My dad passed away at 60 from what I thought was Alzheimers. I always had my doubts since my dad lost his motor skills (ability to walk/talk/write), had paranoia, and also would not sleep at all. Though his short and long term memory were in tact. I would see him about every 3 months and he always recognized me, my kids, my husband, etc. He also never forgot my mom - his caregiver. He would tell stories both current and from the past. He did not repeat things.
Now that I am questioning my mom, she uses Alzheimers, Lewy Body, Dementia, Alcohol Dementia to describe dad's condition. My dad was a very heavy daily drinker/tobacco user from age 14-40. He was sober from 40 to death but continued with tobacco and a coffee addiction.
I am trying to figure out if I am at risk for Alzheimers but no one seems to be explaining things to me. I just called my mom again to ask and she used all the terms loosely. I explained that all these are very different diagnosis and I would like to know which one. She told me that she cant remember but she thinks the neurologist said Alzheimers. If that is the case, he would be the first case in our family line. No one on my Grandpa or Grandma's side had anything related to dementia. My Grandparents siblings never had any form of dementia even in later years. My dad is this one rare case.
Is it possible my dad damaged his brain from alcohol? even though he had about 15 years of sober living before the illness? I am so scared about my future. I cannot eat or breathe. Therapist told me to live each day and not worry. BUT HOW CAN I? in tears...