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Are these signs of Dementia or Alzheimers disease?
Are these signs of Dementia or Alzheimers disease?
Can you completely lose your short-term memory, but remember things that happened 40-60 years ago with accuracy if you have beginning stages of Dementia or Alzheimers?
Secondly, if you were asked to go to the mailbox (1 block away) and pick up the mail via car, yet 20 minutes later, when contacted by phone, say you are trying to figure out how to get home from a location 10 miles away because you thought you were supposed to go to the P.O. for the mail. When asked if you know how to get home, the answer is yes. You are reminded to pick up the mail at the mailbox and you do that all within 15 minutes or so. Could this just be a miscommunication or does this appear to be related to Dementia or Alzheimers?
These are 2 instances that I have had within the past 3 days with my husband. He was diagnosed with Parkinsonism in 2019, although, it wasn't definite. He does not have Parkinson's, which he was treated for 11 years beginning in 2008, but there were no changes in 11 years. He has slight tremors, is soft talking and shuffles occasionally when walking unless you bring it to his attention. I am aware that Dementia/Alzheimers occurs in Parkinson patients, however, he has several other medical issues, one being major issues with his heart. The only artery he has open in his body is his main artery. All other arteries are closed due to disease. He was a smoker for 70+ years beginning at age 9 when he lived on a farm. Surgery on his heart is very risky, so the surgeon has refused to do it unless it is an emergency. I am trying to cover all bases, however, I have been unable to locate any info on whether these 2 instances could be tied to Dementia or his heart issue. I would appreciate hearing if anyone else has had these kind of issues and if it has been related to Dementia or Alzheimers. Thank you.
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I would ask his doctor if Medicare B covers the items you need. I believe
the doctor could order them for you so pretty sure he would know what
Medicare B covers since he orders these items for his patients.
Please let me know what you find out.
I would ask his doctor what Medicare B covers because he orders these items all the time for his patients.
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1 ReactionHi @billchitwood, when my husband was getting Physical Therapy at home for his broken hip, one of the therapists did a fall recobvery exercise. He was on the floor and she moved a sturdy dining room chair over to him so he could manuever himself with his arms using the seat to sit on it. My husband was able to do that. It was my job to bring the chair over to him. Maybe you can get some assistance with Physical Therapy through Medicare.
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1 ReactionI hope everything goes well, Julie. With osteoporosis, we have to be careful not to move in ways that will injure us.
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1 ReactionBill won't do anything to help - just loses his temper at us when we try to suggest ways to get him up. Ignored the chair. Only thing he wants is me to pull him up, which isn't going to happen!
Tomorrow is Mayo visit. Have never looked forward to a doctor's visit so much! Just praying they might have some answers or at least a medication that can help with the anger issues and anxiety.
At least today is a good day. He is keeping the kids phone conversations very short - which they have all been warned about. And he is doing a 'generic' hug and kisses rather than mentioning any names.
He suggested we split a beer later this afternoon. So in a good mood.
Wishing you and your family a great Sunday - as well as all the forum friends.
I can only speak from my experiences with my husband. He remembers things from long ago but doesn't remembers what crackers are. He gets upset when I don't understand what he is trying to tell me. He also was supposed to go to the pharmacy very close to our home and he went to one very far from our home that we never went to. He has been diagnosed with Frontotempel dementia as a result of a mri. Petscan and cognitive testing. He was also a very heavy smoker and drinker which we were told could have contributed to the damage to his dementia and unfortunately the damage is mo reversalable.
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2 ReactionsI hope it goes well tomorrow.
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1 ReactionWhen I first met Bill he as a heavy smoker and drinker. He gave up smoking as he noticed it bothered me. He also cut back a lot on his drinking as I'm not much of a drinker (kids swear I just wave the bottle across the glass then add OJ).
Last night he got up to pee at least 3x, had on nighttime Depends, and still flooded his side of the bed. He got angry when I couldn't hear/understand what he was saying. According to daughter Robin he was mostly swearing at me. He talked and sang (nonsense words all night long. Robin could hear him across the house in her bedroom! Maybe not being able to hear as well as some benefits! Although I could 'hear' the noise.
Very long night. Off to Mayo with him this morning.
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2 ReactionsWishing you all the best today, @billchitwood Hoping for some solid help and suggestions for you!
Strength, Courage, & Peace
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2 ReactionsHi @purpleturtle, when my husband could draw a clock, but not with the time of 10 to 11 his neurologist said he shouldn't be driving. He gave it up easily. I think he was relieved.
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