Are genetics going to get me in the end?

Amysue

Amysue

Cathlete
Hi, everyone. Yesterday I visited my dad in the nursing home. He's 83 with Alzheimer's. He seems to have suffered a small stroke a few days ago. To make a long story short, he didn't even recognize me or my sister and is not responding to any conversation. His disease is progessing at a rapid rate.
I try to keep a cheerful and thankful heart, even in light of how much this hurts. But I can't help wondering whether I'm looking at myself in 40 years when I look at Dad? Even though I train hard for healthy body, try to keep a sharp and learned mind with new ideas and challenges, am I going to end up like that? I'd rather die in a climbing accident or get hit by the proverbial beer truck.
I'm glad to know that my siblings and I have a pact...if anyone shows any signs of changing personality, etc. then we're to tell them and we'll see the psych doc ASAP!
Thanks for listening. I'm going to go do IMAX to work out some of the demons...
Amy
 
Amysue,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad! Alzheimer's is a horrible illness. It steals your loved one from you even as they are with you! You are doing everything you can to ensure you won't meet the same fate so just have faith that advanced medical technology and your own drive will wipe out that genetic threat!

During the summer I read a book by Genie Zeiger. It is called How I Find Her. It's an account of her mother's battle with Alzheimers. It's is very beautiful and sad and powerful. Perhaps it can help you as you struggle with this. Zeiger writes beautifully. I often find writers are able to help me come to terms with sorrows and fears by putting into word what I cannot!

I will remember you and your father and your family in my prayers!

Peace,
Bobbi
 
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Sep-28-01 AT 01:14PM (Est)[/font][p]i have heard discussions on alzheimers....
anti oxidents and anti inflamitories are thought to be useful in protecting the brain.

taking asprin every day..

I think if you start searching books you will find some newer research on the disease.
 
Hi, guys,
Thanks for both of your responses. I will get the book that you suggested, Bobbi. I am also going to get a book written by Dr. Snowden that discusses a study that he did with nuns. His research was featured in Time Magazine earlier this year. The plaques found in the brains of the nuns with Alzheimer's is telltale. Some nuns had the plaques and no symptoms...hence, some hope. Those who seemed to have cheated the disease, even though they were prime candidates, were mentally and physically active people...crosswords, reading, riding their recumbant bikes in the mornings, teaching, etc. So, I do believe in the power of a positive mind, positive relationships, and prayer. I also believe in myself and my resourcefullness. And thanks to people who care, like you, the world is wonderful place, regardless of kind of curve balls are thrown to us...
Amy
 
There's alway hope and the miraculous! I saw the study. An active mind and verbal skills seem to coincide with protective factors within the brain. I agree focusing your mental strength and positivism are key to healing and any and all disorders can be overcome!

Bobbi
 
I wanted to respond more from a physiological point of view. There is a man--Dr Rolzen at realage.com who states that lifestyle factors contribute about 70% to our overall health. He believes genetics play a smaller role. This is based on extensive scientific research and not just speculation on his part.

As for alzheimer's disease, there seems to be a strong correlation with staying mentally active and prevention of the condition. A very reputable study was done among a group of nuns. They were great for research because their environment was so controlled. Anyway, those nuns who participated in more scholarly pursuits were far less likely to suffer any disorder that produced dementia type symptoms as compared to those nuns who did more mundane tasks such as housework. So it would seem that there is some measure of control we have.

I am sorry to hear about your father. I was a volunteer at a convalescent home. It was sad to see some of the residents in that condition. I do have a very strong faith. This is one of those times when I personally defer to God that something greater than I can comprehend is occurring. I pray for God to help with my feelings. I wish you much strength and hope in this difficult time.

All my best, Cyndie
 
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Sep-28-01 AT 10:50PM (Est)[/font][p]This in line with what Cyndie and others said, but I've seen studies that encourage people concerned about loss of mental faculties to continually focus on learning things that are new and challenging. For example, learning a foreign language that is entirely new to you, or how to play a musical instrument. Such activities are believed to help keep mental acumen sharper for longer as we age.

You're already doing well in another crucial area -- keeping a cheerful and thankful heart. Hang in there.:)
 
Hi Amy,
I don't have any new info to add to these very informative responses, just wanted to say how sorry I am that you & your family have to go through this. Been there, done that. Not easy.
You are doing everything you can to avoid a similar fate, including physically, mentally, & spiritually. There is nothing more, so relax & know you're right in there fighting!
I personally think a lifetime of constantly challenging your brain with new things is the key.
I will keep you & your father & your family in my prayers.
Ruth
 
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Oct-01-01 AT 09:44AM (Est)[/font][p]Thanks so much to all of you for your support and especially your prayers. Please keep me and my sister in your hearts today. We are going to the funeral home to make arrangements. Needless to say, Dad isn't doing so well. But, I'm convinced that he'll be a whole person again as soon as he leaves the shell he's confined to now.
While my Dad worked hard as an organic farmer and liked to be digging up the earth, milking cows, raising chickens...there was my mom who was more than just a hard worker. I'm hoping I'm lucky enough to draw from her gene pool. She did the crossword puzzle in pen up until she died. She sang, recited poetry, could speed-read a novel in a couple of hours, and she was the best cook ever. She was convinced that you should try to learn something new everyday. Inspiring and beautiful. I'm envisioning in my mind's eye the gorgeous young couple they once were when she greets my Dad at heaven's gates..."What took you so long, John? Welcome home."
Amy
 
There you go, Amy. Hold on to that beautiful image! Love is the most powerful force on Earth and in Heaven.

Bobbi
 
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