Community Chat

[sassenach1]

On 1/20/2014 pitdakota said:

On 1/20/2014 glb613 said:

They need to know what causes a disease in order to prevent it. I feel sorry for anyone who really believes the medical community and drug companies block finding a cure to make money. Just like most conspiracy theories, it just isn't true. Educate yourself about Alzheimer's disease, join a support group, learn how to manage the disease and the Patient. It will do you a lot of good and be more constructive than blaming others.

ITA. There are people right now performing research on Alzheimer's only because it impacted them personally and because of that experience they are now devoting their full time effort into research. Alzheimer's is also a particular area in which research is somewhat challenging because in so many cases the person cannot give informed consent for a research study and many times the primary caregiver is very reluctant to enter their loved one into a research study. And understandably so in many of these situations. Some are really afraid of research (look at all of the conspiracy theories here) and others are worn out and question the benefit to their loved one of entering a clinical trial.

As for the statements here that there is more money in treatment than prevention, that grossly underestimates the complex nature of any chronic disease and multiple causative factors of chronic disease in humans. I cannot think of one chronic disease that is a leading cause of death that is preventable. Not one.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in this country. And to date there is not a reliable way to prevent heart disease in older adults. We know that exercising, eating healthy diets, etc. will decrease the risk.....but that is not the same thing as prevention. And even though many people have adopted these lifestyle strategies.....heart disease is still the number one cause of death in this country.

As far a medical science we still have no way to prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, etc. There are ways to decrease the risk, but not to prevent.

Heck, even in infectious diseases we have only eradicated one infectious disease in the history of mankind and that is smallpox.

Alzheimer's disease has impacted my family personally. It is a horrible disease. I hope they are able to make some discoveries that lead to a breakthrough in treatment and that eventually they may be able to identify substantial causative factors that might help us lower the risk for people developing Alzheimer's disease in the future.

PS....The neurologist I used only went to med school, became a neurologist, and devotes much of his practice to dementia patients because of a special relationship he had with his grandfather. That grandfather had Alzheimer's disease.

Thank you. Yes, I hope someone is working hard to find prevention or cure.

[Cakers1]

On 1/20/2014 Lila Belle said:

On 1/20/2014 Gooday said:

As did I. If someone said the sky was blue, you would find some way to argue the point. It's just who you are. You do it all the time.

back off !

Are you a webbie Lila?

What a terribly sad thread, not just for those whose loved ones or close friends have this disease or have died from it, but because the bottom line is that there is never a definitive answer to this and many other illnesses.

One can research and find conflicting studies across the board. Since science doesn't have all the answers, then it's only on-going research. There is a big difference there.

To turn this around by making it seem as though only some are the experts and others are just ignorant hurts. Science - we get it. Without it we wouldn't have advances in many fields, ya think?

I feel for those who came here for a decent discussion.

[sassenach1]

On 1/23/2014 Cakers1 said:

On 1/20/2014 Lila Belle said:

On 1/20/2014 Gooday said:

As did I. If someone said the sky was blue, you would find some way to argue the point. It's just who you are. You do it all the time.

back off !

Are you a webbie Lila?

What a terribly sad thread, not just for those whose loved ones or close friends have this disease or have died from it, but because the bottom line is that there is never a definitive answer to this and many other illnesses.

One can research and find conflicting studies across the board. Since science doesn't have all the answers, then it's only on-going research. There is a big difference there.

To turn this around by making it seem as though only some are the experts and others are just ignorant hurts. Science - we get it. Without it we wouldn't have advances in many fields, ya think?

I feel for those who came here for a decent discussion.

[Cakers1]

On 1/23/2014 Sassenach1 said:

On 1/23/2014 Cakers1 said:

On 1/20/2014 Lila Belle said:

On 1/20/2014 Gooday said:

As did I. If someone said the sky was blue, you would find some way to argue the point. It's just who you are. You do it all the time.

back off !

Are you a webbie Lila?

What a terribly sad thread, not just for those whose loved ones or close friends have this disease or have died from it, but because the bottom line is that there is never a definitive answer to this and many other illnesses.

One can research and find conflicting studies across the board. Since science doesn't have all the answers, then it's only on-going research. There is a big difference there.

To turn this around by making it seem as though only some are the experts and others are just ignorant hurts. Science - we get it. Without it we wouldn't have advances in many fields, ya think?

I feel for those who came here for a decent discussion.

Sassenach: Hoping for the best for you and that you can find some help so that you can have some time for yourself, too.

[sweetpea53]

On 1/20/2014 Gooday said:

All your stating studies/findings etc. doesn't mean squat in this dreaded disease. You think you have this all figured out? Pffttt.... I've been there. Each person is different and each caregiver is going through torture, stress and increased physical and mental status.

Stop your arguing and maybe that will add years to your lives.

Drugs, lifestyle, socioeconomic status means nothing in this non-discriminatory disease. You learn to go with the flow or it will take the caregivers down as well.

Act like adults and show some compassion to the people who have gone through this and/or are dealing with loved ones with this terrible disease.

Years and years and money and more money have gone to cures for many horrible diseases and yet people die every day. Certainly research has led to better treatments but, cures are a long way off.

There, I've said my peace.

I agree. The reason behind why my mom doesn't know my name, where she is, etc....actually means very little to me. The point is, people have a life time of memories. Not my mom.

[bluejeansluvr]

I could write a book on this subject. Praying for you Sassenach. I will tell you as others have, the most helpful thing is attending a support group in your city.

[Lottina]

Not going to be able to read all these tonight so don't know of anyone else has my story. Two years ago, my 59 year old son died of Alzheimers (Early Onset Alzheimers). He started going downhill about 49 years of age. It was a rough 10 years but his wife had the major responsibility of him because I wasn't in the same city.

His father also died of this at age 79 ( Not exactly early onset}. We had been divorced for many years.

It is sad at any age but the early onset is one of those things that causes parents to have to bury their children. Is is so sad either way!

It does all seem to be growing in numbers year by year.

[Lila Belle]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lottina.

[Andrewsgrandma]

My father died 1-1-14 of Alz. He was 82. He was a very active, intelligent, wonderful, people person. We, the kids, noticed differences in his behavior going back to 2000. He was officially diagnosed in 2006. We knew before that. I think my mother was actually in denial until he had to go to a home a year and a half ago. Anyway, awful, awful disease. I don't think they really know what causes it although it seems to be inherited from the maternal side. My father was on the typical Alz. drug, can't remember the name of it, arricept? We could never understand why you would give a drug that slows the progression. I mean, why? Why prolong it? That's just my personal opinion. It's a slow death sentence. If it were me, I wouldn't want a drug that slows the progression. I will say, although my father didn't know who we, his children were, per say, he recognized us. All 4 of us, until the end. He could still say our mothers name until his last day. Don't know if he knew she was his wife, but he would look for her to come visit each day and when she'd leave the room he would keep calling her name until she returned.

[I like celery]

Sassenach, I haven't read all of the comments, but just wanted to say how much respect I have for you and all the others who care for those with Alzheimers. This past year, I have started to notice a family member showing what I believe to be early signs of Dementia, and I am terrified. I'm trying to learn what I can now, so I can be more prepared if/when things really start to escalate. Bless you for all that you are doing for your mother. You and all the other caregivers are the epitome of a pure heart.

eta: I just read a few of the earlier comments, and I realize not everyone is in the position to care for their loved ones, and need to make other choices. I have much respect for those individuals, as well. I know the decisions aren't easy...