Ok, Im a 25 year old son I live in Michigan. My mother, who is now 59 was diagnosed today with AD. Ive been on here (this board) a while ago, with questions and was told my the doctors that she didnt have AD then but was on too high thyroid medication and that was causing her strange behavior (loosing keys, hitting cars, couldnt perform at work any longer) That was 1 year ago. Thyroid levels are perfect now and have been for about 6 months but Mom got worse. Today at the doctor she couldnt tell was year it was and yelled at the doctor for asking her and making her look stupid! Wow. Of course, her speech can be broken sometimes so the Doctor pulled me into the hallway later while she went in for her bloodwork (checking for heavy metals as my mom only eats fish) and told me he believes now its AD. Geesh. I almost lost it!! By the way, shes been on namenda for a few months and it hasnt done jack.

So Im back to the forums. I lost my old username. I recognize SnowyLynne..LOL shes an AD hero in my book, living proof.

Anyways I really need help/support. I cannot tell my mom what the Dr said. One time she tried jumping out of the upstairs window because she was told she had AD! :nono: You have to remember - shes "not right", not thinking right anymore. Stopped cooking completely, used to cook 3 meals a day for 30+ years. The reason we knew something was wrong was 3 years ago she hit a parked car on the way to a friends house, she really got lost but didnt admit it. I knew (mother to son bond i guess) that something was terribly wrong. I've made an appointment for her to see a neurologist on 10-19, we need to see what stage and what exactly is the deal.

I just cant understand, shes so young. Shes 59 and was around 55 when this started. Always been a vegetarian but ate fish for her meat. Always aerobicized, exercised, never smoked/drank AT ALL or did any drugs. Shes very mad about this and it shows which is hard for me and the family. I dont know, Im nervously rambling now..lol I have had 2 uncles with AD that have passed, but can someone please give me some kind of insight why this happens so young?!?! Ive been researching AD for years as I have risk factors and I understand what happens in the disease and amyloids and all that good junk but WHY?!? god, i hate it.

Bless your heart! I cannot imagine the sadness and difficulty of coming to terms with this awful diagnosis for your mother.

If she can afford it, an assisted living facility where she could have an apartment, her own furniture, meals cooked for her, and transportation to shops, grocery, and medical appointments might let her continue to live alone longer. As young as she is, it may be difficult to get her to agree to that, but she may be glad not to have a house to deal with.

My elderly mother had AD for the last 4 years of her life. She died last year at age 88.

There are several folks on this board who have parents or spouses with early onset AD. I don't know how long you've been away from this board, but you may gain insight by reading the posts of "beginning" and others. Also since you were last here, there is a sticky at the top of this thread titled "7 Stages of AD" and that contains good information about what behaviors happen in each stage and what's probably ahead.

It would be good to consult an eldercare lawyer about all the legal steps to take to protect your mother's estate and about a Durable Power of Attorney to enable you to pay her bills from her account, conduct business on her behalf, and make medical decisions for her when she's no longer able to do those things for herself.

Your local Alzheimer's Association will have helpful information,too.

There's no rhyme or reason for who gets AD or when that has been found so far. Sadly, your mother's healthy lifestyle didn't protect her. It is scary to wonder about what the future holds for you, but don't lose sleep or enjoyment of life over the what-ifs that are many years away for you.

You're not alone on the most unwelcome of paths.

Wishing you well - Barbara

thought first post timed out without actually posting and here it is again :confused:

oops - slow internet connection, so didn't know first post worked :D

Well my father takes care of her now. Last year, when my dad has his heart attack I was named and legalized the DPOA and POA and also have quick deeds to both their house and the cottage. I also am on the checking/savings/IRA accounts.

It is hard. Especially since I was the last child out of 4, i just moved out 2 years ago and am the closest to my parents. I actually bought a house around the block :cool: Right now I can look out my window and see my parents house :)

Im going to talk to my mom and tell her how much I love her before she doesnt completly comprehend that anymore. Shes pretty close now to not comprehending a lot of stuff. I didnt realize the pace the disease takes, my Uncles kinda dragged on for 10 years before they passed and this seems to be taking the same exact path with my Mom. My uncles were Early onset also. I wonder what the odds of me getting AD are?!

Dear Chris,

I am so sorry. You are so young to have this burden on you. Please get an expert's help: first a correct diagnosis and then placing your Mom in a facility where she can be helped. Needless to say, no more driving! Maybe you can get her on Meals on Wheels. At least one hot meal a day is delivered.

An assisted living facility which is connected to a Nursing Home sounds like the best deal .. we kept my Mom at home and it was really really hard, I burnt out altogether and my brother took over her care; and now she is in rehab after falling and breaking her hip. (femur, actually the upper thigh bone.) Mom may never walk again because she is not willing or able to do the required therapeutic exercises..she is in dementia Stage 5 to 6.

