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

[DTCwordfan]

There are nine major types of dementia, of which Alzheimers is a major group. As NoM has indicated you can have mixed - when two come together and a common one for this is Vascular - before my mother started down this dreadful route, I had not realised that there is a heavy correlation between strokes and vascular, so monitoring blood pressure etc is an important contributor to that. One big difference between the two is that vascular tends to see deterioration in steps with the event of the stroke/mini-stroke, whereas Alzheimers is continually progressive.

Others have superbly described how to identify, such as MRI/CAT but another way is also take heed of what your family and friends say about you becoming a wee bit dotty and not "fight". Now, we all have our senior moments as has already been suggested.

[sunny-dave]

I think gness has given very good advice - and NoM is right about getting referred to a memory clinic - they are very useful in identifying problems and getting you referred for a full assessment if appropriate.

My temporary email is [email protected]

[DTCwordfan]

As to the diversity and "randomness" of information out there (inc the Alzheimers web site), I am slowly putting together an account of my mother's experiences (and mine and the family) and others too, as to writing a book to help cut through some of the fog around this subject, as well as the pragmatics, care, and even the humour that is involved - something to bear in mind in what is a very nasty way to finish one's life......

[chrisgel]

DT >>>>>>> I had a mini stroke 12 years ago but I have had no other health issues since. I have been worrying about this for 6 months now and I'm sure that it is getting worse.

[gness]

Can I add Chris...the thought of tests for this can be frightening. I can only speak for Northants but the people..and there were many...we dealt with were fantastic. Well trained, informative and so sensitive to the feelings of everyone involved.

[DTCwordfan]

Just go to the quack then, an MRI/CAT will show up if you are suffering.....and as Dave has said, the sooner that you are on a Aricept derivative such as Donepezil, the better, as it can "bite" in much better. It could just be old age too.....!

[chrisgel]

Sorry for the delay all and thanks for all the info and re-assurance.
Dave... If you are sure you don't mind I will e-mail you later and thanks all again.

[DTCwordfan]

good luck, chrisgel, do get back to us as there is quite a lot of collective experience here....however, fingers crossed that it is just aging and nothing to be really worried about.

[Sammy48]

To be honest Chis, if you are noticing symptons which you think relate to dementia, then I very much doubt you actually have dementia. In my experience, people that are experiencing dementia symptons have no idea this is what is happening to them. This is just my opinion, based on two family members.

Also, sorry to contradict, and perhaps it does depend upon the area in which you live in, but Memory Clinics are a waste of time, yes, they run the usual tests, like copying a circle, answering questions on day to day stuff, what year, what day etc etc, and thats about it.

[sunny-dave]

Every case is different Sammy - I've seen plenty who (like your relatives) have no self awareness of the illness, but equally I've seen many who are only too aware of what is happening to them.

Memory Clinics are (I suspect) only as good as the staff who run them - there will be good/bad/average ones, as there are with many NHS services.

I'll keep an eye out for your email chrisgel and reply when I can (teatime soon).

Dave

[DTCwordfan]

My experience is as of Dave's - the memory tests only go so far.

Can you remember the name of your grandchildren, your children?
Can you remember your main current account number?
Can you remember your phone number?
If you own your own car, what's the number?

Answer those and I doubt that you have it.....

[DTCwordfan]

(DON'T ANSWER THOSE HERE!)