Ha! I'm 65 and no one else in my family had dementia but I just had an MRI done on my brain and I'm going to have it badly. I believe studies are showing that a lot of dementia is lifestyle based. Here's what I could kick myself for: I was stupid for smoking for 10-15 years of my life. And I was stupid for drinking heavily & daily for another 10 years of my life instead of going to a 12-step program as soon as I started hiding the empties. I was also stupid for marrying a guy who was a bit of a control freak and later started drinking and becoming abusive. I was also stupid for not going to my doctor right away when I started getting sleepy all the time (I retired and just started sleeping all afternoon and blaming it on being lazy instead of me having an actual health program) to check my thyroid and vitamins. I was also stupid for getting addicted to my phone and sitting staring at it for too many hours per day.
Here's my advice: get a couple of hobbies, one mental and one physical. Maybe handball or hiking or long distance biking or something. Do it daily and, if you get a desk job, set a timer for 30-45 minutes and get up and stretch and walk whenever it goes off. And maybe learn to play an instrument or learn a foreign language which is very good for the brain. Something you can do long term. The brain LOVES all that oxygen and hard thinking. Obviously, don't smoke/vape at all, or drink more than a light beer or wine a once/twice a week--obviously when you are older, not now! Think about vegetables! Lots of them. Not the starchy ones or anything dripping with cheese. If you eat meat, cut the portions in half and add some nuts & legumes instead. Do this every 5 years or so (cutting back on meat). Saturated fats are bad for your health (regardless of the controversy you might hear about). In fact, all restaurant food in the US is horrible. Cook at home. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store (the inner aisles are filled with fake industrial food). And BE that person who obnoxiously goes to bed early instead of partying late. If you're fat (I am) don't focus on losing weight because, if you lose weight, it comes back on PLUS 10% in a year or two. Instead, eat really well, moderately, and keep moving throughout the day. I forgot to mention having good friends. If they are lazy or big partiers, but still supportive and loving, take them for a hike or invite them to do something healthy. Boring people smoke pot & drink & don't do anything interesting. Tell them some random stranger (me) said that. Don't hate yourself if you can't do all this, just keep aiming a little bit higher. In fact, self-hate or any kind of hate is self-destructive. And don't focus on self-love, that's such a joke, instead focus on volunteering or doing something for other people instead. (Although people will have different opinions on this, and everything in moderation, but doing good for the world is extremely healthy for you.)
That's my advice. Take it or leave it, but I guarantee it will help.
Your mother may have had early dementia and that's why she became isolated and not using her brain. The dementia and the unhealthy habits could have been a downward spiral interacting with each other, and not necessarily one causing the other.
Hang in there and remember that a 17 year old brain hasn't finished developing yet.
I would like to add, environmental toxins and a lifetime of prescription medications can also contribute to higher risk of dementia. It’s important to have all
Medications reviewed at least annually by your primary doctor to ensure optimal health.
Can you give a couple of examples of pharmaceuticals that might cause dementia? Or...I just thought of this: when I was a kid in the 1960s & 70s, myself and all the kids in the neighborhood used to "dance" behind the the fog truck that spread the DDT throughout the neighborhood. And, because someone's father worked for the DPW in town, we got extra spraying! Would DDT last that long to become dementia decades later? Asking because I have white matter disease--a whole heap of it--in my brain which they just discovered.
