Some information that has helped me combat Alzheimers and to move forward in life.

In the spring of 2007, I was diagnoised with early Alzheimers.
I had memory loss and was on an emotional roller coaster of trying to remember and do things in daily life. I'd get lost going to the store and needed guidence in many ways. A PET scan showed I had 20% memory loss at that time.

I began takinga starter pack of Namenda, which was gradually increased to 10 mg twice daily and a starter pack of Exelon which was increased to 4.5 mg twice daily. I did research and found vitamins which could help also. I have been taking Vitamin B12, 1000 mcg daily , Folic Acid, 800 mcg, 2 tabs daily and Cinnamon capsules 1000 mg twice daily for the last six years.

My memory loss has not been too bad considering the amount of time that has gone by. Last year I asked for another PET Scan to be done. It showed I had 30-35% loss. My memory is still quite good and I have only a small amount of short term memroy loss. Most people do not know I have Alzheimers and I am able to lead a normal life. I take all my medications, pay bills, make life decisions and still drive with out getting lost. I think the Namenda , Exelon and vitamins have slowed the disease down a lot and I thank the good Lord that I am still able to function normally.

My oldest son, Samuel was told he had early Alzheimers on Dec of 2008. (He was 49 then.) He is taking the same medications that I am and is doing well also.

Eating foods high in Antioxidents is helpful, less sugar intake, reading, writing, brain stimulation, music, and excercise all help to combat this illness as well as the medications I mentioned.

I hope this will help and if you know some one who has Alzheimers , please mention these medications .

I have noticed that many Doctors only prescribe one medicaton and both are need as they affect different areas of the brain. Cinnamon is good in controlling sugar metabloism and it is said it helps to break up the plaques that form in the brain. I'm not sure if that is true , but I know from first hand expierence that I am dong alright.
It has been said that taking Folic Acid can reduce the chance of getting Alzheimers up to 45%. Many people have a shortage of Vitamin B12 in their bodies. That is needed to help with memory loss also.

There is a wealth of information on the internet and all one has to do is to research. There are new strides being made in treatment and hopefully a cure will be found in the near future.

Alzheimers.org is a web site that offers a lot of good information and has forums for those who have this illness as well as one for caregivers.

Emotional upsets can affect a person in many ways and for a person with Alzheimers it might be harder to adjust, so try to be understanding and have patience with them.

Since my husband died, it has been a very hard to keep my thoughts together and some times I feel like I am scattered in my brain. I just keep on trying and doing the best I can. I have joined a support group called "Grief Share" which is helping me emotionally. My family, friends, church, as well as memebers on Authors Den have helped me so much and I am beginnig to move forward with my life. God is good and once again I have a purpose to go on.

If I can help any one who has Alzheimers in some small way, please contact me.... Mary Grace