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Old 09-09-2016, 07:48 PM   #21
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as others have said get everything else ruled out first. Having said that a good friend of mine got it at 48 but everyone thought it was chemo brain due to all the surgeries/chemos she survived. At age 62 we took her to a neurologist and she had dementia. He said that what I described to him from years before were early onset even though know one in her family ever had it. I really hope for both your sake that something else is wrong. A year ago I had to put her in a care home as her husband was dying from cancer. Other illnesses do mimic dementia so find a good specialist.
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Old 09-10-2016, 08:00 PM   #22
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Thanks for all of the support and positive comments. She is in the end phases of menopause, and that caused some personality changes. I will talk to the Dr. about it to see if it is a potential cause. The mental illness runs in her family (father, his sister, mother's sister, and her sister), so she is likely to have the genes for it. (It runs in my family as well, so my kids are screwed genetically speaking.) I will talk to the Dr. to see if there are other possibilities, and if the diagnosis is early onset dementia, I will try to get a second opinion.


I also wonder how our LTC plan will consider her health - she is having trouble picking out clothes to wear (Shirt? Underwear? does it need to be clean?) and she doesn't eat unless I tell her it is time to eat. The plan has unlimited benefits after 90 days (an old plan that is fully paid up), so I wonder if I should start that planning as well.


Counseling for me is the next step. I am lucky to have several friends to help me and a strong family (3 sisters who will be there fore me), so I have that working for me.


Again thanks for all the advice.
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Old 09-12-2016, 04:54 PM   #23
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The clothes thing and not eating unless told to all sound so familiar. While some people live a long time with dementia I have seen fairly young people die within a year or two. Regardless I would join a support group and I am glad you have good family support. Some good homes have a few years waiting list so it might be good to look at that too. I have seen people try to keep their families member home but eventually it just becomes too much. People with this disorder (if that is what it is) are often up all night and sleep all day, etc. Explore all your options and I am sending lots of light and positive thoughts.
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Old 09-12-2016, 06:38 PM   #24
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I'm right there with you brother. My wife's' mind and personality were both robbed by excessive chemotherapy as "treatment" for her ovarian cancer 6 years ago, it's been six years of pure hell. I wouldn't wish this situation on my worst enemy. She is only 50...
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Old 09-13-2016, 03:08 AM   #25
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That is why my good friend got early onset dementia at 48. She had stage 4 ovarian cancer about 6 times which meant 6 rounds of chemo and 7 surgeries. So while they saved her body now her mind is gone. However, she had a lot of good years that while she could not work she enjoyed her life until about age 60. Her DH died of cancer last year and I am her guardian. Her cancer has returned and I am not treating. It is such a sad situation.
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Old 09-13-2016, 04:22 AM   #26
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Yeah, good luck Taxman! Sounds very difficult. The picking out clothes and eating issues sound familiar as well with MIL.

One of the more useful items we discovered when MIL was interviewed by 8 member panel of medical professionals was a fairly simple test. Here are some tests you can do yourself

Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's and Dementia (5 Best Tests) | Alzheimer's Reading Room

Good luck!
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Old 09-13-2016, 07:47 AM   #27
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That's a useful quiz, but giving it to someone already on mind altering medication is counterproductive and not really helpful.
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Old 09-13-2016, 09:16 AM   #28
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That's a useful quiz, but giving it to someone already on mind altering medication is counterproductive and not really helpful.
+1
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Old 09-13-2016, 09:24 AM   #29
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First rule: Care for the caregiver. Join a support group, see a social worker, whatever you are comfortable with. If you aren't on solid ground, you can't help her.

I watched my father deal with this when my mom was diagnosed. It was a rough couple of years for us all. He wouldn't do anything for himself, and it took a terrible toll.

My husband has permanent chemo fog, and while it isn't Alzheimer's, it is still frustrating and very scary at times. Problem is, he doesn't realize he has it as badly as he does. This is my fate, until it isn't anymore.

I'll keep you in my prayers.
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Old 09-13-2016, 09:24 AM   #30
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+1 And for someone who may already have some sort of brain injury that may not result in dementia, it's not useful.


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Old 09-13-2016, 09:39 AM   #31
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First rule: Care for the caregiver. Join a support group, see a social worker, whatever you are comfortable with. If you aren't on solid ground, you can't help her.

I'll keep you in my prayers.
^This.

Do rule out other things, but you also have to take care of yourself. Don't become a prisoner.

My mom has Alzheimer's. Symptoms were probably there in mid-50s, but didn't want to face it. A good friend of theirs had succumbed to it. So treatment wasn't started right away. They also didn't tell their children (us), for a number of years. My dad tried to care for her at home, but as others have noted, really did that for far too long. And some really dangerous situations were narrowly avoided; one involving a knife.

She is now in a full-time memory unit. Thankfully, a decent LTC policy was purchased. Her body is actually quite physically healthy, but the mind is not there. Although, I'm not sure being physically healthy is a blessing. Thankfully, she still recognizes him, but really doesn't recognize any of us any longer.

My dad is finally doing things that he enjoys and trying to have a life, too. He may even take trip this year.

I am so sorry you are facing these things. Praying it is not dementia, but glad you are seeking proper diagnosis and treatments.

cd
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Old 09-13-2016, 10:21 AM   #32
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Just got an email from the counselor. In response to my direct question "is it early onset dementia?", she responded that I shouldn't go there. I think they aren't sure if it is depression or dementia. Either way, I will be seeing a counselor of my own for support, and will continue to keep a positive attitude and enjoy the good days and remember them on the bad ones. I will get my will etc taken care of (again) so that the burdens don't fall on DW.

She is scheduled for jury duty next week (I found out about it yesterday at the counselor session). I had to chuckle (I know it wouldn't be funny on any level for participants), but the thought of her in the jury room trying to make a decision on the guilt or innocence of a person when she can't make a decision on what to wear and the effect on the other jurors😳! The Dr. is writing a note to get her out of it, so no problem.

Thanks again for the advice and support.


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Old 09-22-2016, 10:28 AM   #33
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It has been 2 1/2 weeks since her release, and the good news is that the meds she is on are working! She is coming back to the woman I married. I am concerned that she is feeling better and thinks she can stop the meds. The counsellor told her that she can't adjust the meds on her own. Since I dispense the meds 2 x times per day, I know she is taking them. I am keeping a positive attitude, and we are getting out on spontaneous day trips to keep us both on our toes.


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Old 09-22-2016, 11:09 AM   #34
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Thanks for the update. I am so glad she is getting better.


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Old 09-22-2016, 12:23 PM   #35
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Glad to hear her improvement. The right meds can make all the difference.
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Old 09-22-2016, 12:41 PM   #36
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So glad to hear the good news.
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Old 09-22-2016, 12:44 PM   #37
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That's good news, nice that you can enjoy being together and having fun.
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Old 09-22-2016, 01:10 PM   #38
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That's good news, nice that you can enjoy being together and having fun.
+1 So glad to hear this!
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Old 09-22-2016, 01:26 PM   #39
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Early onset dementia

Great news that your old DW is coming back!! You must be so relieved.


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Old 09-22-2016, 01:40 PM   #40
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This is amazing and wonderful news!
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