I DON'T KNOW IF IT MATTERS HOW ONE'S DEMENTIA STARTS OR WHAT CAUSES IT. mine is a result of a genetic condition that deteriorates artery walls resulting in mini strokes deep in the brain.
What I would like to discover is the likely progression of dementia. Is there a typical pattern of decline. I have been dealing with a lot of depression and myoclonus jerking. Aricept gave me such a bad headache that I went to the ER. I also have diabetes 2 and high blood pressure.
Looking ahead to what I will become is dismal and I think the best course for me to take is to ignore my medication and let the high blood pressure and diabetes take its natural course. why I would want to prolong my life, given what is ahead of me, seems counterproductive and foolish.
If this is read by a lot of caregivers I'd appreciate your holding back on your criticism. I"D like to hear from those who are in the same boat as me, not from those of you who are struggling to care for and nurture people with dementia.

hello Michael,
I dont have answers for you, but I did want to let you know that your situation has deeply reached me. I hope you will find answers Michael, and that the progression will not be as serious as you are expecting.

Do you feel it would be helpful to separate this forum into two subforums, one for Alzheimers and one for Dementia. It wouldnt be hard to do and transfer existing threads as needed


There will always be someone here if you need to talk, Michael.
I cant begin to imagine how hard this is for you.
We are here to support you every step of the way if you need us.

Cheri

I'd like to add my willingness to listen to that of Chemar. I too don't have answers for you. I can only imagine myself in that condition and it is a difficult answer. Sometimes we wish that all our suffering could be brought to an abrupt end, but the life force is too strong and we remain in this world. Please know that someone will answer if you will post so that we recognize your need. I always stop to "talk" to someone if they need help. I don't always have the answer but I am still here.

Billye

Chemar, thanks for the post and for suggesting separating dementia into its own forum which I think should be done. there are many,many forms of dementia some of them fatal like mine,and some are not, and the disease manifests itself in many different ways. Alzheimers is a serious disease and can stand its own forum, just like dementia.

there you go Michael, and thanks to DocJohn for creating the subforum

I will spend some time over the next few days sorting thru the threads on the Alzheimers forum and transferring any over here that are more relevant here

Michael
thank you for your courage in posting so honestly. I hope this can help to provide a support group for you and for others who may find their way here too.

I'd also like to echo what Chemar has written here, Michael. Like Billye has said, I might not have the answers but I will always stop by and read and post if I can help in some way.
Thank you.