Hello, I have been one of the "Lurkers" mentioned in one of the previous posts, and figured I should introduce myself. But before I do that, I need to say that this site has been a God-send for me...thanks so much!
I am 42 and my 41 year old hubbie has been, more or less, diagnosed with MCI and is beginning to show some other worrisome signs of EOAD. We have two children, a 15 year old boy and a 7 year old girl.
My husband's problem's started to become painfully evident last year, as he was finishing up the first of a four year graduate program. He was having much difficulty writing analytical papers and following the lectures and discussions in class. At first, we thought it could be attributed to the fact that he is in Seminary and most people would have difficulty with the course work (Hebrew, theology etc) but he was very fearful it was more than that.
Last June he underwent several days of neuro-psych testing which showed some pretty severe memory problems, auditory and visual processing problems and a few problems with executive functioning. So, we were off to the neurologist who also noted some memory issues. Blood work all came back normal except for his homocysteine level, which was elevated. In November, he was started on Aricept and Simvistatin and within three weeks we noticed a marked improvement in his memory and his ability to multi-task. Prior to going on the Aricept he was really struggling and, unbeknownst to me until a few months ago, he had an entire day during which he could not remember my name. He had had several instances of becoming confused since going on the Aricept, and I am beginning notice some more forgetfulness on a more frequent basis. For instance, asking where some flowers came from when, the day before I had a long discussion with him about the same flowers delivered to me by mistake. The other day he had to ask me how to open a large can of honey. When I responded "The can opener, Sweetie." , he responded "Oh, of course".
So, I know it doesn't look good for him. He is handling it very well, for the most part. I struggle with a lot of sadness and fear, but I know that this is a normal response to such a difficult thing to be facing.
So, anyway, that's my story and I would give anything to NOT have to have to stick to it!
I wish you didn't have to stick with that story too! I am 52 and I think I'm! too young for all this, but you both are even younger. My husband (age 64) is MCI also and I've cried plenty so I can only imagine how you'd feel at your young age and 2 young people depending on you both. I honestly don't know what I'd do in your situation, but at your husband's young age, I think I would be traveling to whatever university or research center I could find. Kirsty, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Welcome to my website. I am so sorry any of us have to be here, but it is especially difficult when you are so young. I am sure you will find the support and information you are looking for.
Go to the top of this page, click "search", and type in EOAD. There are quite a few posts from our younger readers dealing with this horror of a disease.
Also, on the left side of the website - articles of interest - there is a section on EOAD, and some articles about how to help children cope.
Good luck and come back often. We're all here for each other.
Hi Kirsty-- That's about all we can do...hold on! Although I am 46, I guess(?) I'm fortunate in that my kids are 15, 17, 19, 21, and thus pretty capable of understanding what's going on with their dad. (He is not SO young, at 60.) Thanks for coming out of lurk mode--we are all benefited by the fellowship.
Hello Kristy I am so sorry to hear of your husbands EOAD, I am 51 and my husband is 63 with stage 7 EAOD. Luckily our children are adults, 26, and 29. They offer me tons of support and I them. this is a lonely journey, take whatever help you can get. We are always here for you. kathy
I'm 38 and my husband is 46. We have 2 children - a son 12 and a daughter 9. Robert was diagnosed last year after a year and a half battle with tests, doctors, neurologists, etc..
He has been on a combo of Exelon and Namenda since last July/August (went on Exelon first then Namenda added a month later). We saw the biggest improvement after the Namenda was added. Like your story, Robert has begun telling me of problems he was having in the past when I was oblivious to it. I knew he was becoming very dissatisfied at work, but I never dreamed that it was because he was becoming increasingly unable to do the job he had excelled at for 18 years.
We've had about 6 really great months from the medications. I can see him slipping a little and it's really scarey. He's still light years from where he was before the meds.
I'm glad you're here. This is a great place to find support or vent or whatever you need to do.
Thanks so much for all of your support and kindness. It makes the world of difference. I can tell that this site will be invaluable to me, as will all of you.
My prayer for us all this day is that we each find something, however small, that makes us smile and brings us peace.