how common is Alzheimer's or similar diseases... - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

seekalot · 04-19-2005, 04:56 PM

...in the elderly? Is the likelihood of getting it as common as not? Or is it rare?

I've been following these poignant and wonderful/terrible stories (from Martha, Barbara and Bosmom and others) and wonder what each of us should expect for ourselves and our family members as far as likelihood of experiencing Alzheimer's and other age-related conditions.

Maybe because I never had much experience with the elderly, I am aghast, well, not to be overdramatic I'll just say "surprised" at the unwelcome physical and mental changes that have happened to me by age 53. (things like aching joints and tiredness, forgetfulness -- LOVE going into another room and forgetting why

, constant dismaying losses of physical attractiveness, I could go on but let's skip it

) anyhow I would like to feel better prepared for what to expect in old age than I did for middle age.

I guess physical problems are a lot more common than mental in our 60s-80s and beyond? Things like can't walk, can't hear, can't taste because apparently our sense of smell or maybe our taste buds change...are those such terrible losses pretty routine for all of us? Why do so many old people seem to end up with walkers and canes? Is that pretty universal? I know our hips wear out and sometimes need replacing, how common is that? Dumb questions I guess...

Call it my way of trying to impose order or control on the tragic process of aging (that's how I see it anyway)...wish I could rate "likelihood of this happening" to each of the possibilities/probabilities so I could have a realistic picture. Does anyone know of websites or books which are very informed and honest on the broader picture of aging?

Thanks for any info to all.

Martha H · 04-19-2005, 05:16 PM

Dear Seekalot,

If you find any such book I'd like to know about it to. Until a couple of years ago I had the wonderful role model of my Mom to keep me from fearing old age.

At 90 she swam 3 times a week, led an exercise class at her senior center, drove to church once a week, and very seldom on a longer drive, but keeping the car helped her to feel independent, had most of ther own teeth (still does), failing vision but still able to read large print books and magazines. was cheerful, energetic, loved to travel, had no arthritis or aches or pains, no back pain. Had high blod pressure under control with medications. No memory loss or odd thinking. Kept her apartment and herself clean and neat.

Now it is 5 years later and you know from my numerous postings what she is like now.

I hope I live a wonderful long life as she did until about 90 ... and then GO!

Love,

Martha

angel_bear · 04-22-2005, 11:11 PM

The best answer a geriatrician gave me recently was:

If you remember you've forgotton, that's GOOD!!

It's when you've forgotton you've forgotten or how to forget you should panic LOL

Hugs
Sally

Martha H · 04-23-2005, 04:52 AM

The other manifestations of aging are nothing, compared to this. Sure, we get wrinkles, but are still beautiful with the inner light of joy and goodness shining out of our dimmer eyes. Grey hair or, better yet, white hair, can be very attractive, and after putting some 'dark blonde' into my hair I really don't think I look any better. I liked my 3/4 grey look, and am looking forward to it being all shiny white like my Mom's.

We can do a lot to stay physically fit, watch our weight (I excuse myself right now because I am in such a stressful situation, but LATER....) and get exercise. I do that .. I walk about 20 city blocks a day between bus and subway stops and my school .. I do back exercises on the floor and almost every school day do exercises with the kids ...

Eat healthy foods or at least take a minimal supplement, get your eyes checked, keep teeth in good repair, otherwise I stay away from doctors outside of yearly check ups and emergencies ... try to avoid stress (Ha ha!) and love a lot. Love your parents and kids and grandchildren ,if you don't have a significant other, as I don't .. love your friends, love your church. Love people you work with like my little class of 3 and 4 year olds ...

Keep expecting good to come out of every situation, in the end. Do small acts of caring and helping for others, especially strangers ..that brightens up your day. As we get older out eyes get weaker, and we are no longer shocked by the mirror ..our ears get weaker and we no longer hear all the bad things going on ... it is not so bad.
I can say that until my Mom's condition got so challenging I was a VERY happy mid 60 lady ... I even had to stop going to a cafe for coffee in between my 2 bus rides to school because a (married) man I used to see there almost every day told me he was in love with me last June ... and being too cowardly to say 'back off, that's not what I am looking for" I avoided him ...now have coffee at a different place ..but I have to admit I miss the flattery ..

Life begins at 60, not 40 ..that was a book ages ago ; and I think after this move a very interesting and exciting life is coming my way ...

Love,

Martha

angel_bear · 04-23-2005, 05:00 AM

26 years for me to go ............. WAITING WITH ANTICIPATION ............

Hugs
heheheheheh

Sally