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907672 tn?1381025723

Could this be early onset Alzhiemers?

My mom just turned 70 and for the last couple of years I've noticed she often struggles to find the right words when talking.  At first it seemed fairly mild and I assumed it was just old age catching up to her, but lately it seems to be getting worse.  I often find myself finishing her sentences for her or "filling in the blank" when she can't find the right word.  I probably have to do this 3 or 4 times in a 5 minute conversation.  She also tends to make up or use the incorrect words when speaking.   I also notice she will start telling me a story and will leave out vital pieces of information, in which I have to ask her to back up and clarify as she skipped over certain parts.  

Other than this language issue, her health seems to be very good.  She takes good care of herself, exercises every day, and she's on no medications (other than vitamins).  She does have a history of high blood pressure, but with diet and exercise she's been able to keep it under control without medication.  Her memory seems fine although sometimes (rarely) she will ask me the same question or tell me the same story she told me with in the last couple of days.  

When I told her it seems like she is lost for words a lot, she agreed with me but chalked it up to old age.  She also said it tends to get worse when she's anxious or nervous.  So does this sound like the beginnings of Alzhiemers and should I suggest she get checked out by a doctor?
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212161 tn?1599427282
COMMUNITY LEADER
Lol I do same thing so don't feel bad, I worry because my moms mom had it and my mom had it so very scary.

Yeah I would keep eyes on her see how it goes, prayers it's just age

Keep in touch have a very good weekend,,,,,,,,Heart
Helpful - 0
907672 tn?1381025723
Hi Heart,
Thank you for your response.  I hope it is due to just getting older.  My FIL died years ago of Alzheimer's and it was really hard to watch.  I too catch myself being lost for a word sometimes and inserting my own...just last night my son was telling me he passed a car accident on his way home and I asked him if the "fire station" passed him too.  My son laughed and said mom...the whole fire station?  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  But seriously I do feel it has got worse lately with mom, so much so that it's really starting to worry me.  No, she doesn't seem to struggle with forgetting to do things or losing things so hopefully that is a good sign.  I will definately keep an eye on her.  Thanks again.
Helpful - 0
212161 tn?1599427282
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi , hope ya are doing great and have a great start to a new year.

when my mom started showing signs of this she would repeat her self a lot,  she would ask us the same question over and over.

mom never was lost for words just repeat  repeat.   at age of 70 I think that's pretty norm for her to forget words as I do that to. I notice a lot since my mom has passed with alz and as I listen to others even younger than me they to forget words so not sure its a start, but not sure its not,

you say her memory is good so that makes me believe its not alz, but as I am not a Dr I cant say that for sure

I know when ever mom was nerves or stressed she forgot a lot but that had nothing to do with alz, she would get so up-set about something that she would just forget things.

is your mother losing things?  forgetting to do things like take meds or wash clothes etc ?  is she asking you the same thing over and over  ?

Does it run in her family or has she had a stroke or a bad fall that might could bring this on ?

I would just watch her close and see how things go, if you don't want to make a trip to her Dr , sounds like shes doing pretty good and maybe you can wait till her next check up.

plz stay in touch with us, prayers she don't have it and , prayers for you as you are watching and trying to help her out .     Heart
Helpful - 0
907672 tn?1381025723
By the way, suggesting to see a doctor about this is something I really don't want to do as I think it will hurt her, but of course I will if there's a real possibility it's more than old age.
Helpful - 0
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