No diagnosis yet!

[Bev]

Hi this is a first for me. I will get right to it. My 73 yr. old father who is insulin dependent diabetic, also received a double by-pass a year ago, is as of right this moment in hospital awaiting a diagnosis for his condition.

The condition is short term memory loss, headache, and balance problems. Around about November, he was experiencing a normal loss of memory, ie. putting his shoes on to go downtown, then forget where he was going. I do this all the time. Since about the 10th of Dec. he seemed a little off, but within the last week and a half, he has deteriorated so drastically, I spent over 10 hours yesterday seeking medical attention. His problems in the last week and a half,- forgetting where he put his wallet,- believing that he owns numerous moblie homes as well as two family homes,- wanting to sleep most of the time,- loss of interest in a life long passion, hockey. He seems to be losing his battle with reality, although it does come back at times during a conversation. One week ago, he saw his family doctor, and was cleared to take his Florida trip, today there is not a chance that he can board that plane. One week ago, he knew there was something happening to him, and I found him trying to research the medication he was on. Because this is happening right this moment, it is a very overwhelming time for us. I must say that the man is holding on very well to his sense of humor.

The most important question, I can not seem to get an answer for is this - "Can Alzheimer's take a person's mind within a two week period, if not what else can I research ?
I thank you in advance for any responses and information.
Bev

[Mace]

Bev, Both my father in law and my mother in law had alzheimers. Both took a long time (several years) to develop. I did notice things like death of spouse and injuries sustained in falls acccelerated the symptoms. Even the trama of having a close friend move out of the assisted living home caused a noticable advance in mother in law's alzheimers. Also, medications had a great affect on their symptoms.
Good Luck and God Bless, Mace

[Bev]

Thank You Mace for your support, the doctors say my dad has a form of vascular dementia. This apparently is not Alzheimer's. This memory loss developed over less than a month, and seems to be progressing. It is very sad to see, but we are holding strong.

[Frenchi]

My mother had alzheimers and was in a alzheimers ward for two years. I saw one man that was in his fifties and his wife said that it came about over a couple months. So I think that it can happen. However, I know that older people can become very disoreinted in hospitals and strange places. Take care and God Bless