Hello, I'm new here. I'm 17 and I need some place to come and read/talk about Alzheimer's.

Early onset Alzheimer's runs in my family. My grandpa passed away from it when I was 4, but since they didn't have living wills back then, they kept him alive and he was pretty much a vegetable. He was diagnosed in 78 and passed away in 92.

My great uncle passed away from it before I was born, and now my great aunt is an activist for the cause. I don't see her too much though.
My aunt just recently passed away on July 14, 2005. She was 42, diagnosed when she was 38. I was really close to her and she left behind 2 kids, 9 and 12.

Now, my Dad(46) was diagnosed with the disease last summer. We just recently went to his doctor last week and he told us that his memory is going downhill(which we could all tell), but he also said that his multi-tasking is getting worse. That involves driving, which I'm sure most of you know. I get scared whenever I ride with him, so I usually try and drive when I can. He said to keep it local. The problem is, he has to drive 45 minutes every day to get to work. He is still able to work, so I'm not sure what's going to happen. The doctor said something about having someone ride with him from the DMV and evaluate him to see if it is safe for him to drive to work. I just want my Dad back.

Because this is genetic in the family, I am at risk of getting Alzheimer's too. I can get a test done, but I'm scared to do that. I probably will when I am a little older. I was wondering if anyone is/has been in this same situation?

I'm sure I'll enjoy it here and hopefully learn lots of new things.

--Thank You

Welcome, and bless your little heart.
You are doing the right thing-educate yourself about the disease and its process-you can never do too much reading about AD.
I can understand why you are worried about your own future with your family's history. I also understand your fear of being tested. Maybe if you try to live an especially healthy life (some people strongly support herbs and vitamins) you will be able to reduce your own risk. There are also so many tests and trials going on at all times. We will all pray for you.
I am 42, the baby-and accident child-of my family. Daddy was diagnosed in February of this year. Sadly, he passed away August 2nd. My father's progression was very fast, and I agree, it was hard to watch, and I, too, wanted my Daddy back. However, I reached a point where I learned to live in the moment, to join him on his level, which was ever-changing. Although it was certainly sad in ways, we had alot of fun, and laughter.
So, be strong, educate yourself, and just do all that you can to make his ordeal easier. This is a wonderful place for you to come, many knowledgeable people are here. Another good message board is at www.prohealth.com; under messageboards, there is a listing for Alzheimer's Disease. People who have been and are going through the same experience will be one of your greatest resources....
Take care......
Love,
imwarbaby

Hi, Shmoo06. I don't know whether I'll be able to help much, but I'll sure try. I have kids who are now 17 and 19 (and one who is younger), who also have a Dad with Alzheimers. You have some experience with the disease, so you know more than most kids about what the diagnosis means. Keep in mind that your family is probably somewhat in shock, but that you'll have months and maybe years to get everything organized.

I can tell you that my husband's drivers' license was pulled pretty soon after he was diagnosed. His Doctor reported him to the Department of Transportation, and he got a notice that he had to give it up. We had a few months to make other plans (at the time, even with Alzheimers, he was a good driver too! Better than our oldest, who had just turned 17!) My husband was very unhappy about giving up driving, and we paid a few hundred dollars to go to a specialty hospital which would test to see if he could drive. The tests were a real eye-opener. He missed 5 out of 10 street signs, and couldn't multi-task (for example, he could watch the road but couldn't process something like a kid on a bike at the side of the road). Having someone in the car with your Dad is a good thing, but eventually he's going to need to stop driving. Our 17-yr old started driving the family more & more, and it has made a huge difference to be able to rely on him.

Social security disability payments require that your Dad be unable to work for a full six months before he is eligible. He may have disability insurance at work with other benefits. Your Mom and he will be reviewing their financial situation, but you may find that your family needs to change spending habits to plan for the day when your Dad can't work. I gave my older teens information about our situation, although my 17-yr old doesn't want to know much -- he wants his life pre-Alzheimers' back too.

Teenagers can be tough under the best of circumstances. Since my kids can't be grouchy with their Dad, I get some extra grouchiness when I'm feeling pretty crummy myself (although i have to be the cheerful, strong one for everyone). On behalf of Mom-Caregivers, please be nice to your Mom!!

We are now two years' into the disease, and our kids still have their Dad. Our 19-yr old is going off to college this year, and our 17 yr old will be picking up more of the driving, grocery shopping, and other chores. Our kids will check to see if their Dad has had lunch when they get home from school, and help him have as normal a life as possible. He is changing, but you know about that part of it. Our kids have had to grow up a little faster than other kids, and I know they're sorry for themselves. My usual line is that single parent-families have had to do this stuff for years, and we can do it too (I reminded myself of that as I struggled to change a windshield wiper, and felt like a total dunce -- I have a single 54-yr old friend who's been doing this for years). You WILL become more capable and stronger than you ever thought possible. Your life is still just beginning, and you are not alone in this situation.

Our kids are worried about "catching" it too, although they don't talk much about it to me. When the oldest went with us for his Dad's annual MME (memory test/evaluation), the Doctor told him that even if he might be at a greater risk for developing it in the future, he was still more than 30 years' away from having to worry. in 30+ years, with all the research that is being done, it is very probable that this disease will be cured or the medications will be very effective. In the meantime, the Doctor said that it was like any other disease that runs in families, whether cancer, heart disease, diabetis, etc. He said you live a healthy lifestyle, and plan on being sensitive to the symptoms when you reach an age where the disease may occur.

( removed )

Hi Schmoo, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It must be really scary to know this may run in your family. I am optimistic about a cure or prevention being found within the next few years. It may not help your dad but in my opinion you do not need to worry about yourself getting sick. We inherit masses of genes from all 4 grandparents, all all 8 great grandparents etc .. many characteristics can't show up unless present in ancestorsw from both your father's and your mother's side. And the traits often skip a generation. Plus, so much research is now going on; I have high hopes thet a cure and/or a means of prevention will soon be found.

It must be hard to see a young man deteriorating like that. I hope your family has taken the necessary legal precautions such as Power of Attorney etc.

There is a lot of advice on this Board both practical and also emotional: just letting yourself vent and rage if need be and knowing the members will never criticise you or condemn you for it, we have all been there or are still there, and know just how it feels.

love and prayers,

Martha

bump forneedtoescape