Is it likely that my uncle has Alzheimer's?

Question

My great aunt recently died of a stroke caused by Alzheimer's (she was refusing to drink water). And my uncle has had some pretty serious strokes that has caused him to not be capable of taking care of himself, he can't walk or talk correctly. The most frightening thing is his memory loss, he called me every hour asking if I checked the mail for him but I told him I'd call when the mail ran. He would agree yet keep calling back. He was being mean to his little niece, said her hair was so ugly. He is hoarding money, always hungry, and talking about things he thinks he's done (he thinks he is going out partying when he never did that).

I know strokes can induce dementia and Alzheimer's. Does it sound like he has it or could it just be a bad mix of the stroke and medicine he's on?

Answer 1

Yes. these are signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Answer 2

There are two kinds of dementia: Senile dementia and Alzheimer's.



Senile dementia means the symptoms can be a lot like your uncle's but it also means that you can have normal days and bad days and this can go on for years with an up and down cycle.



Alzheimer's means the symptoms can be a lot like your uncles but it also means there are no up days, it means it's a continual downhill slide and there are no good days. It is also a terminal illness. It keeps getting worse until the person no longer recognizes anyone nor can they care for themselves and the body shuts down and the person dies.



There are tests that a psychiatrist or neurologist can give your uncle that will help him narrow it down and say most likely which one it is. It used to be that you couldn't tell until the person died but it is easier now. I would guess it's Alzheimer's if he doesn't have normal days and talks and understands things. He should not be living alone if that's what he has. Correcting him and telling him you said you'd call him back is useless. It makes you angry and frustrates him. He won't remember what you've said so you're telling him doesn't work. You simply tell him you did it or that you will do it, and play along.



He needs to see a doctor to find out. Things need to be put into place about his affairs if it is Alzheimer's.



Good luck!

Answer 3

The only way you would know if he has Alzheimer's is when he dies. They can biopsy his brain and look for certain microscopic changes. Being that your aunt had Alzheimer's, your uncle may have it as well. Can you talk to his neurologist? He can be started on certain medications to prevent the Alzheimer's from getting worse. Unfortunately, there is no cure at this time.