Older DS - Down Syndrome Message Board

floradora50 · 03-16-2001, 10:08 PM

Hello. I have a 48 year old brother with DS. He is developing Alzheimer's (as did our mother). Any experience with such? How about seizures? He has been recently put on Aricept. Although I think his seizures may predate the medicine, any thoughts?

PNW Mom · 03-18-2001, 04:25 AM

I am sorry to hear about your brother's difficulties. Some adults with DS are misdiagnosed with alzheimers because they are having behavioral changes caused by other medical difficulties, like thyroid problems.

It's sad to think of your mom having the disease and now seeing your brother losing touch. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Have you seen the Down Syndrome Health Issues WWW site? I think Dr. Len has information on Alzheimer's on that page, and links to other information. The URL is [url="http://www.ds-health.com"]http://www.ds-health.com[/url]

I think the NADS WWW site has information from the Adults with Down Syndrome Clinic; also the Down Syndrome Quarterly site might have information.

Is there an Alzheimer's caregiver's support group in your area? Don't neglect yourself; you deserve help and compassion, too.

floradora50 · 03-18-2001, 03:07 PM

Thank you. I checked out the page you recommended (Dr. Len) and found some things to check into. I will check out the others. Thanks for your prayers and concern. Luckily, (sometimes not, ha,ha) I have 4 other brothers who are helpful. It is very painful to deal with but we'll get through it.
Thanks again.