General Chat

Jude

I really feel for your friend...and you. I'm SO sorry.

My Mother had this and I am paranoid that I will get it too.

Can you tell us the 1st symtoms your friend had?
My Mums were forgetfulness (like forgetting to eat!)

I could do with losing a few million pounds..... but....

Gerri x

My husband was diagnosed last year with cerebral atrophy. The doc does not like the term Alzheimers. Several years ago he noticed he could no longer smell or taste things and he heard or read somewhere that it was an early sign of Alzheimers. The doc at the time poo poohed the idea.
I find his short-term memory is very bad, but otherwise he is not too bad yet, even though he is quite a bit older than your friend (77).
We each have a cell phone so if we go shopping and he wants to go one way and I want to go another and he gets lost he can ring me up and tell me what shop he is outside. I can then go to get him. It leaves him with some independence still, dont know for how long, but I dont want to squash it too soon. I have told him it is not safe to drive now as his brain might not react fast enough in an emergency. He has accepted that. Our sons mother in law who is not yet 70 was still driving, but her daughter finally sold her car, and a neighbour said how relieved she was as the mother was driving on the wrong side of the road, among other things. Not to mention forgetting where she had parked the car when she went out.
Best of luck to your friend.

So sorry to hear this news Jude................my Mum has been suffering from it for about 8 years now and she is 76.

If I can ever help, just ask.

There are drugs out there to slow down the progress, but most are only available when the middle to late stages are reached.............a very cruel decision by NICE.

The best advice I can give is to treat her in the same way you always have and give her husband all the support he needs.

It is one of the most cruel diseases and in some ways much harder on the family than the sufferer.

You know where I am if you need me.

xx

Sorry to hear about your friend

Linda

Jude so sorry my luv
Lesley in Spain xx

Hi Jude, sorry to hear that.
(((((((hugs))))))))))))

Mags
xx

That's so sad Jude
my thoughts with your friend and all her family
catherine
xx

Jude,

I am so very sorry to hear about your friend.

(((((( Hugs))))))

Lindyxx

I am so very sorry to hear this Jude. What a shock and how young she is! Big hug for you. BC XX

Morning everyone:o))

Bless you all for the lovely messages and information. l will take a look at the websites.

Kitty bless you and thanks, might need that!!

My friend is on medication, she said 'l take a pill everyday and its wonnderrrful' - she has a way with making everything sound very exciting and that ability is still there, thank goodness!! She's a writer as well as a teacher, a fantastic mother of 2. Their lst grandchild is due in March:o)))) something special for her to look forward to:o))

Yes l realised yesterday that l had to talk to her as l always have, she was getting mixed up and frustrated with words, her OH had to take over the conversation once - but she is taking this head on and not letting it stop her doing things.

Her first signs were about 3 yrs ago when she realised she had difficulties at work with teaching, she kept forgetting and just felt she could'nt do it. The diagnoses then was The Change!! Thats all l know at the moment. l will wait a while before l ring them - they have alot of phone calls to make, they want to make sure everyone knows that should know - how brave!!!!
Sadly we had'nt had contact for about a year to 18 months, always thinking of her and wondering how they all were - just goes to show 'you should'nt just wonder, you should make contact'.
Thanks again everyone:o))

jude sarf wales xxxx

So sorry to hear about your friend Jude.
My heart goes out to all this is a cruel desease.
Take Care
Germaine
x

At such a young age-this is devestating at any age but in somebody in her fifties-well there are no words. Bless your friend Jude and all her family-what a strong lady knowing what she knows and wanting to see her friends while she can remember them-she must have a great big heart, I would be honoured to be her friend.

so sad for you jude enjoy the time you have with your friend xxxx

We read in yesterdays Daily Mail that a baby of only13months has it, god that is horrible and so cruel and just one month older than my granddaughter! Why are all these horrific deseases so prolific, is it the way we live as in the food we eat, the chemicals we use etc

jude xx

In the case of Alzheimers the brain cells die at a massively accelerated rate.................leading to loss of cognitive reasoning, memories of names, places and people........then speech and movement and the swallow reflex.

A horrible thing to suffer and watch....................none of the theories fit Mum's profile.

She was very active, intelligent, sociable and never smoked.............she had a social drink occassionally and had a really healthy diet.

She did everything right.....yet Alzheimers has her in its grip..................not fair, but we have to make the most of every smile and every happy or calm moment we have her.

No matter what................I am immensely proud of her and love her to pieces, always have and always will.

It is early days for your friend ..................take it one step at a time.

xx

Thanks again Kitty. Your mum is a very lucky lady to have you as a daughter:o))

jude sarf wales :o) xx

Jude. So sorry to hear your news.

xx

Im so sorry Jude,

My Nan had this heartbreaking illness,


Caz xxx

What a cruel thing to happen to your friend Jude......and so young too.......I do know of someone who was diagnosed at 60 and there is a support group in his area where the families can go to discuss their problems......and to socialise too....

Perhaps there is a group like this where they live, it is set up for younger Altzheimers (sp) sufferers.....I hope you can pass on our good wishes to your friend and family......x

Sorry to hear about your friend Jude. I work with the elderly and have seen what this can do to people, but to get it so young is terrible.

Love to your friend and her family. Please tell them to get all the help that is available.