I have been waiting for the Dr. to tell us what type dementia my husband has, and the PAC recently told him that he has age related ALZ/Dementia...now we know...I think?
Husband will be 88 next birthday, and was diagnosed as ALZ then later dementia....confusing, that was in 2013.
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?
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.
B-12, potassium, can't think of the rest, but he does this routine each day....complains about it, but keeps on, oh yes, and memantine....this is all from the VA.
When he sees a Dr. there it is over a computer. He has a hearing problem, that's why I need to be in with him, as he misses the words that are said, thinks they said something else. I will think about the Dr. et. you said.
Thank you again for your answers, this forum is great for many of us, take care...
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.
just be flexible I guess.
I appreciate your taking the time to answer.