The Alzheimer's disease symptoms are frequently confused with the changes that occur in usual aging, so it is significant to know the difference. I have read in ‘nun study treatment’ in google recently that we must determine about Alzheimer's disease because this disease is actually not an ordinary part of aging. When the ApoE4 gene occurs, the danger will continue, and due to this, the risk of contracting Alzheimer's may enhance to 50%. Some symptoms are can be observed in older people or even in ourselves. So it should be measured as a serious condition especially if it is hereditary.
healthgeenie, significant memory loss is NOT a normal condition of aging, in fact only minor memory loss occurs as a sign of aging, so anyone who suffers severe memory loss is NOT experiencing normal aging. Hopefully that myth has been discounted by now since so many people of ALL ages have dementia, not just the elderly. Yes, if there is the presence of the hereditary gene, then there is a likelihood that 50% of family members may get Alzheimers disease. It is not "contagious". But many people suffering from dementia do NOT have a hereditary form of the disease.
Welcome to Joan's site. Please tell us more about yourself and your spouse who has dementia.
Well said, LFL. In all the reading and in the Savvy Caregiving classes I have been in, it has always been stressed that the memory losses associated with any dementia is NOT ordinary effects of aging. It has been said that IF one realizes that they forget things, like where did I put my car keys as an example, that is ordinary. But not knowing the day of the week, the year, the month etc is NOT normal.
Sadly, this Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t have a cure yet. Alzheimer’s sure is scary, I might check our family tree and see who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s I hope there’s none in our family. I read The ‘ nun study treatment’ you shared with us healthgeenie and yes the disease can be inherited. So there’s a big chance that one in our family had this and someone might inherit it. Sure sign’s of aging might be being forgetful, but Alzheimer’s is different you totally forget it and not remember it anymore. Alzheimer’s is a dreadful disease. This disease should have a cure.
It's the Princess Diana test. There are few people under 35 who don't recognize her instantly. Aging may mean her name escapes us at the moment. Alzheimer's is not knowing who that is now.
lindsay23, it looks like this may be your first post. Welcome aboard.