Is this dementia?

[Adlon57]

I'm 62, getting heart palputations, 16 1/2 stone, have loss weight before should be able to do it again, never been a healthy bunny, permanently tired, now developed a could not care attitude, why should I lose weight, nothing to look forward too no real friends left they have either died, lost contact, what would they want to see me anyway? I have always been a loner, usually living on my own. Forming a schedule just before I go to bed, eventually ending up probably 10% schedule the next day, doing a task eg taking out breakfast cereal in middle of day, a warm glow in centre of my brain when I realise what I have done, but frightening bit is my body and brain do not tick myself off as much, sit in front of tv all day, find lower jaw drops open, could not care less, getting weird looks when I am out people "he's dozy?", now I could not really care less! I have always been a loner, permanent bad health means isolation from the general population, even my specialists admit "You're a one off!" as far as my wide 'selection' of medical conditions [I think a number of them would like to see me go because of my unusual medical symptoms?] My close family my stalwart's of my entire existence, my only real joy, what they have had to put up with over my entire life! Most of my local hospital A&E's do not believe me anymore, although about 90% of the time my symptoms are eventually backed up going through other medical specialists. There are other medical conditions I entertain, I have a medical card in my wallet, but every time I am sick, I TRY to remember my previous conditions, broken shoulders, smashed ribs, meningitis, osteoarthritis, strokes, shingles, allergic to morphine, dementia, etc, in case of reactions, in the end I am usually actually asked what would be best for me, I'm more of an expert than they are eg having had over 400 seizures over nearly fifty years [Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy], {I've had most of the available medications, known!}, schwannamatosis, a very rare condition, I've never actually met ANYBODY with my condition {it does actually exist!}. But I'm so tired my body and brain are giving up, if I am to die let it be soon and let it be quick?

[Val_P]

You sound as though you have Anxiety Depression not Dementia. Maybe you should try counselling and antidepressants. You're the same age as me and I too have weight issues. Diagnosed with ET 10 years ago, and since diagnosis have suffered with occasional periods of depression. I take antidepressants and they do help. Before I retired I was a psychiatric Nurse and my first episode of depression was Really scary. I thought I had dementia. I felt so muddled and forgetful. I couldn't do my job. I didn't even feel safe driving my car. I felt useless and no good to anyone but even being a psychiatric nurse I still didn't think it was depression . I hope you feel better soon as life really can be good even at 62,overweight and with health problems x

Go see your doctor

[Mwalimu]

I agree with Val P - it sounds like Depression which is a very real illness. Please ask for help and get yourself some counselling. You do not have to continue feeling alone and if you have no future. Shall be thinking of you …….

[Mwalimu in reply to Mwalimu]

sorry - should read ' as if you have no future'.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

HI Adlon, I am so sorry to hear that you have so many health problems. I would agree with ValP and suggest that probably need some counselling and intervention for these thoughts you are having. You do not say if you have been diagnosed with a MPN, can you tell us if you have and which one. Kind regards. Maz

[Aime]

Have been there with depression and agree with other posts that you sound depressed. I’ve been on sertraline for years and it really puts things into perspective so please see your GP. Kindest regards Aime xx😺😺

[ChelseaF]

Nothing you have written here sends up flags fle dementia to me. When my dad was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease it wasn’t that he was forgetful as in scattered. He didn’t just forget where the keys were. He would look at keys and not know what they were. He couldn’t figure out how to buckle his seatbelt. He would urinate in the garbage can. He had no idea the year, who was President, and eventually his own name and could not identify himself in a photograph.

I do think you could have more going on than anxiety or depression (but you do sound depressed and who wouldn’t be?). All of your health issues may well have contributed to cognitive decline and brain fog. I would ask for help with the anxiety/depression and see whether some of your symptoms have lifted and then go from there. Best wishes and I hope you get some relief and improved quality of life.