What it's like to have Alzheimers.

In the fall of 2006 I was having memory problems. An MRI showed nothing was wrong, yet my memory was getting worse.
Sometimes I'd get lost while driving, or misplace items,or forget what I was saying or doing. There were complete blanks in my brain! It was a constant struggle to get through each day.
In May of 2007 A PET Scan was done and it showed I had early Alzheimers. I was extremely depressed and had mood swings. I was angry and frustrated. I cried and felt I had a death sentence hanging over my head.
The Doctor started me on Namenda and Exelon, plus Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid. I started taking Cinnamon as I read it might help to break up the plaques which form in the brain and it's also good for sugar metabolism.
Both Namenda and Exelon or Arceipt need to be taken, as each medication has a different action in one's brain. (Exelon and Arceipt are similar.) With the help of my doctor, family and the good Lord, I decided to try and not to give in to what was happening to me and I have lived a fairly normal life. Not many know or realize I have Alzheimers.

In 2011 I requested another PET Scan be done and it showed that the illness had progressed to about 30 to 35 %.
I have written about the disease, helped others, joined chat groups and done many things to stimulate my brain.
I've basically done everything that is humanly possible to overcome this.
Memory problems have plagued me at times , especially when I am emotionally upset, yet I have tried to over come it.

Sadly my endeavors are not enough and I am starting to become more forgetful. It's slowly progressing and there is not much I can do to stop it. I feel a certain amount of hopelessness at times , but I am strong and will not give into to these feelings and self pity. My family notices it has gotten worse also. I have been scouring the internet for new information, but there hasn't been much progress made.
Huperizine E has been suggested to help improve memory and I will ask my medical DR. about it.

I am going to see her today and will request that another PET Scan be done.
I need to know what my brain capacity is.

Short term memory goes first. Reading, exercise, music, brain stimulation, eating foods high in antioxidents help plus medications and vitamins i mentioned. A lot of information can be found by researching or asking for help.

I feel fortunate to have had my memory all these years and I will continue to try to move forward. I pray that a cure will be found for the millions who suffer from the untreatable illness.

Two books of poetry and two children's stories have been published. I continue to write poems, stories and work on family geneaology.

Blessings to all. Hopefully this will inspire others who have an illness , not to ever give up.
Mary Grace