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I am so sorry. I cannot give you any advice except to pray. Pray that your disease will pause and not get any worse. I use a lot of word games and I keep active on the Internet and Text with my children. Take time to read. Read a lot. Keep your brain going.... I wish they would find a cure to such a sad disease. I PRAY you keep working and it never gets worse.
Here is another article that I hope brings some hope: alzheimersnewstoday.com/2016/04/22/study-alzheimers-patients-finds-low-frequency-sound-stimulation-improves-cognition Albeit, having an MRI is great to find out how the brain is changing over time, there have been studies that show people with similar brain composition, and they do not have any form of dementia. So to me it is very confusing, but choosing to do something to improve your memory, body fat levels, etc. is definitely better in the long run anyway. Happy New Year. May motivation lead to a healthier brain.
Thank you socoguy for reaching out and asking the question. My mother has Alz. And I am a bit fearful that I may get it someday, too. So, I am very glad many posters have shared a lot of good information and advice here.
I agree with the person who said it is different for everyone. Also for the one that suggested getting affairs in order. Also for the one who said eat right, exercise, socialize, get enough sleep. Also for the one that said travel or do things now. Also for the one that said get into organized habits. But I would recommend that for anyone, as the person who said none of us are promised tomorrow. There are some very promising drugs/treatments in the pipeline for people with mild dementia. My father is the poster child for healthy living most of his life (sleep, good nutrition (all the anti-oxidents), exercise) and yet he has Alzheimers. I think he has had it for over 10 years. It's the unknown that we fear. Line up your support system and they will be there for you if/when you need help. You are still in charge of your own life.
One of the most important things is to be with an excellent doctor that specializes in this condition. They can help you and for now your anxiety is the issue. I have been through this with my mom.
Hi, in fine fashion, I did not send you the link to my earlier post, I found this to be the most economic way to get sound therapy, if you cannot get into a study, I hear MIT are holding some, google away and see if you can find one. If not, go for this and be open to it as it takes time to take effect, about a few weeks and I am still using them as time goes on. I wish you the best, and good luck and if it is early, it would be nice if it is just like what I have had all of my life, which affects my short term memory especially when I am stressed. So, keep the calm and get the fresh air and exercise as mentioned in my earlier post too. Gamma brainwaves are the ones that they are testing in the hospital I know of, and the theta and alpha brainwaves studies, are good but in my opinion not as good as the Gammas. Go for the gamma! Good luck ... cut and paste this link: soundstrue.com/store/gamma-meditation-system-2-0-814.html?___SID=U
HI socoguy! Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I think the best advise I can give is to realize this is a journey unlike any you have ever taken and those around you should be told immediately. Along with that the advice to get your affairs in order and get the legal stuff done is also sage advice. I wish I had done so sooner with my parents. As to what you wish done with your home or advisement of when to place in a residential facility that is not done in your will nor in your living will. You can make a declaration through your attorney and YES YOU SHOULD hire an attorney to handle these things! Keep a copy of ALL DOCUMENTS in a fire proof lock box, list all accounts, insurance policies, and if you have a safe deposit box where it is located with a key. If you have someone you implicitly trust with your finances get them added to your primary accounts. Set up bill pay online through your bank and have a email account set up for bills to be sent to. This eliminates the pile of mail. Have that trusted person check this weekly with you to ensure you still understand how to check your bills and pay them. This was the first thing that went unnoticed with my mother. She said she had paid bills but I found them unopened and stacked in the linen closet, kitchen cabinets etc. These two things are so vital and having those things known and addressed early on will lessen the anxiety--(while it can still be changed should that trusted person be found out not to be so trustworthy!!) I would also start a "health savings" account for the day when you will have to be placed in long term care, or if you set it up well ahead of time move into an assisted living place and have an automatic deduction from your account to pay for it (no rent/mortgage to deal with. You can then "downsize" your belongings and give them to those who you wish to have them before the fighting and stupidity of family members kicks in. Mom also had that safe deposit box with cash in it for a number of years to pay for unexpected expenses, and there is still some cash left in there should the furnace need replacement or heating oil or whatever. Its also a good idea to keep some cash in that fireproof box. Install safety locks on your appliances ...if you can't figure out how to unlock them you won't use them incorrectly or dangerously. The truth is the more you do now to prepare financially and legally, getting people you know, love and trust involved early on and letting them know that you want them to continue being around you even more is important. Stay active as long as you can, go to the senior center/adult day care when you get more advanced and keep that mind active and social. I like the list idea and encourage you to get a whiteboard or large calendar for the wall you can write on every day. Put signs on the doors/doorways of the house (bathroom, laundry, living room, kitchen) these sound silly but they will reinforce the use of the space as your memory starts to fade. Best wishes and I truly hope before you get to the point where any of this is needed they will have the cure.
