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40RatRod

(532 posts)
Tue Jun 6, 2023, 03:30 PM Jun 2023

Three years ago, I was told by my Dr. that I had Alzheimer's. [View all]

I had mentioned that sometimes I would forget what I am looking for in my shop. I knew I did not have Alzheimer's. I knew that was wrong because I was a nursing assistant (CNA) and had cared for Alzheimer's patients for many years. My last patient had the disease and we had many good visits before his passing earlier this year.
At 81, I decided to give up Hospice and spend more time with my wife and animals.
A year and half later I was surprised at my doctors office when I was given an unexpected test and I admit I probably failed it badly. The diagnosis was dementia. I didn't argue because I still have problems finding tools in my shop. I had restored many classic cars over the years and have a massive amount of tools.
I also wrote a book, "Yesterday is Tomorrow", which was published late last year. I have even seen copies on eBay. When I saw my Dr. recently, I handed him the book and told him it had just been published. He read a couple pf pages and said "You may not have dementia". I told him about a new blood test that determine if you have Alzheimer's and I had taken it. Two weeks later I got the results which were negative for Alzheimer.
So, I have accepted that I have Dementia but enjoy life by staying busy every day.
I thought I would post this here because it might be helpful for anyone dealing with a loved one or perhaps themselves.

56 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Bravo! You're doing what you need to do, to take care of yourself. CaliforniaPeggy Jun 2023 #1
Thanks for posting. Haggard Celine Jun 2023 #2
about leaving the room and not remembering why NJCher Jun 2023 #15
if u turn around, you'll remember. mopinko Jun 2023 #20
yeah, another thing is to anticipate the doorway NJCher Jun 2023 #22
I used something sinmilar to this to help me stop smoking. Gore1FL Jun 2023 #34
Thanks for posting this. Haggard Celine Jun 2023 #21
I am terrified of dementia or Alzheimer's NJCher Jun 2023 #23
i gotta read that, barbtries Jun 2023 #35
I wonder to but it mostly short term memory Tree Lady Jun 2023 #19
Leaving the room and forgetting why you left - soldierant Jun 2023 #46
Boy, what timely, helpful posts for me. cilla4progress Jun 2023 #3
Wow. What GREAT NEWS! Glad you knew better and kept living your life . . . CousinIT Jun 2023 #4
Thank you for posting. debm55 Jun 2023 #5
Maybe, like me, you are just getting older. AnnaLee Jun 2023 #6
I feel this is a slippery slope. I've never had a great memory for names and finding the right word LymphocyteLover Jun 2023 #28
So you're accepting a diagnosis of dementia based on that surprise test vanlassie Jun 2023 #7
I can't help but wonder . . . Richard D Jun 2023 #8
I too doubtful Jazz Jon Jun 2023 #9
I wonder if some of my tools are in your shop. gibraltar72 Jun 2023 #10
Hahaha vanlassie Jun 2023 #54
Just read your post. I don't think there is anything wrong with you, other than being 81 yrs old. patphil Jun 2023 #11
Ditto n/t malaise Jun 2023 #42
Like Bruce Willis I have Frontotemporal Dementia Omaha Steve Jun 2023 #12
Sending you good vibes, Steve. Elessar Zappa Jun 2023 #14
Omaha Steve, I'm wishing you the best. MLAA Jun 2023 #30
You can see the damage in an MRI Omaha Steve Jun 2023 #32
Thanks. That must have been really jarring. MLAA Jun 2023 #33
The diagnosis for not finding the right tools in your workshop is Beastly Boy Jun 2023 #13
I am assuming you got a second opinion ? drray23 Jun 2023 #16
Great news & thanks for sharing with us. Quakerfriend Jun 2023 #17
Thank you for sharing your logical responses to the medical world. Which calls itself a "practice." ancianita Jun 2023 #18
How many four letter words starting with "F" can you come up with in an allotted time? BarbD Jun 2023 #24
Everyone forgets where they left the car keys once in a while. keithbvadu2 Jun 2023 #25
Exactly! ShazzieB Jun 2023 #43
My keys are on a keyring that says: moonscape Jun 2023 #44
When my mother was diagnosed, Jarqui Jun 2023 #26
Lately I have been forgetting things and my short term memory has deteriorated riverbendviewgal Jun 2023 #27
According to some opinions living alone may have as much to do with your memory Ford_Prefect Jun 2023 #39
Thank you for your response. riverbendviewgal Jun 2023 #40
We all misplace things, that's pretty normal Random Boomer Jun 2023 #41
Forgetting how to do familiar things is a sign of dementia, ... Trueblue Texan Jun 2023 #50
Such a great post and so many good comments. We all are subject to mental and physical decline. erronis Jun 2023 #29
When my hubby noticed his own lapses he began cognitive care. SleeplessinSoCal Jun 2023 #31
Thanks so much for this important post, and hugs to you Hekate Jun 2023 #36
Its a simple fact, that for us older folk, THERE'S A LOT TO BE REMEMBERED! 70sEraVet Jun 2023 #37
My father had dementia in his last few years. wnylib Jun 2023 #38
Your doctor was incompetent as well as negligent. Trueblue Texan Jun 2023 #49
Well, based on several factors I am pretty sure I have it. OldBaldy1701E Jun 2023 #45
Thank you, and congrats on a not a worst case diagnosis. alfredo Jun 2023 #47
Thank you very much for posting this... Trueblue Texan Jun 2023 #48
Yes 40RatRod Jun 2023 #52
Thank you. NT Trueblue Texan Jun 2023 #53
If forgetting stuff isn't a normal, everyday problem... MiHale Jun 2023 #51
It seems memory problems are Deminpenn Jun 2023 #55
Thank you for sharing that...much greater help than you can know (n/t) Moostache Jun 2023 #56
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