
  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 ...
Screening6/3/2005
  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 Alzheimers4/12/2005
  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 stubborness4/5/2005
  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 Disease3/11/2005
  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 alzheimers3/8/2005
  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 ...
Sundowning2/9/2005
  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 care12/29/2004
  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 612/20/2004
  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 ...
disease12/11/2004
  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's11/26/2004
  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 ...
mother11/26/2004
  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 info11/26/2004
  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 research11/19/2004
  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 Test11/2/2004
  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 eating10/28/2004
  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 ...
mother10/27/2004
  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 aunt10/22/2004
  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 DAD10/15/2004
  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 problems9/28/2004
  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 Stage9/22/2004
  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 advice9/21/2004
  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 advice8/4/2004
  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 advice8/2/2004
  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 stage7/31/2004
  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 ALZHEIMERS7/16/2004
  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 ...
Driving6/19/2004
  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 relatives6/4/2004
  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 outings5/27/2004
  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 alzheimers5/24/2004
  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 nutrition5/23/2004
  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 alzheimers5/23/2004
  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 disease4/20/2004
  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 Disease3/27/2004
  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 AD3/6/2004
  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 aunt2/5/2004
  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 information1/27/2004
  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 disorders1/22/2004
  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 Scale1/18/2004
  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 Alzheimers10/14/2003
  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 ...

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