Hi, in fine fashion, I did not send you the link to my earlier post, I found this to be the most economic way to get sound therapy, if you cannot get into a study, I hear MIT are holding some, google away and see if you can find one. If not, go for this and be open to it as it takes time to take effect, about a few weeks and I am still using them as time goes on. I wish you the best, and good luck and if it is early, it would be nice if it is just like what I have had all of my life, which affects my short term memory especially when I am stressed. So, keep the calm and get the fresh air and exercise as mentioned in my earlier post too. Gamma brainwaves are the ones that they are testing in the hospital I know of, and the theta and alpha brainwaves studies, are good but in my opinion not as good as the Gammas. Go for the gamma! Good luck ... soundstrue.com/store/gamma-meditation-system-2-0-814
Hello, so glad to hear that you are reaching out. I do not have this diagnosis myself, my father does but I did go get tested at a hospital and it turns out I have a learning problem that affects my memory (I had it all of my life, but now it is getting worse due to hormonal changes). I was made to take a 12 week course in meditation to help me to focus and remember at the hospital I was tested at. I am now treating myself with meditation and with the use of sound therapy. There are plenty of studies on sound therapy but you have to learn and figure out how to find and read them and I believe in them as even a hospital here in my city is starting to use this kind of therapy. Here is a link and the product you need to listen to on a CD with headphones every day for a the duration (maybe an hour or less) I listen to it when I am walking, or cleaning up. It increases the ability to recall things and keep things in mind. Also, I joined a local meditation congregation with a Buddhist group, through a local University, which costs only a donation once a week, so I give what I can. It teaches you to meditate so that the mind can be clear of bad thoughts and your breath feeds your brain the oxygen that also helps you to think. It might sound like too much but it is not that bad. I actually like it now and I find that I am not as nervous, upset, or even reactive to stress as I once was. Some of the anxiety may be due to stress and some of the forgetfulness might also be due to stress. My father is not in a home and my mother is the primary caregiver who refuses to put him in a home because of our culture. However, having us kids living near (my sister is near by and me too) to run in and keep on eye to make sure that they are both okay, helping with housework, and laundry, and groceries in the dead of winter is stressful at times as you also want your own life and downtime. I think that exercise is the most crucial and then the sound therapy and meditation, if you are hyper and do not like sitting still, try focused breathing as you walk and learn via YouTube meditation videos prior to going out so you can practice that method as you walk, adapting both the movement and breathe. Keep us posted if you decide to try the sound therapy daily for a month and see an improvement. Or if you have an news.
Tell your doctor about your anxiety and get Lorazapam or alprazolam. I hope I spelled those right. I have two daughters that are pharmacists and these are what they recommend.
Latest research say fat is what your brain needs, after many years of brains being starved of essential fats, dementia rates are increasing. Dr Pearlmutter has a website on fats and dementia as well as grain brain. Good luck.
I'm not a doctor, so I can tell you only my experience. I have reduced my consumption of sugars, grains, legumes, and very starchy vegetables (e.g. potatoes, corn) and increased my consumption of fatty fish, coconuts and avocados, including coconut and avocado oils (not olive oil because almost all are fake). The brain is roughly 70% fat. It needs healthy fats to protect and nourish it. Healthy fats also protect and nourish the nerves. Consuming healthy fats has been shown to help with both Alzheimer's and anxiety. And don't be scared of gaining weight. Unlike sugar, fat is very filling. I'm 5'7" and 118 pounds.
All the advice on here is good. The only thing I would add is that the Alzheimer's drugs made my husband so much worse. When I took him off of all toxic drugs and replaced them with nutritional supplements (5HTP, ashwaganda, and CBD oil, his cognition and Parkinson's tremors improved tremendously. I also have him on all organic MIND diet. It may not work for others but has been tremendous for him.
No advice about anxiety, but a life-style piece of advice: Do all you can as long as you can. Seeing the Grand Canyon still on your bucket list? Do it now! Never toured the brewery on the other side of town? How about next week? This may not be a good time to take up sky-diving, but a hot air balloon ride might not be out of the question!
If you've wanted to do it and are still able to do to, what are you waiting for?
I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. As others have said a healthy diet, exercise, social interaction and medications prescribed by your doctor. Be sure that you have your paperwork in place including power of attorney, wills/trusts pet guardianship if you have a pet. And one of the most important things is to join a support group so you can express your anxiety and feelings with others, they'll be there to support you and you them.