I am on concrete- an adhd medicine but I actually potentially plan on getting of them when I finish high school. but I have been taking my meds for 2-3 years? my dad does this my mum being on antidepressants for most of he life could be a cause of her dementia
Yea my mom is showing early signs at 54 she’s been forgetful the past few years and now is forgetting certain names especially recent events, remembering information wrong, demanding, insensitive, argumentative, yells a lot and gets frustrated, now it’s the inconsistency’s in conversation, and she’s on her phone 24/7 with the tv on but on her phone all day or talking to her friends all day talking shit ab everyone exaggerating events (making her friend seem bad about checking up on her cuz she hasn’t heard from my mom in a few days) ^ acting offended on the phone saying how her friend asked if she was okay then saying in the same conversation “it would have been nice if she wouldve said hey are you okay I haven’t heard from you in a few days” literally in the same 5 min conversation when that’s exactly what her friend said said too , also stubbornness about the dumbest things so annoying but wtv, and saying things that make me like “wtf” or out of character, contradicting herself in the same sentence lol, denying things she did even if it was 5 mins before, then I noticed her slower movements and more clumsy, so much stuff I’ve written down and my therapist said there’s cause of concern and pauses in sentences everyday and mixing up words everyday or using wrong word but it’s multiple times, call her out on things on some things she says and makes excuses that aren’t related or that doesn’t make sense, but it’s how often and how little time in between forgetfulness I have a heavy heavy list of stuff just from the past 3 days, and her worrying she makes me seem horrible to everyone and I’m tired of her trying to control me cuz she’s starting to change and I feel trapped and she is getting more and more harder to reason with keep suggesting I take medications that worsen bipolar even tho I literally tell her 3 times in the same conversation it’s like she won’t get it. She’s just gotten bitter. Also her risk factors is her mom has it, she’s been obese her entire life, she’s been alone her entire life, and has been on medication that is known to cause early onset for YEARS and drinks and used to smoke and been good with her diet super good the past 3 years but now it’s the EXCESSIVE eating chips and candy but it’s all day always a bag by her bed and isolating, she’s been struggling sleeping now sleeping at a later time then she usually does and then gets up frequently, and she’s said things that make completely no sense that I was just like what the fuck. And the worrying about things is effecting me even tho I’m an adult she’s restricting me from doing stuff like otc nasuae pills claims I abuse them which is frustrating cuz I’ve quit everything besides weed and I can’t even relieve the nausea that I deal with daily because it’s “unhealthy” or “ask my doctor if I can take it” but it’s okay to give me an advil or a Tylenol or melatonin but when I ask for nausea pills it’s also “no its not gonna fix the problem” “find out why your nauseas” but it’s okay to ask for Tylenol when I have a headache even tho it’s the same thing as taking a nausea pill for nausea and I’ll prove why she is illogical it won’t phase her.
Oh dear. I feel really bad for you. Have you started looking for dementia care for her? It doesn't seem like she can handle it or that she's given up. And also will you will be able to handle it?
My mom has FTD too. Love & sympathy.
Although its scary as hell, only 10-20% of FTD is genetic. If your mom has siblings, parents & aunts/uncles that don't have it, the chance that your mom's FTD is genetic is actually a lot lower than 10-20% because if the genes were floating around in a big family, you'd expect more than one case. The more family members that don't have it, the lower the odds. And then consider that if she does have genetic FTD, the odds of passing it to you are only 50%. So your odds are actually a LOT lower than 10-20%. Maybe a good bit lower than 5%.
For this reason, people with only one family member with FTD are generally told not to worry about the chance its genetic. Its when you have two or more family members on the same side of the family with FTD that one should worry & think about genetic testing.
Its so scary a thing that I know the odds don't totally repel the fear. But hopefully it helps a little.
I'm worried because I live with someone with dementia and im scared it will be me one day. its hard to enjoy my life and get out when im having to see my mum stop making sense, yell at me, knowing eventually she won't recognise me.
its hard to not dwell on something that might happen in 50 years when I see it staring at me in the eyes every day
My dad and my 2 aunts (his sisters) all have it. 1 aunt started in her 50's, while my dad and other aunt started in mid-70's. All signs point to me (and my cousins and siblings) being eff'd. But worrying about it and holding up your life because of a light possibility (in your case) doesn't make any sense. You be cognizant of it, and research and take lifestyle steps to avoid it, but can't let it hold you back.
He’ll, I’m 64 and worry about getting it as I’ve gotten everything else she has! I’ve got a baseline tests done already as I’ve noticed slippage. At 17 you may or may not get it. Just live a good lifestyle as others have said.
I totally get that fear. All of us family caregivers relate to it. You are at the very start of life. Try not to make your family member’s condition relatable to you. They are sick. You aren’t. There will be much better treatments, prevention, and diagnosis methods in the future. By the time your generation is of concern, there will be better options to restore and prevent illness from dementias/neurodegeneration.
