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December 3, 2007 11:55 a.m.

With Alzheimer's, you can still have a good life

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By Angela Lunde

Here at the Mayo Clinic, I, along with my colleague from the Alzheimer's Association, facilitate "Memory Club," a group for persons with early Alzheimer's disease and their care partners. Here is what one of our former participants shared:

I worked as a computer engineer for 35 years. Several years ago I was having some problems. Things were not right. I had tests to see how my memory was. I was told I had Alzheimer's disease. I was 64 years old. I wondered if they could fix my Alzheimer's disease. I wondered how many others were like this. I wondered why me, I was too young.

Things have changed for me over the past couple of years. I spend more time looking for things. I get more frustrated. When I start to say something the words float away — that's the hardest.

I don't mind telling others about my disease. I want them to know why I am struggling. Telling others helps me cope.

I have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. I have 2 sisters. I have good friends. Being with others who accept my disease helps me cope.

When I am around people I usually have a good joke. I can't change the past, and I can't change what the future brings, so I choose not to worry about it. Humor helps that.

I participate in an early stage support group with others going through a similar situation. I find it helpful to be with others like me and see how they are handling it. Alzheimer's, from what I can tell, is not going away anytime soon. My support group helps me cope.

Most of all, my wife makes it possible for me to cope even though I know it is hard for her. She worries about the future.

Someday they will fix this disease. People are working hard on it everyday. I don't let this disease get the best of me. You can have this disease and still have a good life. It is important for people to know this.

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16 comments posted

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April 10, 2008 10:39 p.m.

I thought tremors might be a symptom of AD. The wife has been on Aricept and Namenda for a long time. I will need Information on whether this is a side effect of the meds or a symptom of AD.

- Rich

March 31, 2008 2:30 p.m.

My mom is 91 years old and has been taking Aricept for 1 year. Her doctor recommended that she taking Namenda, too, about a month ago. After finishing the starter kit, she was experiencing body tremors yesterday, but was conscious and ate well. Has anyone experienced this as a side effect of taking Namenda?

- Linda

January 9, 2008 8:05 a.m.

My sister keeps pushing Xango for every thing. It will cure all the aches and pains help you sleep better, have more energy etc...has anyone tried this juice?

- Teresa

January 6, 2008 1:10 p.m.

I am sure my husband has dementia but I wonder if it is going into Alzheimer's disease. His main symptoms seem to be sleeping a lot and inability to retain information. I have just answered the same question 3 times in the last half hour.

- Jane Brown

December 28, 2007 11:51 p.m.

Marion, I am sorry for your difficult situation. You really must care for yourself. Is there a family member on whom you could rely? Have you asked others for support or assistance? Ask... look for help. You cannot do everything and you are not expected to.

- Pennie

December 28, 2007 8:59 p.m.

A good article for those in the early stages.

- Bill

December 24, 2007 5:38 p.m.

Our daughter is 54 and has Alz but she seems so depressed. Her color is not good and she is losing weight. Is this normal ---she has had it about 3 yrs???

- myrle benton`

December 20, 2007 12:16 p.m.

Gloria - My husband also sleeps a lot , but still has a good appetite and physically feels ok. We both think it is because he is so bored since he cannot do the things he used to be able to do. He is also on Aricept and Namenda.

- Nancy

December 18, 2007 6:36 p.m.

Thank you Kathleen, yes I did follow through with my appointment and plan to go back in 2 weeks, she really helped, mainly because she is not in my situation and could see what I was going through in a different light. Sometimes it helps to talk and I thank you for your advice, God Bless you.

- Marion

December 11, 2007 9:07 p.m.

I certainly do find that the information you furnish in your health letters and the Alzheimers comments from th differest individuals and any comments are very worthwhile. My husband was diagnosed with AD 7 yrs. ago and I still take care of him at home and I appreciate everything I can read and it helps me get through this. He sleeps so much and this concerns me - however, he seems to feel quite well and still has a good appetite. He is so tired, he even falls asleep while he is eating. He take Aricept, Namenda, Celexa and Risperodone. Do you think a change of medications might help him be more awake? He does not get much exercise.

- Gloria