www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Is it forgetfulness?

Talked to a colleague this afternoon and the topic of forgetfulness came up. I thought it might be time to be checked for something more serious.

His remark was that on a TV show with a physician panel the question came up: What is forgetfulness and what is Alzheimer's?

I thought the physician's answer was encouraging.

He said that if you forget where you left your keys, that's normal and does not necessarily go with aging.

OTOH, if you forget what keys are for, may be a sign of Alzheimer's.

Bob

Another difference; If you remember you forgot something, you're normal.
If you aren't aware that you forgot something...this is a sign of dementia.


This website may be helpful
http://alzheimers.about.com/od/symptomsofalzheimers/a/forgetfulness_vs_Alzheimers.htm

In the website it says that early medication delays the disease. Some healthcare workers feel that sometimes it accelerates dementia. The point is not to assume, but if you are dissatified with the medication; stop it and check on alternatives with the doctor. Second opinions are recommended.

I just attended a week-long seminar on various mental illness, including dimentia.

The Gerontologist who presented on dimentia was very frank and stated that his professional experience is that the various meds will not cure the disease; in most (but not all) cases they may slow the progression just enough to allow the patient to get their affairs in order and have a little bit of quality time with their family until the shadows close in. He was speaking in terms of months rather than years.