[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by OBXNana

We also cared for my mother for several years and she then had to go to a facility. We met an amazing man that was a professor at Penn State (MD and Ph.D.), that had a wife in the facility. She had early onset Alzheimer's at 56 and by the time we met her, she was in her mid 60's. She also had been a professor at Penn State and ran both the New York and Boston Marathons.
The general population may say people diagnosed with any form of dementia frequently don't remain active mentally and/or physically.

The only reason the general population says that is because professionals have told them that. The truth is that being active, mentally and physically, is no guarantee. For one thing, if she ran marathons, that may be a sign that she was in the habit of putting herself under stress.

I would see her husband daily and at the end of his visit he would be typing on his lap top. He was compiling data for a research study concerning the patients in this 60 person facility. He had permission from the majority of the family's. He was also working in a facility that was not a private pay. The early findings were many of the generic symptoms of Alzheimer's may not be accurate.

Well, so much for relying on professionals. This may have been a case of one professional second guessing other professionals. But, yes, it may often be the case where someone is deeply depressed and gets put in a nursing home with a diagnosis of dementia.

I personally appreciate graciegirl for posting an accurate site on what is KNOWN at this TIME. I have thrown my name and address into that organization to be a part of any study they feel will be helpful for future generations. Thus far, I have not be called upon, but actively follow what is being researched. I also agree with Barry concerning the possibility of symptoms being thrown out for any disease that can mimic something totally different. Self diagnosing can be a bad thing and only a discussion of symptoms with your family physician can be an accurate diagnosis.

Why should we be worried about a mere discussion of possible symptoms when professionals have been known to misdiagnose patients, and we don't know how often it happens.

As with any forum, this is the general population with the majority of the members stating their opinions. As long as everyone keeps in mind the symptoms being listed were witnessed with a loved one or friend and may or may not be a precursor for any specific disease.

Needless to say, that should be understood. I doubt that anyone thinks we are in a doctor's office getting professional advice on this board.