Ask IMOAsk IMO

Lansing's Advice Column

Email your questions to IMO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dear IMO,

My mother is beginning to show signs of forgetfulness. She often repeats the same story or has misplaced her eyeglasses or key. My sisters and I are not sure whether she is developing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Are there certain things we should be looking for? Do you know of any programs that deal with this disease?

Thanks,
Rita

Dear Rita,

Anyone can misplace an item or forget about an appointment. With the hectic pace most of us keep, it's a wonder we get to any of our appointments. I make it a habit to place my wallet and keys on my dresser every evening, except when I forget to do so and spend most of the next morning frantically looking for the missing items.

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places, like an iron in the refrigerator or the car keys in the sugar bowl. They may have troubles performing familiar tasks or become disoriented to time and place. Perhaps you may notice changes in mood or behavior that are atypical.

Data released by the US Census Bureau shows that the number of people living in central New York with Alzheimer's has increased by more than 16% since 2000. Research demonstrates that one in eight persons between the ages of 65-84 have Alzheimer's disease. For those over 85, that figure jumps to one in two or 50%. For every individual diagnosed with this disease, about three people provide direct care. These care givers are usually family members or professionals depending upon the severity of the illness and available financial resources.

Early detection is critical in treating this disease. It is important that you discuss this topic with your mother and schedule an appointment with her doctor. You ought to mention to him your concerns about her forgetfulness. He may order some tests to determine if she has early Alzheimer's. New drug therapies have proven successful in slowing down the disease process, and some can even reverse some of the damaging effects. Keeping one step ahead of the disease can make your mother's "golden years" really shine.

----
v3i41