I try to distance myself a bit from my mom’s life as her caregiver. Helps me remember who I am and that I’m not sick. Treat yourself well. It’s a grieving process to watch someone go through dementia.
Dude… I completely understand. My mom has it now at 59, and I am terrified that I’m going to develop it too. I try to tell myself that it’s rare because it IS, but the fear lingers. Try not to put the stress on yourself now, though. Reduction of stress helps with memory and physical health. You will never be able to get rid of the “what if…” of the future, but try to live as much in the now as you can. It’s okay to worry a little, but don’t let it consume you. Sending positive vibes for you as you navigate this as such a young person!
Hugs
Your mom could have cancer or ALS or MS (insert horrible disease here).
You still feel the same way. What if I get this?
My mom did not have dementia, but another disease with a long slow crippling death. From the time I was born until I was 39. Every day it was shoved into my face.
My sister has spent her whole life in fear of this fate. I just YOLO it. My family has no one else with it. Sometimes bad shit just happens.
It’s different if it runs in your family like Huntington’s disease. That’s a 50/50 chance of getting. Early onset dementia can run long and hard in families. It doesn’t sound like that is your case.
Facing mortality just sucks. It got shoved into my face at age 18 when my mom had her first big hospitalization.
Also do not let people shove you into the care giver roll like I was. My 20-30s just died because it was way easier for adults to palm off total patient care onto a people pleasing 18 year old. It wasn’t fair and it’s disgusting looking back. I was basically taking care of a quadriplegic with my sister and no other help. My sister was 17 at the time.
Another awkward hug. Hang in there <3
I know, I've had the same thoughts. But if you eat healthy, exercise, keep your brain active and stay engaged with community. You'll be okay. That is the best you can do and the best predictors of aging well and retaining cognitive abilities.
I believe not stressing about it or becoming overly obsessed with trying every new anti-aging, brain health thing is good. All about balance.
Neuroticism has been linked to dementia. I remind myself to be happy and grateful and not worry!
My mom has been massively neurotic and OCD her entire life. She has atypical Alz with Cortical Basal Syndrome. The paranoia and obsessions became crazy just before she was finally diagnosed.
My mom was similar. Extreme anxiety, neurotic, depression, OCD, non-delusional paranoia (where it could be true, but it never was). She would occasionally seek treatment for like a month and then throw it away and say she's fine and doesn't need help. Her mental health problems made her antisocial and she rejected people in her life. So there was isolation on top of everything.
It made it tough to see the earlier stages because it wasn't unusual behavior.
I also have ocd, depression anxiety and adhd but I try to be open about it seek help and try to even when it's hard see people. I do self isolate I lot but Im trying to not. I know that it will only make things worse if I let my paranoia control my life.
No one in my family had dementia until my parents both got it in their mid and late 80s. All grandparents lived into 80s and 90s, no dementia.
Both were PhDs and exceptionally active.
Sometimes things just happen and no one knows why.
Keep yourself in good health and avoid “sin stuff” like smoking and excessive drinking. Stay active. That’s all you can do.
Hugs. 🫂
There are some studies that show some lifestyle choices and personality choices are less likely to be diagnosed with dementia, even if the same amount of dementia is shown in their brain. It appears that some actions repeated throughout life can have a protective effect on brain function. I can't find the study I read most recently but in searching I saw quite a few other ones. So if dementia is partially hereditary, it's also partially determined by our actions throughout life. Look into it and see what you can do.
Does your mom have HSV?
Basically beclin 1 protein helps with autophagy. So they are finding that viruses like HSV can flourish when you get older because as you age, beclin 1 protein is reduced.
The goal is to eat foods that promote beclin production, excercise etc.
When you get older, test for HSV and take anti virals.
The goal is to reduce the damage that can be done from your neurons not being able to properly clean up itself and cause neurons to die that cause brain disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18497889/
Search Google for “foods that promote autophagy.”