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. As someone said stay active eat healthy exercise and join an Alzheimers support group. Not only can they be a wealth of information but can be there to support you through the process
Excellent advice here, especially the planning suggestions. Life is precious; live it to the fullest. Take the best possible care of your health. Share your condition with others and seek their support. This life is a mere blip in eternity. Hand it over to a Higher Power.
Dear Socoguy, For immediate relief of anxiety, try sitting, eyes closed and do some deep breathing. Deep breathing at least 5 times per day will help to bring the anxiety down.
Exercise. This means walking or simple arm and leg exercises or dancing or anything you like to do that is movement. It does not need to be aggressive.
Talk with friends and develop a support system. Talk about your fears with trusted people and stay away from those who are negative. Try to be around positive and happy people as their attitudes will rub off on you and distract you from your anxiety.
Music. Listen to music that lifts your spirit. Sing along if you can.
If the anxiety becomes too much, your doctor can prescribe a mild anti anxiety medication as well however you should consider this above suggestions regardless. Best of luck to you!
I would join a support group. I attended one for my mother when she was first diagnosed with Alzheimers and it was extremely valuable hearing from others.
All good suggestions above; so please educate yourself. Second, and just as important -- is don't feel shame or try to hide your diagnosis -- especially with family. Be honest with yourself and family and tell them up front. Make plans -- then make a plan B, C, D...So many things can change --so be open to adjustments or modifications to your plan. AND SHARE THOSE DESIRES, WISHES, PLANS with your family.
Other: Don't make living with your children or having children care for you one of your plans! Even when they want to...no one can be prepared for the harshness of dementia and ALZ and the all-encompassing time and skills that takes. So tell your children - No Thanks. Plan A - "I will be open to in-home help a few hours a week as my disease progresses" Plan B - I'd like to move into AL with skilled care Plan C - Memory care (near my home?, near my children?, where I can afford that might not be near my children? Plan D - Skilled care (NH) when I need it
And please research the costs for each of your plans - in home care can be $15-20/hr; if you need 24 hr care that may be too expensive including upkeep of your home, cleaning, lawncare, etc. Memory care vs. NH - consider longterm costs. Do you currently have Long Term Care Insurance? Have frank discussions with your dr. Ask one or more of your friends and children to help keep track of their observations of your memory/behavior/daily skills -- and give them permission to go with you and discuss their observations with your dr along the way. This will help you get the most from your dr visits. PS - a spouse may not always be as helpful with this because they may be too close to you and tell you/dr what you want to hear vs being very objective.
Preparing will relieve you of alot of your anxiety. And live each day to the fullest -- stay active, stay social, avoid isolating yourself from others. Don't think everytime you forget a word, forget an event -- means your ALZ is worsening. Its normal for everyone. You have the diagnosis -- now fight to enjoy each moment when you are lucid.
My mom has dementia, 95. I found 10 years ago she started to deteriorate in small ways. She would repeat herself yes; but she still has many memories and is content and happy to remember those she can. For her it went like this: she couldn't remember what you told her last week; then yesterday; then 10 min ago -- she had vivid memories of what/who 20 years ago; then she forgot that and now she remembers people/places/events from her youth and childhood -- but she can't remember my children (she knows me, I'm her daughter) -- but I don't mourn her loss -- we have great time together and we look at old pictures and she describes what is happening in the pictures (when she was dating my dad; her brothers and sisters (dead but she doesn't remember they died -- she sees them how they were). So don't be afraid; good news is you will make old memories your new memories.
After witnessing this with my mom; i think it is less frightening and we are spending some nice quality time together and living in the moment -- whatever moment that is.
Socoguy, That is a tough diagnosis. As we age, we are changing. I feel like I need to get some living arrangement near the doctors. It is terrible how many times I have to go to Dr, to finally be told. We don't know for sure BUT. I am so sorry for you possible diagnosis. With my family, I realize that if I am not bleeding, do not have a case or walk with a cane, the kids think I am only 35. I will be 76 in April 2018. The hard part about getting help from the family is that they want to ignore your illness and are sure if they do, it will go away. I keep busy on the computer, art work, walking etc. Sometimes the medication makes you so sick that you feel like giving up.. But, then the meds kick in and your body accepts the med. I only have RA. It has gotten worse in the last year. I ended up with a cane. But walla, away that episode went. You probably will go in and out of your anxiety. There are times I think maybe I am loosing my memory. But, I am not. I wish I had a way for you to overcome the fears of what will be. There are on line memory tests that you can do on your own. Everyone on here has given you excellent ideas. Socoguy, I am praying for you.
