early in life or later in life they both seem to have the same effect.

Is there any way we can break these repetitious habits and make her stop constantly doing these things?

To make a reliable analysis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), physicians use lots of diagnostic tests. AD is a serious brain disorder in which neurons degenerate, resulting in the loss of cognitive functions – mostly memory, movement coordination, reasoning and pattern recognition. In the last stage of AD, all memory and mental functioning is lost.

The major reason for a number of tests is to recognize the cause of symptoms and any treatable medical illness that may or may not be AD, as well as to provide a full diagnosis and a treatment plan. Alzheimer’s testing covers neurological, physical and psychological tests. Clinical interviews are made with the patient and family to get a complete picture of the person suspected of suffering from AD.

The patients undergo tests of memory and intellectual functioning over a series of weeks or months, along with physical tests. Physicians usually begin with MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination), a memory and performance test. MMSE checks the patient’s capability to remember, identify, communicate and think using many questions, such as “what is today’s date, what day of the week is it, what is the season and what state are we in”?

Other popular psychological and neurological tests are the clock drawing test (CDT), mini-cog, and a mental status examination. The patient’s medical and life history is also critical to the diagnostic process. So it is wise that someone familiar with recent events accompany the patient to the hospital. Providing the history of patient?s memory loss progression is also helpful.

Other important AD testing tools are brain imaging tests like CAT (computed tomography) scans or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. They are used to identify the presence of tumor, head trauma, and neurological conditions. PET (positron emission tomography) scans recognize activity decreases in hippocampus, the brain’s first part attacked by Alzheimer’s. Neuroimaging tests are used in the early stages of the diseases.

Sometimes Alzheimer’s testing includes a lumbar puncture test. This test involves putting a needle into the lumbar canal to take a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid – the liquid circulating in and around the brain and spine. This test is expensive as well as painful and frightening. The side effects associated with the test are headache and inflammation.

By: Marcus Peterson

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She is at the point where she can not recognize anyone but I would like to give her a party,would that make her nervous or anything in that matter?

In deodorant? Cause I have read many articles about it not causing and causing. Thanks for your time.

Behavioral challenges in persons with Alzheimers Disease often lead to poor clinical outcomes and increased suffering for patients and families. In this presentation, Dr. Ladson Hinton, of UC Davis provides an overview of the range of behavioral problems in persons with Alzheimerss Disease and related disorders, the assessment of behavioral problems, non-pharmacological approaches to behavior management, pros and cons of medication use in treating behavioral problems. The emphasis is on current treatment guidelines and practical approaches for the busy primary care clinician. Series: UC Grand Rounds [3/2009] [Health and Medicine] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 15983]

The reason why I’m asking is it legal to have an elderly person sign loans and has alzheimer’s. I know it sick and morally wrong but is it illgeal. What’s the Ohio elderly anonymous hotline?

I heard people with the above traits often suffer in later life with dementia and/or alzheimers. I can not find a lot of information on this. Any ideas / information ?

The paranoia and suspicion of a person with Alzheimer’s can be one of the most difficult behaviors for their caregiver to handle. As the Alzheimer’s develops and targets your loved ones memory, they’ll gradually become more confused and perceive things they would have once though normal, in new ways. It is not only their inability to not remember certain people, places and things that causes paranoia, but also the fact that they can’t remember themselves as well. This combination can create a frightening environment for your loved one and they’re bound to grow paranoid and suspicions of seemingly regular activity.

People with Alzheimer’s will often confront their loved ones, accusing them of theft, improper behavior or even infidelity. Many times they’re getting their feelings from ones they’ve had in the past from different people or different times. It’s also possible that they’re misinterpreting what he or she is hearing or seeing. Because Alzheimer’s patients confuse times, events and people, they may associate an event with the wrong person. For instance, if their ex-husband or wife once cheated on them, they may accuse their new spouse of doing the same.

The key to responding to your loved ones paranoid behavior is patience and understanding. Though it’s easy to become offended by their suspicions, keep in mind that it’s not personal and they’re probably just as confused and hurt as you are. Listen carefully to what their saying and try to understand their reality. Don’t argue or try to convince them that they’re wrong, just let them know that you care about what they’re feeling and are very sorry that they’re feeling that way. Let your loved one express their ideas and acknowledge their opinions before offering a simple answer. Keep your response short and easy to understand.

To take their mind off of their suspicions, suggest another activity and focus on keeping them occupied. Ask them for help with a chore, play a game you know they’ll enjoy or make a meal together. To avoid their suspicions in the future, buy your loved one two of each item they value and often lose. For instance, if they tend to lose their handbag or wallet, buy two that are exactly the same so that they won’t be suspicious that you stole it. Paranoia and suspicion will often pass, but it’s important to keep your cool and remain understanding. The more worked up your loved one gets the more paranoid they become.

Brian Willie is a Top Elder Law Attorney in Texas and California. His articles, and speaking engagements have been very popular and he is currently writing a book on the legal aspects of dealing with Alzheimer’s.

By: Brian Willie

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My father is at the point where he curses me. Gets in my face and says F888 you! Tries to hit me. My mom feels it is wrong to put him in a home but I am scared he is going to hurt me or her. He fabricates things. He wont bathe for wks at a time. He wont take his meds like he should. He is also a diabetic and has cirhosis of liver. Help if you have any answers and have experienced this.