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What can cause rapid onset dementia?
Some possible causes include:
-Autoimmune diseases (conditions that over-activate the immune system)
-Unusual presentations of more common neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease)
-Prion diseases (rare forms of neurodegenerative disease)(Prion diseases occur when normal prion protein, found on the surface of many cells, becomes abnormal and clump in the brain, causing brain damage. This abnormal accumulation of protein in the brain can cause memory impairment, personality changes, and difficulties with movement.)
-Infections.
-Impaired blood flow to or in the brain.
Vascular dementia causes problems with mental abilities and a number of other difficulties. The symptoms can come on suddenly or gradually. They tend to get worse over time, although treatment can help slow this down.
It's a good idea to get your dad to the doctor to see what's happening.
Good luck!!
Get your dad checked immediately for any possible medical conditions that could be causing this, early detection can get better treatment and better results.
I know with my Husband when I noticed something a miss I thought back to other incidents and gradually saw a picture unfold. ( often said Alzheimer's should change symbol from a purple ribbon to a purple puzzle piece much like the Autism symbol..it is not until you put all the pieces together that you get a full picture of what is going on)
All you can do once you have the diagnosis is accept that this is how it is going to be.
Prepare yourself
When things get worse..anticipate the worse and rejoice if it is not as bad as you imagined it could be.
Remember that a "bad day" this week will become a "good day" in a few months..and that will continue to be the pattern so learn from your bad days.
Decide early if and when you will have to place your Loved One. My only criteria was safety. If it became unsafe for me to care for him I would have to place him, if it became unsafe for him I would have to place him. Luckily I was able to keep my Husband at home.
Research all the help you can get. Is he a Veteran? if so there might be a little or a lot of help from the VA.
Talk to an Elder Care Attorney as soon as you can, make sure all legal and financial aspects are covered.
Hang in there, you will learn a lot and pass on what you learn because every Alzheimer's victim is different.
Find a good support group.
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