I would add that you should make sure you are getting good rest, sleep. It is in deep sleep that the mind does its "cleaning up" getting rid of the stuff that can form the clusters found in Alzheimers disease. I have sleep apnea and when I did my sleep study, they pointed out that I had no deep sleep. That was why I could learn nothing new, as long term memories are only formed in deep sleep. The cleaning up during deep sleep is essential for healthy brain, too. I have had enough health "scares" to realize I need to do what is important now, while I can. That means paying attention to family and friends, visiting while I can, being with them while I can, enjoying them while I can, celebrating our friendship while I can, caring for them while I can. I don't have a brain disease yet, but it may happen, too. So, I do the things that are supposed to help. Exercise (water aerobics classes in the pool at the health club), light weight lifting, daily puzzles, and trying to learn Swedish--since that is my heritage. Anything that is supposed to be good for the brain, I try to incorporate into my life. I want a good brain as I age and If I can help that along, I want to do it. The rest of the body stays healthier, too. Most of us have the choice to do this. It is up to us to exercise that choice and choose what science is showing works the best. My best wishes for you on this journey!
If you are in the early stage, you are on time to reverse your cognitive decline! There is new research that has been found to prevent or reverse this illness. Please read the book: "The End of Alzheimer's" by Dale E. Bredesen, MD and follow his very detailed program.
It is too late for my mother who is in mid-to advanced stages, and for many of our loved ones, but not for you or for those of us who have the discipline and ability to shift our lifestyle.
Do not worry. Read this book and go a step at a time, as you still have time. :-)
I totally support Snoopylove’s suggestions. Dale Bredesen recently published a book-it’s on amazon. He has also teamed up with another doctor, Wes Youngberg, for a four-day program discussing how Alzheimer’s can be halted and even reversed. My mom showed signs of memory loss in March of 2009. I wish Bredesen book had been available back then. Bredesen and Youngberg also have their information on Vimeo-some info on YouTube too. Wesberg’s Facebook page also has info. I am a teacher and my mom only has me to care for her. I know it’s been almost ten years since my mom showed first signs and she had a stroke almost three years ago but we are beginning to follow Bredsen’s protocols, like getting enough sleep, if we had dinner at 6 pm, we wait until 6 am to eat again. There are other things to follow but please look up (google) those doctors. Even though my mom and I have gone through this journey for ten years, I still believe she will improve by following the protocols in Bredsen’s work.
There are all good suggestions above. This site has some really great people and so much support, but, I'd also find a place in person or online where you can bounce things off other people with the same type condition. There are many and the information and support seems amazing. I would imagine that knowing how others are coping would be helpful. I'd also discuss anxiety with your doctor. Some people benefit from medication. I'll look forward to seeing your posts around here.
There are several homeopathic remedies for anxiety that work for my dad... Research "Bach Remedies" or look for the product, "Liddel's ANX".
I would also recommend Coconut Oil (4000mg per day). Unrefined coconut oil. It was an experiment, and I feel it helped [my dad]. If you can't just eat or cook with it, then take pills. Good oil travels throughout the body, loosening calcified areas...
Eliminate all bad foods...Begin to make or purchase Raw Juices...maybe from a health food store. Good nutrition can really do and change a lot...
I wish you the very best! Calm is good. Live one moment at a time...good to be prepared, yet then let go and LIVE in the NOW.
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APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
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As for anxiety, watch your breath (inhalation and exhalation) for at least an hour everyday in a comfortable pose with no distractions.
If you've wanted to do it and are still able to do to, what are you waiting for?
Excellent advice here, especially the planning suggestions. Life is precious; live it to the fullest. Take the best possible care of your health. Share your condition with others and seek their support. This life is a mere blip in eternity. Hand it over to a Higher Power.
For immediate relief of anxiety, try sitting, eyes closed and do some deep breathing. Deep breathing at least 5 times per day will help to bring the anxiety down.
Exercise. This means walking or simple arm and leg exercises or dancing or anything you like to do that is movement. It does not need to be aggressive.
Talk with friends and develop a support system. Talk about your fears with trusted people and stay away from those who are negative. Try to be around positive and happy people as their attitudes will rub off on you and distract you from your anxiety.
Music. Listen to music that lifts your spirit. Sing along if you can.
If the anxiety becomes too much, your doctor can prescribe a mild anti anxiety medication as well however you should consider this above suggestions regardless.
Best of luck to you!
