Family members and some employees of mine and my GP Doctor insist I I get tested. I am reluctant, but I forget a lot now, trouble spelling, make bad decisions get confused in driving. I am 71. On antidepressives.
I think you’ll feel better when the test is over. I don’t like the anticipation of things with uncertain results, who does? The anticipation of the test must be awful for you but take the fears one at a time, or as they come, and just hang on.
is it possible that the meds you are one might be causing some of the confusion? did you ask your doctor or the pharmacists about that? they should be able to tell you. in the world we live in, depending if you use alot of technology, it does all the spell check for a person, or actually corrects it, so no wonder we forget how to spell. also with the world NOT teaching the kids of tomorrow in not how to actual write (they call it cursive)...i don't know how they will handle legal documents that need an actual live signature. won't worry about the testing, get it done. IF you do find you have a "little" decline in memory, you can start taking some meds now to prevent it from getting worse. I wish you luck.
I read nearly all the answers so far I don't believe anyone has mentioned this. My husband's diagnoses started with a CAT scan followed up by a PET scan. The CAT scan showed brain shrinkage that signified dementia. The PET scan was on a special machine as part of a program sponsored by Medicare. He went to a specialist followed up by a second opinion by another specialist. The point however is, get at least 2 opinions. By including the CAT and PET scans, I feel we actually had 4 opinions, all said the same.
Aricept may help if you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Thank you for sharing your situation and question. It's too rare that we ger to hear from people who may/do need treatment, testing etc.. This helps me better relate to how my mom may feel which helps me empathize more.
I agree with most of the advice already stated.
Facing the situation will remove uncertainty and give you information you need.
It's important to consider all social, psychological amd medical factors that can contribute to your situation.
Antidepressants are important tools for those who need them and like all medicines do have various side effects, so pros and cons muat be weighed and if with research and medical guidance it is determined the meds are a factor, it is important to devise and follow a plan of action with your psychiatrist.
Note: If you haven't already, consider talking with a psychiatrist about possible effects of the medicine because they have deeper knowledge of various conditions and the medicines and dosages available to treat them. If you are only seeing GP for the depression you could be missing out on a lot.
Hi Cetude, I saw your comments on Aricept. I am a patient diagnosed 5yrs ago with Early Onset ALZ. My most recent Neuropsych Exam, says I am now in Moderate-Severe Dementia. I was put on Aricept the day I received the diagnosis. My Neuro Doctor told me it could take 3-6mos before I noticed and difference and it was almost 6mos to the day. Yes diarrhea is an issue. I found that by eating about 1/8 of a jar of Honey Roasted Peanuts just before sleeping have reduced diarrhea by about 80% of my days are pretty good, very little diarrhea. I had a lot of trouble reading when I hit the 6mo point, I was able to continue reading at my regular pace, but I could not remember what I read the next morning. I concluded, Aricept allowed me to focus better on what I was doing. I couldn't remember much of what I'd read, but I enjoy it and Aricept allows me to do that. I am also taking Donepezil and Memantine. Yes, I know I'm declining however the above mentioned drugs used together has allowed me to continue traveling with my family and doing other activities, like volunteer work and getting my hands dirty. I gave up driving 18mos ago of my own volition. I walked in to the DMV and they didn't know what to do with me. They told me we only see people sent here to surrender their license by the Courts or their Doctors. No these drugs do not offer a cure, but I'm convinced I've been able to cram a lot in to these last 5 yrs with no doubt I've had a ball. I hope many more of us can benefit from what I've learned walking my journey.
Aricept may help if you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
I agree with most of the advice already stated.
Facing the situation will remove uncertainty and give you information you need.
It's important to consider all social, psychological amd medical factors that can contribute to your situation.
Antidepressants are important tools for those who need them and like all medicines do have various side effects, so pros and cons muat be weighed and if with research and medical guidance it is determined the meds are a factor, it is important to devise and follow a plan of action with your psychiatrist.
Note: If you haven't already, consider talking with a psychiatrist about possible effects of the medicine because they have deeper knowledge of various conditions and the medicines and dosages available to treat them.
If you are only seeing GP for the depression you could be missing out on a lot.
I saw your comments on Aricept. I am a patient diagnosed 5yrs ago with Early Onset ALZ. My most recent Neuropsych Exam, says I am now in Moderate-Severe Dementia. I was put on Aricept the day I received the diagnosis. My Neuro Doctor told me it could take 3-6mos before I noticed and difference and it was almost 6mos to the day. Yes diarrhea is an issue. I found that by eating about 1/8 of a jar of Honey Roasted Peanuts just before sleeping have reduced diarrhea by about 80% of my days are pretty good, very little diarrhea. I had a lot of trouble reading when I hit the 6mo point, I was able to continue reading at my regular pace, but I could not remember what I read the next morning. I concluded, Aricept allowed me to focus better on what I was doing. I couldn't remember much of what I'd read, but I enjoy it and Aricept allows me to do that. I am also taking Donepezil and Memantine.
Yes, I know I'm declining however the above mentioned drugs used together has allowed me to continue traveling with my family and doing other activities, like volunteer work and getting my hands dirty. I gave up driving 18mos ago of my own volition. I walked in to the DMV and they didn't know what to do with me. They told me we only see people sent here to surrender their license by the Courts or their Doctors.
No these drugs do not offer a cure, but I'm convinced I've been able to cram a lot in to these last 5 yrs with no doubt I've had a ball. I hope many more of us can benefit from what I've learned walking my journey.