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Comments for "New Research Creates Hope for the Alzheimer’s Community"

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14 Responses to “New Research Creates Hope for the Alzheimer’s Community”
  1. Kimm Coleman Says:

    I am not sure I am even typing on the right spot or that this is even considered for helping my situation. After EEG, MRI & PET scan, my mother was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia. We live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and my daughter and I would like to find some help on how to find the right doctor here. I realize Thursday, Tulsa had a snow storm coming and the doctor may have been concerned about the weather. However, she only told my mother what the PET scan showed, that she has Frontotemporal Dementia and to continue taking the arecipt and come back in three months. My daughter and I have had to look on the internet to find out what it is and how serious it is. So, is there any place to go to figure out what other choice of doctor we have? I appreciate anything you may have to offer. Sincerely, Kimm Coleman

  2. Lara Belonogoff Says:

    Dear Kimm,
    Gilbert Guide reviews long-term care options and as such I cannot dispense medical advice. However, there are some things you can do to hopefully dispel some of the frustration and confusion. First, it would be best to call your physician and ask for a more detailed explanation of your mother’s condition. You can find a great deal of information online, but a physician’s medical training teaches him or her how to sift through information and assess a situation. (Sometimes writing out a list before calling can prove helpful so that you don’t forget to ask everything that you have been thinking about. Also tell your physician what your exact concerns are.)
    If after speaking with your mother’s physician you do not feel as if your questions have been answered sufficiently then you may need to find a new doctor, one that can provide your mother with the specialized care she needs and explain her condition to you in a satisfactory fashion. The search for a physician who satisfies both these requirements—along with whatever your specific insurance and financial concerns—can begin by contacting your mother’s primary physician to see if he or she can make a referral. I did a quick search online and found that the OU Physicians group in Oklahoma City has a Memory and Dementia Center. I have placed the link below this post. Although it is a drive from Tulsa calling them may prove fruitful to see what they suggest or if they know neurologists in your area.
    Take care-and the best to you and your mother,
    Lara Belonogoff

    http://www.ouphysicians.com/specialties/adult/Neurology/CMLD.asp

  3. Harry Says:

    My wife,58 years old, has just been diagnosed with early stages of demintia and I am going to put this site on my favorites. Not only is she having problems with it I am too as I am not a very patient man but I will stay with her. I look foward to any help we can get especially my wife it is hard to see a stong independent woman go thru this. I would like to know about any research going on. I was told the University of South Florida is doing extnsive research. I looked at their site and couldn't find anything related to it.
    Thank you Harry Pitt

  4. Kathy Locher Says:

    After reading just a bit from this site and the reviews above I too will post this on my favorites. In truth, I cannot believe, or perhaps I don't want to believe, that I am looking to this site for MY own health problems. I just turned 54, and I am finding it more and more difficult to remember things but most especially to learn new things. I look to you, or anyone, that may know of a study going on in the East Valley area, here in Phoenix. Also, if there is a support group I might attend. Thanks to all, kl

  5. Lara Belonogoff Says:

    Dear Harry,

    First, I would like to say that having a newly diagnosed spouse is a difficult situation for both of you. My thoughts are with you. I also am working on some more posts discussing coping strategies and various issues I learned more about during a recent Alzheimer's Conference sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association. In the interim I would strongly suggest you seek out a support group in your area. This is important in helping you develop skills to help not just yourself but also your wife through this difficult time.

    The University of South Florida is doing research and does have some resources that are through the Byrd Institute. I have posted a link below.

    Best,
    Lara

    http://www.byrdinstitute.org//research/byrdresearch.aspx

  6. Lara Belonogoff Says:

    Dear Kathy,

    Proper diagnosis is imperative. I urge you to speak with your physician and get a referral to a neurologist if necessary. For a support group in your area I would suggest contacting the Area Agency on Aging (1366 East Thomas Road, Suite 108, Phoenix, AZ, 85014) by calling 602-264-4357.

    Best,
    Lara

  7. Jerry Hess Says:

    My wife has been slipping into Alzheimers since Oct. 06. The local physician prescribed "Aricept". A local neurologist added "namenda". I really don't know what specialist she should be seeing. There seems to be no advisorary group in this area. I need help. I need to be led in the right direction. Thanks, Jerry Hess

  8. Lara Belonogoff Says:

    Dear Jerry,
    The Alzheimer’s Association runs a round-the-clock support line (800.272.3900). They will be the best place to start your search and to get information and guidance. Negotiating the territory of which drugs to take can be very difficult, especially as all the information is new to you. You might want to take a look at my posting about being an effective advocate as I am assuming you are your wife’s primary caregiver and as such have a whole host of issues.
    Wishing both you and your wife the best,
    Lara

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