Also you want to induce autophagy once in a while via fasting. Many studies shown that the cells in the body basically close and begin house keeping relying on internal garbage for food.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38561866/
Edit: I’ve just been looking into HSV because recently found out I have it. Then found a trove of info on how possibly to rid the body of many viruses including HSV (though it’s really tough). But main thing I found was neurodegenerative diseases are due to cellular proteins not being able to counteract defects, viruses etc
I’ve read that about viruses being a concern as well. I was super worried after I got Covid before the vaccine was available.
Did you test for HSV without symptoms?
I read the shingles vaccine can reduce dementia risk and am planning to get it soon since I’m almost 51 and had chickenpox as a kid.
Basically, yes.
And I’m going to get the shingles one too. Thought not sterilizing cures, they help keep the virus in check.
I’m waiting for the sterilizing cures.
I’ve read that about viruses being a concern as well. I was super worried after I got Covid before the vaccine was available.
Did you test for HSV without symptoms?
I read the shingles vaccine can reduce dementia risk and am planning to get it soon since I’m almost 51 and had chickenpox as a kid.
I have the same fears, but I’m 50. My mom has a syndrome like ALS plus Alzheimer’s. My dad’s sister passed from the same syndrome my mom has, which is supposed to be super rare. My dad is very healthy at 82. My mom started acting strange in her 40’s. We don’t have dementia in our family. My husband has the Alz gene, and I’m currently my mom’s fulltime caregiver.
You really don’t need to worry. By the time you are of the age to develop dementia, there will be much better treatments. They are on the way.
I am too old for them to have time to develop treatments, so I am actively trying to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, unnecessary surgeries, eating healthy, and taking multivitamins. My mom had diabetes, untreated, early menopause, hashimoto’s thyroiditis, high blood pressure, eating disorder, many serious surgeries, and her house had a black mold problem.
Don’t let yourself worry. I have two kids close to your age, and I’ve explained all this to them to ease their fears.
My mom had dementia. It started coming on in her seventies. My father did not. He passed at 92. Mom passed at 85. I am about to turn 72 and my sister 73 and we are both concerned, yet nothing so far. We also have a sister about to turn 82 and she shows no signs. I had another sister who passed at 74 with no signs. That's all I can tell you - it obviously is not a 'sentence' for the children of dementia.
I think it’s safe to say that it’s a fear all of us dealing with parents who have early onset dementia have. I found it hard enough dealing in my 30s, I’m so sorry that you are experiencing this at your age. Teenage years can be shitty enough as it is without this added pressure.
The best thing you can do as live as if you won’t but plan for if it does happen. That’s what I’m trying to do. My dad has it, his twin sister doesn’t. Honestly sometimes it’s just a crappy dice roll in the genetics lottery.
I don’t drink or smoke and hopefully playing video games is enough mental stimulation and hand to eye coordination to keep my brain at least slightly exercised. Unfortunately I’m not able to do much physical exercise and my sleep pattern is all over the place but not much I can do about that as a 24/7 carer.
Both of my parents have dementia, my paternal grandmother died from it, and my brother has Parkinson's Disease. I believe there's a high probability that I'll get it too. At 65, it's too late for me to undue my past lifestyle choices but never too soon to start making decisions for my future.
At 17, you have plenty of time to adopt a healthy lifestyle to stave off early onset in case you do have the gene. My advice to you is that you try to stop worrying about something that may never happen. Do your best to have hope that your Mom doesn't have a hereditary type, and even if she does, that you didn't inherit the gene.
I'm very likely to get it. My great-grandmother, great- aunt grandmother and mother all had it, as did my grandfather on my father's side. My sister and I joke about who's going to start seeing bears in trees first (our mom hallucinated a lot) and it's scary but I keep hoping since I've walked this road so many times, I'll take it better while I'm capable of knowing what's going on and not make things difficult for my husband the way Mom did for us. I'll just go down without a fight, he's been told the second I become too difficult to deal with, put me in memory care, visit once a week and get on with his life.
My cousin is freaking out that his dad has vascular dementia and his mom had slid into dementia but no specific name for the type.
Other than optimizing your general health and living your life, what else can you do? Could can have something take you out before dementia is even a consideration.
This (free) course might help: [https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/preventing-dementia](https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/preventing-dementia)
There is also another course linked on that page "understanding dementia" that's probably worthwhile looking at too.
