Partner with early signs of dementia & APOE 4 breaking up with me

Posted by a23studio @a23studio, 2 days ago

Hi all, I’m not sure I’m in the right place, but I’m devastated over recent events. My boyfriend of 8 years learned he has two copies APOE 4. He learned those results two months ago in the middle of a trip of a lifetime with our friends. Since then, he has started showing signs that he saw in his mother and brother. He just ended our relationship because he doesn’t want to be a burden. I understand that, and his love for me is beautiful, but I am truly devastated.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

Have any of you investigated the Bredesen Protocol which takes a functional Precision medical approach to this diagnosis? I've listened to many interviews with Dr. Dale Bredesen and Dr. Heather Sandison about their success in reversing some cognition decline in patients. Our neurologist and his team are pushing this intravenous drug protocol which they say takes 18 months and possibly gives you 6 more months of cognition without any precise instructions for lifestyle, dietary, supplemental or alternative therapy change. Just take this drug and hope for the best. Well, that doesn't sit well with me if they aren't looking for the source of the amyloid plaque formation. We have an appointment with a Bredesen Protocol doctor in Vienna, VA, this coming week and I am anxious to hear their assessment, diagnosis and continuous plan for my husband and our family.

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Profile picture for shmerdloff @shmerdloff

"His love for me is beautiful..."
He wants to deal with this on his own (strong) terms, and not have your own life completely derailed with his illness. It's a gift. He is not rejecting you, the illness has come between you.
Since it's progressive, there is little you can do practically , except suffer along with him, so why have two of you suffering the illness. You will suffer, with help, the loss.
I can relate. A burden to my family, is much worse than my illnesses themselves. They don't like my Stoic approach, but respect it.
He may just be the type who wants to deal with this privately. I know for me, dealing with "concerned" friends and relatives is draining.
"OK. Everybody go home. There's nothing to see here."

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@shmerdloff
Did he try removing the amaloid plaque
2 choices with infusions
Laquembi and Kasula
The first is 18 months every other week
The second is stronger only 9 months
Not all Neurologists know how to prescribe this.
Good luck
Joyce

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Profile picture for edsutton @edsutton

Dear a23-

This book may be meaningful to your partner and you.

I hope you and your partner will find a way forward full with compassion and love.

Ed

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@edsutton Hi Ed, thank you for your note. I’m not sure if you were suggesting a particular book to me? I don’t see it on my view of the messages, but I would welcome any book recommendations. Thank you for your well wishes.

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Profile picture for flylgw @flylgw

Have any of you investigated the Bredesen Protocol which takes a functional Precision medical approach to this diagnosis? I've listened to many interviews with Dr. Dale Bredesen and Dr. Heather Sandison about their success in reversing some cognition decline in patients. Our neurologist and his team are pushing this intravenous drug protocol which they say takes 18 months and possibly gives you 6 more months of cognition without any precise instructions for lifestyle, dietary, supplemental or alternative therapy change. Just take this drug and hope for the best. Well, that doesn't sit well with me if they aren't looking for the source of the amyloid plaque formation. We have an appointment with a Bredesen Protocol doctor in Vienna, VA, this coming week and I am anxious to hear their assessment, diagnosis and continuous plan for my husband and our family.

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@flylgw I just bought Heather Sandison’s book. We have been following Dr. Bredesen’s work as well, as you said, for the lifestyle changes.

I am working on changes in my own life, for instance, getting hearing aids, food choices, etc. I’m ordering a glucose monitor for myself.

I hope you have a helpful experience at the appointment next week! I’ll be interested in hearing about your takeaways.

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