New member

[Dune21]

Hi, I'm new to this website, as well as completely new to forums of any kind. So, forgive me if I don't follow the rules appropriately. Just introducing myself as someone who is beginning so notice memory problems in myself, as described in my bio. Also, as a retired psychologist who specialized in treating nursing home patients with a variety of problems, including Alzheimer's disease, I thought I might have something to contribute to the support group.

[NWA6]

Hi Dune21, I’m new here myself. My Dad was diagnosed 14yrs ago, at 65ish. Very very slow emergence of symptoms, to the point that we now see, repetition, getting stuck in a ‘loop’, forgetfulness on a daily/hourly basis, esp when not in his own environment. My interest lies in looking at other factors which may or may not relate to the umbrella of dementia. Thyroid levels, B12, ferritin, folate and Vit D. I believe that low levels in any and all of these can mimic the symptoms of dementia and/or exacerbate all/some forms of dementia.

[Dune21 in reply to NWA6]

I am also interested in factors that contribute to memory problems, particularly sugar. Alzheimer's has been called Type 3 diabetes by several specialists, including Dr. David Perlmutter and Dr. Dale Bredesen. Sugar is basically toxic to the human body, particularly the brain, and particularly in the amounts that most people consume. Like alcohol, it's OK in small amounts, but toxic in large amounts over time.

[Jacs in reply to Dune21]

Hi Dune21, I’m a recent member to this forum which I joined in the hope it would be as useful as another group I’m a member of on here about Thyroid disease which is excellent I’m very interested in your comments about alcohol; my mum who has dementia (recent diagnosis but very quick demise) wasn’t a big drinker but had a guinness every day. In recent years she has become effectively ‘hooked’ on sugar though, rejecting most savoury things, though she was a very healthy eater all her life (home cooked, lots of veg) - I can’t say I’ve been as good as her and now worry that I’m on the same trajectory

I believe that long-term stress is also a contributory factor, as are some deficiency’s (hormones, vitamins for eg)

I’ve always had an issue remembering names (regardless of how hard I tried to memorise) but find increasingly that I struggle for a word I know but can’t call instantly to mind

I’ll take a look at the work of the 2 docs you mention

I’m at a stage now with mum where I’m starting to consider a specialist home, as it’s increasingly harder to cope with her (she’s aggressive, paranoid, hears voices) but also trying to keep her at home in her own environment as long as possible. It’s such an awful disease ☹️

[Dune21 in reply to Jacs]

I specialized in treating elderly residents in nursing homes, and often consulted with families struggling over whether to admit their loved ones to a nursing home. I would share with them the evidence that when a family member was suffering from a debilitating disease, such as Alzheimer's, they almost always did much better and were much happier out of the home, as long as members of the family continued to be actively involved, and weren't just "dumping" their loved one. And it goes without saying that family members at home were much happier as the stress level in the home dramatically decreased.

[Jacs in reply to Dune21]

Thanks for replying Dune21. It surprises me to hear that they did better out of the home - prior to her recent fall my mum had gotten to the point where she almost never left the house (she doesn’t feel at all comfortable elsewhere) & now in a rehab unit after a hip replacement she spends all her waking time asking me or nurses to take her home & is very distressed. Why do you say that they did better out of the home?

[Dune21 in reply to Jacs]

Once the person has adjusted to being away from home and living in a nursing home, they generally report being happier there, and this is supported by observations from the staff. There is often a great deal of resistance to the idea initially, but once the person discovers all the activities and interactions with staff and other residents, they settle in and accept the new accommodations. They are often much less lonely than they were when they were at home.

By the way, a nursing home is a much different kind of place than a rehab unit. Rehab units are temporary accommodations, and don't usually have the range of activities and support services that a nursing home would have.

Of course, I'm not familiar with the types of accommodations that are available in the UK. What I'm describing is what I've observed in the US.

[Jacs in reply to Dune21]

That’s really interesting to hear. We’re going to try to support mum at home but my biggest fear was that it won’t be possible long-term. Hearing you say this provides me with some comfort and has open my mind somewhat. Thank you

[Hidden]

Welcome to this group. Your background information sounds interesting and should be helpful to us as we do our best to deal with our individual situations. I originally joined because my best was diagnosed with Alzhimers and l wanted to be supportive of her. Since then my ex husband has also been diagnosed with Alzhimers. l am not a supportive person to him but try to share helpful information with my children as they try to be supportive of their dad. My memory is not what it used to be and l try not to let it frustrate me too much. Best wishes to you.

[Dune21 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks.

[ChristianElliott Partner]

Welcome to the community! We're glad to have you.

[Dune21 in reply to ChristianElliott]

Thanks. Hopefully I can be of some help to folks. I'm not an expert in Alzheimer's, but I do have a fairly good knowledge base. It's been over 30 years since I specialized in this area.

[NWA6]

Support is always good but remember you don’t always have to play that role 😉 Hopefully you’re here to be supported as well 🤗

[Dune21 in reply to NWA6]

Absolutely.