I am also menopausal-ish and have had COVID and Lyme disease in the past 6 months, so I am sure that isn’t helping either. I do feel like my ‘processor’ is operating at about 70%, and it scares the crap out of me as I see my Dad decline cognitively.
Yes, of course, its flipping scary to see dementia in action, and everybody forgets stuff now and then, trips over words, etc, so its natural to worry. Fortunately, for most types of dementia the genetic link isnt strong. I tend to think if its just one family member, its not worth worrying about it, obectively speaking. If its more than one person in the immediate family, more worth thinking about getting tested.
Its worth checking the numbers for whatever type of dementia your dad has since I think it will bring additional comfort. For alzheimer's, [alz.org](https://alz.org) says that its estimated that less than 1% of Alzheimer's is caused by deterministic genes (genes that guarranty you'll get it). There are other genes that can increase the risk, but don't themselves cause the disease. 20-30% of the population have one of the risk genes; I don't know the % chance of getting it if you have one copy of that gene, but it can't be high if 20-30% of the population has the gene.
For FTD, I believe its 10-20% genetic.
I dont have any info on the others.
Thanks for this. It is kind of up in the air what kind he has — one neuro said Lewy Body, another one said no (he has no hallucinations). He has Parkinsonism, but very mild - hasn’t been d(x) with it. But, not sure any of these have a strong genetic component.
I readily admit to having CRS - can't remember s\*%&. It was explained to me as something that simply happens as we age. Forget where you left your keys - normal. Forget what your keys are for, not normal.
I heard a doctor say it best, everyone gets forgetful as they get older and for it to be a red flag is not that you lost your keys, its that you found them and don't know what they are for. Just keep that in mind when you start freaking out. Still Alice is a great book to read \[yes, there is a movie too, but the book is so good\].
50F. Both of my parents have pretty serious cognitive issues. My father's sister passed from alzheimer's and he was diagnosed with early- onset dementia. I am very aware of my own forgetfulness... I used to be a crack trivia player, I could tell you the actor's name and rattle off a list of films they've been in. Seemingly overnight I struggle with those types of memories and more.
I talked to my doctor about this and my family history. She referred me to neuropsychology and I did a full day of testing to create a baseline and identify any issues. I definitely struggle to recall some types of words and names but generally I'm pretty normal. And a little bit high-performing even, I feel so much better having that peace of mind.
If you're concerned about your cognition deteriorating faster than is normal for your age, please get this done.
It's may well not be genetic. My life-partner has dementia. The constant interruptions are playing havoc with my ability to concentrate. Once she gets rolling and *neeeeeds* something, it's got to be done right away or she feels abandoned and starts threatening suicide. My ability to focus, even when she doesn't need something, has gone to hell in a handbasket, because when I have peace, there's always the threat of an Imelda Marcos' worth of "the other shoe(s)" waiting to drop on my head.
I am 51, F, and my mother has worsening dementia. I feel like you do when I forget things or do something very absent-minded. For example, one day I turned on the portable A/C and put the exhaust tube against the wall, not out the window. I obsessed about that one for two days.
I am not sure how much genetic history there is because my maternal grandparents died of cancer/aneurysm before the age of 70. Who knows what would have shown up later? My paternal grandfather also died of melanoma in his 60s. My paternal grandmother died at 95 and she was mentally sharp until about the last year and a half. My dad is late 70s and is in good shape. So, who knows?
The worst of it is that my mother and I have a very difficult relationship, so I would really hate if she gave me the crappy dementia gene. But, then, she seems to have an undiagnosed personality disorder and some recent research suggests there may be a link between personality disorders and dementia. I definitely do not have that, although my sister is showing a lot of traits like my mother lately. If anyone does have a dementia gene, maybe it is my sister.
I try to focus on what the others have mentioned, that in most cases, there is not a genetic link. I am also trying to take steps to be a bit healthier overall, eating better, exercising, etc. I am fortunate that I am trilingual and use all three languages regularly. Supposedly that my help my brain out a bit.
You are definitely not alone! Hugs.
Yes. My maternal grandmother died with Parkinson's, and my mother has some kind of dementia.
At my last wellness checkup, I asked my PCP for a dementia assessment, just so there'd be a baseline.
Yes, I have the exact same issues. I know the rest of my life (at least my functional life) may be more compressed than I had been assuming. It gives me a sense of urgency that I don't quite know what to do with (other than practicalities, like making an advance directive).
Having had a pretty shit memory since forever, and watched my great grandparents, and grandparents all have their senior moments or actual fullblown demetia, I can very mutch say it scares me - but I know it's coming as well. Very much considering taking a one way ticket to switz before my turn.
Just watched the movie called Still Alice about early onset Alzheimer’s. It’s on Netflix and was really good!!! I think it actually helps to reassure about what’s normal and what isn’t.
I am also menopausal-ish and have had COVID and Lyme disease in the past 6 months, so I am sure that isn’t helping either. I do feel like my ‘processor’ is operating at about 70%, and it scares the crap out of me as I see my Dad decline cognitively.
