10/21/14
To make a donation go to:
http://act.alz.org/goto/kreis64
Day 4: on my way to “Walk To End Alzheimer’s (WTEA)“ with Team Steve and Captain GJ. To continue on my quest to not only ask for donations, but in the process to inform you of issues surrounding Alzheimer’s, such as on Day 1: I posted about, Alzheimer’s Daily Tips and Info., Day 2: We saw Alzheimer’s Tips, Medical Do’s, Don’ts and More. Day 3: I covered, “14 Symptoms of Alzheimer’s”. Which brings us to today, Day 4: How do doctor’s test for the Alzheimer’s disease?
MRI Machine Drawing
I thought the test would end up being a simple blood test or Computerized Tomography* (CT) or even a Magnetic Resonance Imaging** (MRI) scan but realistically of all the information doctors can obtain from medical history, physical exams, mental health status and tests, the above mentioned scans and even neurological exams there is not “One” test alone that can determine if someone has Alzheimer’s, all of the mentioned medical data has to be reviewed before doctors can make a yes or no decision. When you go to visit your general practitioner (GP) to find out more about your condition be ready to answer a slew of questions:
- What kind of symptoms have you noticed?
- When did they begin?
- How often do they happen?
- Have they gotten worse?
- What is your diet like?
- Any alcohol or drug use? If so how much and how often?
- What are your current medications?
- What over the counter medications are you taking? Vitamins, minerals, cold medicine, etc.
Having a family member or caregiver with you at all appointments to provide input and to write down information can be a very helpful asset. Be prepared to go through blood work and to have you vitals repeatedly taken (pulse, temperature and blood oxygen, lungs, etc.) at every visit. Other test will also be performed including stress test, CT scans and possibly MRI’s, even genetic testing if the doctors feel it necessary.
DNA Marker Shee
The reason that so many tests are performed to ensure the correct diagnosis be provided is that there are numerous other conditions that act similar to Alzheimer’s and produce some of the same symptoms. Just a brief list of these conditions include, anemia, depression, infection, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, certain vitamin deficiencies, thyroid abnormalities, and problems with the heart, blood vessels and lungs. *** You can see how why according to Alzheimer’s Association’s 2012 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, an estimated 45% of American seniors 85 and older suffer from Alzheimer’s, and one in eight people aged 65 and over (13%) has Alzheimer’s disease. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. This puts Alzheimer’s as the number one scariest fact about the disease which most people didn’t even know.
So much for all the negativity, let’s talk about a positive. Annually hundreds of, “Walk To End Alzheimer’s 5K’s (WTEA)” are put on all over the United States with donations arriving from every city in every state and from all walks of life. Recently a good friend of ours in the Anaheim, Ca. area was diagnosed with the early stages of this dreaded disease. They have put together a team for this year’s Huntington Beach, WTEA and I have donated my time to join them. I originally pledged to raise $100 and to no surprise of mine, my friends and family have stepped up and exceeded that to a tune of $422. I have since raised my pledge to $500 and need your help in reaching (or exceeding) this new amount. If you can help me, it would be greatly appreciated not just by myself but also by those looking for a cure and by those needing a cure. If you are unable to donate, I fully understand and ask if you could please pass this letter on, you never know when someone is able to lend a helping hand. My direct Walk To End Alzheimer’s donation site is: http://act.alz.org/goto/kreis64.
Thank you for reading my blog,
Richard K.
* Computerized Tomography (CT) – Uses a computer that takes the data received from multiple X-ray images and converts them into pictures on a monitor.
** Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Is a painless test that provides detailed pictures of organs and other structures inside the body.
*** Obtained from http://www.alz.org’s website on 10/21/14, 7:45pm
AUTHORS BIO:
Richard is a trifecta caregiver, along with his wife he cares for himself, with Chronic Back Pain which he’s had for 21 years. He cares for his brother in-law, Robert who has dealt with Epilepsy his entire life now lives with Richard and his wife. He also advocates for his mother who has various cardiac related issues, severe hearing loss and other medical issues. You can read about his experiences with chronic pain and how he deals with his mothers and brother in-law’s issues on PickYourPain.org or at Caregiving.com. He is also involved in several of Caregiving.com’s support groups and chat rooms, he is co-host of an internet based radio show about caregiving. Richard is also a patient adviser, board member for Intake.me which is working to improve the intake process at medical facilities. Richard has three adult children who despite them having to deal with his medical issues growing up, he says, “They have turned out better than I’d hoped for.”
Blogger, Husband, Son, Caregiver, Author
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