Ep 25 I Could Heal Myself by Helping Others :: Carlene Altom
Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Younger-onset Alzheimer's affects people younger than age 65 with around 220,000 people affected by this form of Alzheimer’s.
In this episode Bobbi and Mike talk with Carlene Altom – The founder of the Early-onset/Young Alzheimer’s Female Spouses Caregiver Support Group – about early onset dementia, what it is like caring for her husband Patrick – diagnosed in 2017 - and the unique challenges people with young-onset Alzheimer's disease face.
Carlene, “When I tried to get Patrick diagnosed, they laughed at me and the doctor wrote down on a prescription pad for him to listen better to his wife”
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Learn more about Young-onset Alzheimers
Diagnosing early onset Alzheimer's
(From the Alzheimer’s Association website)Since health care providers generally don't look for Alzheimer's disease in younger people, getting an accurate diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's can be a long and frustrating process. Symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to stress or there may be conflicting diagnoses from different health care professionals. People who have early onset Alzheimer's may be in any stage of dementia — early stage, middle stage or late stage. The disease affects each person differently and symptoms will vary.
If you are experiencing memory problems:
Have a comprehensive medical evaluation with a doctor who specializes in Alzheimer's disease. Getting a diagnosis involves a medical exam and possibly cognitive tests, a neurological exam and/or brain imaging. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association for a referral.
Write down symptoms of memory loss or other cognitive difficulties to share with your health care professional.
Keep in mind that there is no one test that confirms Alzheimer's disease. A diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.
About Medicaid
(From the Alzheimer’s Association website)Medicaid and long-term care: Most people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias will eventually need long-term care services and many will require nursing home care. For people who meet eligibility requirements, Medicaid covers all or a portion of nursing home costs. Be aware that not all nursing homes accept Medicaid. Most states have home- and community-care options for people who qualify, which allow individuals to live in their homes in the community and receive long-term care services.