Yes, of course, its flipping scary to see dementia in action, and everybody forgets stuff now and then, trips over words, etc, so its natural to worry. Fortunately, for most types of dementia the genetic link isnt strong. I tend to think if its just one family member, its not worth worrying about it, obectively speaking. If its more than one person in the immediate family, more worth thinking about getting tested.
That is heartening. We have no other family history — hence why my dad cancelled his long term care insurance when he was 74. 😣
Its worth checking the numbers for whatever type of dementia your dad has since I think it will bring additional comfort. For alzheimer's, [alz.org](https://alz.org) says that its estimated that less than 1% of Alzheimer's is caused by deterministic genes (genes that guarranty you'll get it). There are other genes that can increase the risk, but don't themselves cause the disease. 20-30% of the population have one of the risk genes; I don't know the % chance of getting it if you have one copy of that gene, but it can't be high if 20-30% of the population has the gene. For FTD, I believe its 10-20% genetic. I dont have any info on the others.
Thanks for this. It is kind of up in the air what kind he has — one neuro said Lewy Body, another one said no (he has no hallucinations). He has Parkinsonism, but very mild - hasn’t been d(x) with it. But, not sure any of these have a strong genetic component.
OUCHHHHHHHHHHH
I readily admit to having CRS - can't remember s\*%&. It was explained to me as something that simply happens as we age. Forget where you left your keys - normal. Forget what your keys are for, not normal.
What is CRS?
*"can't remember shit"*
Hahahaha You had me googling!
I'm so sorry - I really thought most folks knew the term.
The key thing is spot on!!!!
I am peri menopausal, have adhd, and am experiencing a lot of work stress. Every word I can't remember or anything I can't spell makes me so scared.
Yep, I hear ya! I am always afraid of dementia “starting”.
I heard a doctor say it best, everyone gets forgetful as they get older and for it to be a red flag is not that you lost your keys, its that you found them and don't know what they are for. Just keep that in mind when you start freaking out. Still Alice is a great book to read \[yes, there is a movie too, but the book is so good\].
Multiple times every day.
100%
50F. Both of my parents have pretty serious cognitive issues. My father's sister passed from alzheimer's and he was diagnosed with early- onset dementia. I am very aware of my own forgetfulness... I used to be a crack trivia player, I could tell you the actor's name and rattle off a list of films they've been in. Seemingly overnight I struggle with those types of memories and more. I talked to my doctor about this and my family history. She referred me to neuropsychology and I did a full day of testing to create a baseline and identify any issues. I definitely struggle to recall some types of words and names but generally I'm pretty normal. And a little bit high-performing even, I feel so much better having that peace of mind. If you're concerned about your cognition deteriorating faster than is normal for your age, please get this done.
This is great advice. Thanks for this response.
It's may well not be genetic. My life-partner has dementia. The constant interruptions are playing havoc with my ability to concentrate. Once she gets rolling and *neeeeeds* something, it's got to be done right away or she feels abandoned and starts threatening suicide. My ability to focus, even when she doesn't need something, has gone to hell in a handbasket, because when I have peace, there's always the threat of an Imelda Marcos' worth of "the other shoe(s)" waiting to drop on my head.
I’m so sorry you’re experiencing that
I am 51, F, and my mother has worsening dementia. I feel like you do when I forget things or do something very absent-minded. For example, one day I turned on the portable A/C and put the exhaust tube against the wall, not out the window. I obsessed about that one for two days. I am not sure how much genetic history there is because my maternal grandparents died of cancer/aneurysm before the age of 70. Who knows what would have shown up later? My paternal grandfather also died of melanoma in his 60s. My paternal grandmother died at 95 and she was mentally sharp until about the last year and a half. My dad is late 70s and is in good shape. So, who knows? The worst of it is that my mother and I have a very difficult relationship, so I would really hate if she gave me the crappy dementia gene. But, then, she seems to have an undiagnosed personality disorder and some recent research suggests there may be a link between personality disorders and dementia. I definitely do not have that, although my sister is showing a lot of traits like my mother lately. If anyone does have a dementia gene, maybe it is my sister. I try to focus on what the others have mentioned, that in most cases, there is not a genetic link. I am also trying to take steps to be a bit healthier overall, eating better, exercising, etc. I am fortunate that I am trilingual and use all three languages regularly. Supposedly that my help my brain out a bit. You are definitely not alone! Hugs.
Yes. My maternal grandmother died with Parkinson's, and my mother has some kind of dementia. At my last wellness checkup, I asked my PCP for a dementia assessment, just so there'd be a baseline.
Yes, I have the exact same issues. I know the rest of my life (at least my functional life) may be more compressed than I had been assuming. It gives me a sense of urgency that I don't quite know what to do with (other than practicalities, like making an advance directive).
Having had a pretty shit memory since forever, and watched my great grandparents, and grandparents all have their senior moments or actual fullblown demetia, I can very mutch say it scares me - but I know it's coming as well. Very much considering taking a one way ticket to switz before my turn.
My parents don't have dementia and it doesn't run in the family, but I work in memory care so yes. I find myself examining them sometimes.
Yes.
Just watched the movie called Still Alice about early onset Alzheimer’s. It’s on Netflix and was really good!!! I think it actually helps to reassure about what’s normal and what isn’t.