My Mom - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

DDK7234 · 02-18-2004, 07:21 PM

I just registered to tell my story and hope someone has similar details to share. My mom starting showing signs of AD a year and half ago. She was just diagnosed this past November. She is only 65, but looks about 55 , and is in excellent health otherwise. My heart breaks for her, for the years of retirement freedom she will miss with my father. They both love to travel and he planned on retiring in the next 2 years. I guess what I am looking for is for someone tell me that she can stay like this for several more years, without getting any worse. She functions fine as far as eating, dressing, taking care of herself, etc. She just can't do many tasks, such as cooking, paying bills, writing checks, handling money. She uses the phone fine and most of the time can change the tv channel with the remote control. Her short term memory is not good and recent conversations or events are usually foggy if there at all. She just started taking Namenda, and I was hoping to see a drastic improvement in her memory, but have seen no changes. Does anyone have a timeline of how long the mild AD can last. I know each case is different, but I can't imagine her getting worse. I don't want to imagine her getting worse. Thanks for reading my story.

Bettyhere · 02-18-2004, 09:09 PM

There are so many variables that it is impossible to tell how long anyone will stay in any stage with AD. Sometimes things go rapidly, like stepping off a cliff, and other times they will have relatively long plateaus for a few months or longer. The first few years with my husband were pretty good and I think that's not uncommon. They didn't have all the drugs ten years ago when he began, so hopefully the drugs will help slow down things for her. But I know what you're saying. Just at the time that my husband retired and we were free to do things, AD came into our lives. Actually, he had it before he retired, but it was so hard to spot. I knew something was wrong, but it never occurred to me that I was dealing with a disease. The average AD span is about 7 to 8 years, altho I personally know of people who have had it for 10 or 15 years. People can speculate, but I don't know how anyone can say for sure. Just keep the love flowing, that's the best thing you can do, be sure to tell her how much you appreciate all the things she did for you--the special birthday cake, the new dress, whatever. It will make a difference in how she feel about things. Good luck, and keep posting when you have further questions.

Snooks · 03-06-2004, 08:15 AM

Hello. I share the same thoughts as I watch my mom progress in this disease. I have actually seen her in the same stage for about a year - even improved some with Zyprexa in addition to the Aricept. I don't really know when one is out of early stage and into early middle stage, as I have heard it described. I think the best thing we can do is stay alert to symptoms and communicate quickly and clearly to the physicians. As I said, I saw my mother improve with the addition of Zyprexa. Thanks.

SnowyLynne63 · 03-06-2004, 02:46 PM

Can your Dad take time off,or retire now? They can travel now while she still knows.It will make memories,even though she may foeget,your Dad will have them to remember.After I was dx,hubby & I took trips,had a blast,I still remember them,but I won't always,BUT he will have the memories of our fun times.............