alzheimer: how do you know if your mom or dad has it? please help!

Forgetfulness does not always mean Alzheimer’s. Dementia is a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. Dementia is caused by many conditions. The group of symptoms of dementia can be caused by dehydration, vitamin deficiency, or bad reaction to medication just to name a few. Sometimes emotional problems such as loss of a loved one or feelings of sadness and loneliness which lead to depression can cause feeling of confusion or forgetfulness. Sometimes the cause of memory loss is in fact Alzheimer’s or multi infarct dementia but not always, you must get a diagnosis from a doctor to be sure. Don’t self diagnosis or try to diagnosis you’re loved yourself. I have had the privilege of working with many people who were suffering from memory loss. Some had a professional diagnosis from their doctor of Alzheimer’s others had one or more of the problems listed above. The cause of their memory loss was not my top priority at the time nor is it now. My priority is always compassionate caregiving. I’m going to share some very important insight with you about how our elderly population has been frightened into becoming obsessed with the fear of memory loss and why. “The scary thing about memory loss is not so much that I have memory loss but what is going to happen to me because of it." Memory loss is very frightening regardless of its cause. Caregivers for the memory impaired have the ability to cause fear or bring comfort. Be informed, be compassionate, and always give unconditional care and love.

Well from what you've already explained, it pretty much sounds like he does have it. They are some of the main symptoms. To be sure though, he should be taken to his doctor and tested. That's easier said then done, I know. If he does have it, it'll be so final won't it? I know it's something you don't want to face. I may be wrong, but I think that may be the real issue here. I think YOU KNOW he does have it, and you just don't want to face it or you're scared to face it, and I don't blame you. It's extremely hard to face the mortality of a loved one, especially someone as special to you as your father. I wish you the best, take care.

i think the best way is to have him/her analyze by the doctors. honestly i wouldnt even know if my parents suffers alzheimer. I always have them checked up though to make sure we know whats going on and try to prevent it.