Alzheimers / Dimentia

[chrisgel]

Hi, I have noticed on here that one or two people have loved ones suffering from one of the above and also there are a few medical ? types.
I am trying to do some research into this but am having some trouble finding the answers that I want.
1. What is the difference between the two.
2. Is there a diagnostic test of some sort that can indicate either of them.
3. What are the early symptoms and how can you tell the difference between them and just "old age forgetfulness"
TIA

[Baldric]

Love the typo in the title, guess to some it must seem that way!

[sunny-dave]

1. Dementia is a whole group of illnesses - where the death of brain cells is causing cognitive impairment. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.

[sunny-dave]

2. There are a number of physical tests (including MRI scans etc) - often these are being used to rule out other illnesses rather than actually diagnose dementia.

The actual diagnosis is done using simple cognitive tests (google the Mini Mental State Examination) and then by a skilled professional talking to the patient and considering the symptoms.

[chrisgel]

The typo is indicative of one of the things I'm worried about. I know full well how to spell it but I keep making these mistakes more and more. As I say that's a small part of a larger group of things that bother me.

[Sir Alec]

When my Dad became 'forgetful', he was sent for a brain scan, which ruled out Alzheimers.

[NoMercy]

There can also be mixed aetiology - ie vascular and Alzheimer's type dementia in some patients.

[sunny-dave]

3. Everyone gets forgetful - the "what the f... did I actually come upstairs for" moment.

At the point where this starts to actually bugger up your life you need to seek some help - there are many illnesses other than dementia which can cause memory problems - but if it is dementia, then the earlier it is diagnosed the better it can be treated. The current drugs are not wonderful (they only slow the illness down rather than curing it), but they can buy some time especially if you get started on them early enough.

[ubasses]

My mother has vascular dementia which is caused by problems with blood flow to the brain. In her case the blood vessels that were damaged by a stroke are now breaking down.
Have you had a look at the Alzheimers website, it is informative.

[gness]

Big question/s Chris. Experts will answer the first two. The early symptoms seem to differ too...I think those closest to the person will soon pick up on the very unusual behavior which suggests a problem rather than the old age forgetfulness.
My mother stopped washing herself, cleaning the house and going to church.
She was fussy about hygiene and went to mass daily so that set our alarm bells ringing.
A friends mother is as clean and dolled up as ever but gets up in the middle of the night, showers, make up on and walks into the centre of the city with no awareness of the time, traffic or lack of other shoppers.
So there seems to be no pattern to this awful disease.

[sunny-dave]

A useful booklet :

http://www.alzscot.org/download-file/index.php?file=WorriedAboutYourMemory.pdf

[gness]

Chris...I went through a weird phase of forgetfulness. There was an answer...not dementia but to put your mind at rest Dave's post at 17.08 is very, very important.

[Sammy48]

it also doesn't always start with memory loss, it can manifest itself as anxiety, depression and loss of confidence.

[chrisgel]

ubasses >>> I have already looked at the website several times thanks. The problem I seem to be having is pulling the information together so that I can make a decision on what to do next.
It doesn't help that my GP is not very approachable (In fact I've not actually seen her for about 15 years. Its always a different doctor)

[sunny-dave]

I have a whole lot of resources I could signpost you to (I used to train staff in the care of people with dementia and also gave talks to the public on the subject).

Rather than a scattergun approach on here (which might well drown you in too much information), I'd be happy to point you at some relevant information if you wanted to email me with your particular worries.

Just say if this would help (no pressure, I won't be in any way offended if you say 'no thanks') and I'll put up my throwaway email for you to contact me.

Dave

[NoMercy]

You can be referred to a Memory Clinic. X

[chrisgel]

Sammy48 >>>> Again one of the things that are bothering me. I have suffered from depression since my 20's. I'm 62 now and can recognise it coming on and I have developed my own strategies to deal with it. What is new however is my loss of confidence and a feeling of anxiety (fear) that seems to be overwhelming me more and more.

[gness]

Chris....Dave may be the one to say what to do next but your enemy will be delay. It is so hard to put together all the information when you are reading different sites and opinions.
Please go to a GP..doesn't matter that he/she doesn't know you and ask to be tested. Or insist on being tested. You mustn't keep worrying and dealing with these worries on your own. Please. x

[chrisgel]

Sunny-Dave >>>> I would appreciate that very much.

[ubasses]

I thought you might have after I noticed your second post and realised you were talking about yourself. I think you must take the bull by the horns and contact your Doctor, you could be worrying about nothing and the worry is making things seem worse. If it is sadly the worst case scenario you can start getting help as soon as possible. Is it a group practice where you can ask to see a named Dr other than your own.
If it is any consolotation, a couple of years ago we had a panic with my late mother in law, showing many of the signs, which just turned out to be a bad urinary tract infection.

[gness]

Dave beat me to it...he's good and you can trust him.
NoM's suggestion is a good starting point too.......x