Dementia

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Patnono

Member
Location
Whittier,Ca
Hi, been trying to find out if dementia is heritary? My grandmother died from it, now my mom has it. I read the symptoms. I see that I have experienced those. The doctor has dismissed what I said. Where do I go to find out?
 

There are literally dozens of types of dementia; no doubt some types are hereditary. It would be impossible for any of us (and most doctors) to tell. I have read that the only true determination of Alzheimer's can be made from a brain dissection after death. Before that, it's mostly an educated guess.
 
Try these links, Elaine-

The first one says in part-

Family history

Another strong risk factor is family history. Those who have a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease. The risk increases if more than one family member has the illness. When diseases tend to run in families, either heredity (genetics) or environmental factors, or both, may play a role.

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_causes_risk_factors.asp

https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-genetic#1

Studying diseases like this is so complex, involving genetic testing and difficult to understand. That's why I suggested another doctor. Now that I think of it, perhaps see a geriatric specialist for help with clarification.

Welcome Elaine and please get back to us to tell what you've learned.
 
RadishRose said:
Try these links, Elaine-

The first one says in part-

Family history

Another strong risk factor is family history. Those who have a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease. The risk increases if more than one family member has the illness. When diseases tend to run in families, either heredity (genetics) or environmental factors, or both, may play a role.

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_causes_risk_factors.asp

https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-genetic#1

Studying diseases like this is so complex, involving genetic testing and difficult to understand. That's why I suggested another doctor. Now that I think of it, perhaps see a geriatric specialist for help with clarification.

Welcome Elaine and please get back to us to tell what you've learned.
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Thanks for the links, I was on WebMDdid show that. I don't know if my insurance would pay for a geneticist? Won't hurt to ask? I look at the symptoms, I have experienced some of them.
 
Patnono said:
Thanks for the links, I was on WebMDdid show that. I don't know if my insurance would pay for a geneticist? Won't hurt to ask? I look at the symptoms, I have experienced some of them.
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Hi Elaine. May I ask what symptoms you experience? My grandmother had dementia from mini strokes.
 
Ruthanne said:
Hi Elaine. May I ask what symptoms you experience? My grandmother had dementia from mini strokes.
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Oh, I throught you just developed it? Cause my grandmother never had a stroke. My mom did like 20 years ago. The symptoms I've experienced are forgetting within minutes what my thought was, have trouble getting words out, forgetting names of people who are in front of me, going to another room not remembering why?
 
Patnono said:
Oh and my sister in-law said there was a test for Alzheimer's disease? Her father died from it. I've never heard of it?
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An MD can ask you questions to get a good idea. Are you taking any medications? I only ask because I took some that gave me those symptoms you mentioned. Dementia can come from a number of causes and not just mini strokes. I also forget the names of people who are in front of me and forget what I went in a room for..many people have that. I, too, forget what my thought was. Those are not necessarily signs of Dementia but many people have those things happen. I think you should tell your doctor about your concern about Dementia and let him or her ask you some questions and give you a check up, too.
 
I look on the internet, the symptoms I mentioned were mentioned as symptoms if dementia. That's why I thought I might have it?
 
Patnono said:
I look on the internet, the symptoms I mentioned were mentioned as symptoms if dementia. That's why I thought I might have it?
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It's best to see your doctor for him/her to ask you questions that can tell better if you have it. I only said they are not necessarily dementia and not that they are not dementia. Only a doctor really has the questions and methods to see if you may have it. If you do have it there are medicines that can be prescribed to help.
 
I did, seem like she brushed it off , by saying I don't think so? That there are no test to prove it. I am looking to find another doctor she has done that to me on other things before.
She had said I had diabetes, but didn't Know what type? Doesn't really want to listen to me
 
Patnono said:
I did, seem like she brushed it off , by saying I don't think so? That there are no test to prove it. I am looking to find another doctor she has done that to me on other things before.
She had said I had diabetes, but didn't Know what type? Doesn't really want to listen to me
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That's a good idea to find another doctor. One that takes you seriously. There are tests to evaluate if you might have it, they are questions that the doctor will ask you. I hope your next doctor is better and treats you well.
 
I've heard people talk about alcohol induced dementia for years now. I don't wether the alcoholic is compensating for something else going on or the alcohol actually did it.

I know heavy and/or consistent daily drinkers and they seem to have a better memory of their younger years which is when they more sober. But something over the last 10-20 years seem much more difficult to recall.

https://www.allaboutcounseling.com/library/dementia-associated-with-alcoholism/
 
Patnono said:
Just today I made an appointment with a new doctor. 
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That sounds good, Elaine. Write down all your questions as they pop into your mind; have a notepad and pen near you as often as possible.

I do that when I run out of some grocery I'll need or things to ask my doctor and it works for me.

Remember to write down the doctor's answers, or ask the doctor to do it for you.

Good luck. :)
 

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