Does anyone know about age-related Alz/dementia?

If a qualified PAC told you that, in those words, then that person wants taking out and giving a good slap.

If you go to alz.org you will find much, much better explanations of the various types of dementia.

Alzheimers Disease is one type of dementia. There are dozens of other types.

Then there is normal age-related decline, sometimes called by such terms as Mild Cognitive Impairment. But dementia, as properly defined, is *not* a normal condition of old age.

Because it is a complicated subject which people are often trying to explain quickly and simply, it is sadly true that words and expressions do get used casually when they should really be used to mean something very specific. Did you attend the appointment with your husband, or is that just what he reported to you? - I may be wronging the PAC, it may be that your husband didn't understand or perhaps even didn't properly hear what was being said.

When it comes to understanding what type of dementia your husband has, what tests have been done? Who, apart from the PAC, have you discussed it with so far?

Is this doctor a geriatrician or a neurologist? If not you would be able to get more detailed information than a family practice type doc.

That makes sense to me about not being called dementia, I was surprised to have her say that and not blink an eye, the Dr. won't even state what type he has, I only ask because after reading so much on all the different ones, I just think it would give me direction as how to take care of him better, and more of what to expect. I know everyone says everyone is different, but even so, a guide line of sorts would be helpful. I always go in with him, he wants me to, but doesn't want me to say anything as to what changes I see, I was told at a support group that it is good to do that as it helps the Dr. to know those things, we are the ones that know our loved ones best. He does have trouble understanding as he has bad hearing, this is another topic of Dementia. Tests include, the MMMSE, brain scans, blood work, and the latest was a computer test, which the PAC said he did fine on, yet I saw the cognition was very low. She acted as though I was to know all that it meant. I do not want this person again, we did not do well in discussing things, I finally just kept quiet.

No1cares, I've been going through your replies mentally adding ! !! !!!!! to them.

I think you did well not to take the PAC warmly by the throat and thank her for her "help."

[private rant - the whole *point* of these appointments is to provide explanation and guidance towards an effective care plan. Epic fail!]

But you mention low oxygen at night - is this related to other medical conditions? What else is your husband being treated for?

Now that a full suite of investigations has been done, you might do better to drop the neurologist and look instead for a geriatrician or an older age psychiatrist. Guessing that your husband would give you a very old-fashioned look if you mentioned a psychiatrist: it's important to remember that all psychiatrists are *medically* qualified, and those who specialise in older age will also be very well versed in all of the chronic conditions that tend to affect older patients.

What you need is someone to sit down with you, your husband and all of the results so far and explain them properly. Just to make sure you're not hesitating about it, this is not you being dim. This is a failure on the part of people who should know better to provide the support to which you and your husband are entitled.

Good to hear from you - and, so, how are *you* doing? Are you taking any care of yourself?

You can have both. Yes ALZ is put in the Dementia category but it effects the brain differently than most other Dementias. But at this stage does it really matter what type?

I think it helps to know what kind of dementia he has as the dementias have different patterns of progression, so you are somewhat informed as to what to expect For example, my mother had vascular dementia. She always recognized us. Her "old" personality was still there if somewhat subdued. As happens with VaD, she lost muscle strength and mobility over the 5 years she had it. but she retained some cognition. The pattern of the stages of Alz or FTD is different.

From the web The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's is increasing age, but Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. While age increases risk, it is not a direct cause of Alzheimer's. Most individuals with the disease are 65 and older.

There is information on the web about the stages of Alz. You may be able to estimate where your husband is in terms of decline as you know what his issues are - forgetfulness, poor short term memory, inability to handle finances etc. Since he was diagnosed in 2013, and average life expectancy is 8-10 years, he likely is in one of the middle stages. You need to plan ahead for his care and to look after yourself. This will not get easier.