Second, and just as important -- is don't feel shame or try to hide your diagnosis -- especially with family. Be honest with yourself and family and tell them up front. Make plans -- then make a plan B, C, D...So many things can change --so be open to adjustments or modifications to your plan. AND SHARE THOSE DESIRES, WISHES, PLANS with your family.
Other:
Don't make living with your children or having children care for you one of your plans! Even when they want to...no one can be prepared for the harshness of dementia and ALZ and the all-encompassing time and skills that takes. So tell your children - No Thanks.
Plan A - "I will be open to in-home help a few hours a week as my disease progresses"
Plan B - I'd like to move into AL with skilled care
Plan C - Memory care (near my home?, near my children?, where I can afford that might not be near my children?
Plan D - Skilled care (NH) when I need it
And please research the costs for each of your plans - in home care can be $15-20/hr; if you need 24 hr care that may be too expensive including upkeep of your home, cleaning, lawncare, etc.
Memory care vs. NH - consider longterm costs. Do you currently have Long Term Care Insurance?
Have frank discussions with your dr. Ask one or more of your friends and children to help keep track of their observations of your memory/behavior/daily skills -- and give them permission to go with you and discuss their observations with your dr along the way. This will help you get the most from your dr visits. PS - a spouse may not always be as helpful with this because they may be too close to you and tell you/dr what you want to hear vs being very objective.
Preparing will relieve you of alot of your anxiety. And live each day to the fullest -- stay active, stay social, avoid isolating yourself from others. Don't think everytime you forget a word, forget an event -- means your ALZ is worsening. Its normal for everyone. You have the diagnosis -- now fight to enjoy each moment when you are lucid.
My mom has dementia, 95. I found 10 years ago she started to deteriorate in small ways. She would repeat herself yes; but she still has many memories and is content and happy to remember those she can. For her it went like this: she couldn't remember what you told her last week; then yesterday; then 10 min ago -- she had vivid memories of what/who 20 years ago; then she forgot that and now she remembers people/places/events from her youth and childhood -- but she can't remember my children (she knows me, I'm her daughter) -- but I don't mourn her loss -- we have great time together and we look at old pictures and she describes what is happening in the pictures (when she was dating my dad; her brothers and sisters (dead but she doesn't remember they died -- she sees them how they were). So don't be afraid; good news is you will make old memories your new memories.
After witnessing this with my mom; i think it is less frightening and we are spending some nice quality time together and living in the moment -- whatever moment that is.
I have had enough health "scares" to realize I need to do what is important now, while I can. That means paying attention to family and friends, visiting while I can, being with them while I can, enjoying them while I can, celebrating our friendship while I can, caring for them while I can. I don't have a brain disease yet, but it may happen, too. So, I do the things that are supposed to help. Exercise (water aerobics classes in the pool at the health club), light weight lifting, daily puzzles, and trying to learn Swedish--since that is my heritage. Anything that is supposed to be good for the brain, I try to incorporate into my life. I want a good brain as I age and If I can help that along, I want to do it. The rest of the body stays healthier, too.
Most of us have the choice to do this. It is up to us to exercise that choice and choose what science is showing works the best. My best wishes for you on this journey!
It is too late for my mother who is in mid-to advanced stages, and for many of our loved ones, but not for you or for those of us who have the discipline and ability to shift our lifestyle.
Do not worry. Read this book and go a step at a time, as you still have time. :-)
He has also teamed up with another doctor, Wes Youngberg, for a four-day program discussing how Alzheimer’s can be halted and even reversed.
My mom showed signs of memory loss in March of 2009. I wish Bredesen book had been available back then. Bredesen and Youngberg also have their information on Vimeo-some info on YouTube too. Wesberg’s Facebook page also has info.
I am a teacher and my mom only has me to care for her. I know it’s been almost ten years since my mom showed first signs and she had a stroke almost three years ago but we are beginning to follow Bredsen’s protocols, like getting enough sleep, if we had dinner at 6 pm, we wait until 6 am to eat again. There are other things to follow but please look up (google) those doctors.
Even though my mom and I have gone through this journey for ten years, I still believe she will improve by following the protocols in Bredsen’s work.
Research "Bach Remedies" or look for the product, "Liddel's ANX".
I would also recommend Coconut Oil (4000mg per day). Unrefined coconut oil.
It was an experiment, and I feel it helped [my dad]. If you can't just eat or cook with it, then take pills. Good oil travels throughout the body, loosening calcified areas...
Eliminate all bad foods...Begin to make or purchase Raw Juices...maybe from a health food store. Good nutrition can really do and change a lot...
I wish you the very best! Calm is good. Live one moment at a time...good to be prepared, yet then let go and LIVE in the NOW.