BUT my Mom was in her 90's when it all began, and in your Mom's case she is still middle aged ..this makes it so much harder for you. You will be in my prayers as are all AD caregivers. I hope your older siblings will pitch in and do anything they can, from hourly care to financial assistance.

love,

martha

Everybody, thank you for all of your support and kind words. I really enjoy these forums, the AD and dementia is the #1 on my list :)

My Father takes care of my Mom, so we wont be needing a facility. My Mom has always been against nursing homes/assisted living and my Dad loves my Mom so much he wouldnt be able to let go like that. Plus with me living around the block the only place she ever wanders to is my house :cool:

My question is this: What prescription AD drugs have helped you guys and loved ones?? Right now shes been on namenda for about 2 months, and I havent noticed a difference. I was going to ask the doctor about reminyl, I wanted to see your feedback on it first.

Also Ive been giving my mom Vitamin B-12 for about 6 months. Ive been doing more research and calling the Dr's office and am going to start giving her: Vitamin E, Lecithin, RNA DNA, and superoxide dismutase. I know what you are thinking, that shes going to be a walking pillbox. my Mom has always hated taking pills, even if it was aspirin but i have already cleared the vitamins with the Dr, they wont interact with any of her meds and at this point, what do we have to lose! Im looking to slow the progression and/or make her time left here as peaceful as possible and shes always been keen on natural healing/vitamins. Has anybody had any luck with vitamins/natural remedies??? And to my previous question, what meds seem to be helpful (reminyl, aricept, etc etc)??

My mother tired Aricept and Namenda, no results, only bad side effects.

Did she have any side effects on namenda??

My MIL was given NOTHING ... because for a very long time, even the medical professionals said she didn't have dementia .....

We of course, living with her, knew better, and it wasn't until I almost had a nervous breakdown last year that the professionals finally sat up and noticed.

It's such a tragedy to have a Mum so young to be caught up with this horrific and complex disease. I really feel for you. Sorry I haven't bumped in before .. (to welcome you back LOL)

Have you tried Adult Day Care as a social activity for her (and a break for you).. and yes, Meals on Wheels is most useful, they can even help set it up for her to eat.

It's a sticky situation none of us like, but we do our best to get through ....

Hugs
Sally

Nice to see you, mustang sally. I remember talking to you on here before :)

My Father called my siblings the other day and told them that if anything were to happen to him, because my Mother has said this before she was sick, that she must come and live with me. Since Im the durable POA and all that fun stuff, I am both of their caretakers if anything happened to either of them. I wanted my Dad to establish that because my siblings were already arguing over it. Im the youngest of 4, and it seems Im the most mature...LOL

I told my Mom this a few years ago when this first started happening to her and she came to me: I told her I wouldnt leave her side no matter what and i was going to fight tooth and nail for her if she was unable to. My Fathers health is deteriorating somewhat, hes 10 years older than my mom (moms 59) he had a massive heart attack in January and we almost lost him. I cant imagine my Mom, if something were to happen to dad. She was really disoriented when he had his heart attack. She didnt know if she was coming or going.

Anyways, Im going to order those vitamins and supplements I talked about and give it a shot.

Hi Chriz,

I did not talk at first, because I do not know much about early AD. My parents are in their late 70s. But it does sound like you are a strong young man and will help you mom and dad as much as you can! Just do not wear yourself out!

About the ? of drugs - my parents both take Aricept. My mom just started, so I can offer no advice on her. My dad has been taking Aricept 5 mg. for 1 1/2 yrs. It worked pretty well the 1st year. Kept him in the same place and he did not digress further into the illness. Hardly any side effects. A little nausea for the 1st week or two. After the year, he did start going down a bit. Then we upped his dose, just about 1 mo. ago to 10 mg. Aricept. He has no side effects at all. So, we will keep him at that for a while. It seems to have improved his writing a little, and maybe a couple of other things. But somethings are the same or worse. Every little bit helps! I have read, that the upped dose does not work as long as the initial dose did. But it is worth a try!

That is great that your father called your sibs and that you have the DPOA and live so close. I do not have the DPOA yet, but my father talked about it again today. He is just so slow and will not let me do it for them. Nor will my mother, let me. With us, it is just a race against time with the DPOA!

My father does not take a lots of vitamins, just a multi vitamin. He takes too many other meds, for other reasons. My mom goes wacko every time we add another medicine!!! Good luck to you and your mom with the vitamins. Let us know in a few months if they seem to be working.

Just try not to get yourself in too deep. It might be ok right now, but it will get worse and you can get totally tied down with caring for your parents! When you and they need help, do not hesitate to get it!!! Good luck with the Neurologist - that is who diagnosed my dad. My mom GP diagnosed her.

Take care. Love, Wannabe