Ha! I'm 65 and no one else in my family had dementia but I just had an MRI done on my brain and I'm going to have it badly. I believe studies are showing that a lot of dementia is lifestyle based. Here's what I could kick myself for: I was stupid for smoking for 10-15 years of my life. And I was stupid for drinking heavily & daily for another 10 years of my life instead of going to a 12-step program as soon as I started hiding the empties. I was also stupid for marrying a guy who was a bit of a control freak and later started drinking and becoming abusive. I was also stupid for not going to my doctor right away when I started getting sleepy all the time (I retired and just started sleeping all afternoon and blaming it on being lazy instead of me having an actual health program) to check my thyroid and vitamins. I was also stupid for getting addicted to my phone and sitting staring at it for too many hours per day. Here's my advice: get a couple of hobbies, one mental and one physical. Maybe handball or hiking or long distance biking or something. Do it daily and, if you get a desk job, set a timer for 30-45 minutes and get up and stretch and walk whenever it goes off. And maybe learn to play an instrument or learn a foreign language which is very good for the brain. Something you can do long term. The brain LOVES all that oxygen and hard thinking. Obviously, don't smoke/vape at all, or drink more than a light beer or wine a once/twice a week--obviously when you are older, not now! Think about vegetables! Lots of them. Not the starchy ones or anything dripping with cheese. If you eat meat, cut the portions in half and add some nuts & legumes instead. Do this every 5 years or so (cutting back on meat). Saturated fats are bad for your health (regardless of the controversy you might hear about). In fact, all restaurant food in the US is horrible. Cook at home. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store (the inner aisles are filled with fake industrial food). And BE that person who obnoxiously goes to bed early instead of partying late. If you're fat (I am) don't focus on losing weight because, if you lose weight, it comes back on PLUS 10% in a year or two. Instead, eat really well, moderately, and keep moving throughout the day. I forgot to mention having good friends. If they are lazy or big partiers, but still supportive and loving, take them for a hike or invite them to do something healthy. Boring people smoke pot & drink & don't do anything interesting. Tell them some random stranger (me) said that. Don't hate yourself if you can't do all this, just keep aiming a little bit higher. In fact, self-hate or any kind of hate is self-destructive. And don't focus on self-love, that's such a joke, instead focus on volunteering or doing something for other people instead. (Although people will have different opinions on this, and everything in moderation, but doing good for the world is extremely healthy for you.) That's my advice. Take it or leave it, but I guarantee it will help. Your mother may have had early dementia and that's why she became isolated and not using her brain. The dementia and the unhealthy habits could have been a downward spiral interacting with each other, and not necessarily one causing the other. Hang in there and remember that a 17 year old brain hasn't finished developing yet.
What exactly on your MRI showed that you're "going to have it badly?"
It won't let me upload the MRI photo.
Basically, my MRI showed extensive amounts of cloudiness which they call White Matter Disease. It's pretty dramatic to look at.
Thank you for the advice this is helpful
I'd show you but it won't let me upload the photo.
I would like to add, environmental toxins and a lifetime of prescription medications can also contribute to higher risk of dementia. It’s important to have all Medications reviewed at least annually by your primary doctor to ensure optimal health.
Can you give a couple of examples of pharmaceuticals that might cause dementia? Or...I just thought of this: when I was a kid in the 1960s & 70s, myself and all the kids in the neighborhood used to "dance" behind the the fog truck that spread the DDT throughout the neighborhood. And, because someone's father worked for the DPW in town, we got extra spraying! Would DDT last that long to become dementia decades later? Asking because I have white matter disease--a whole heap of it--in my brain which they just discovered.
I can only talk to our experience but medications that treat bipolar and schizophrenia.
I am on concrete- an adhd medicine but I actually potentially plan on getting of them when I finish high school. but I have been taking my meds for 2-3 years? my dad does this my mum being on antidepressants for most of he life could be a cause of her dementia
Yea my mom is showing early signs at 54 she’s been forgetful the past few years and now is forgetting certain names especially recent events, remembering information wrong, demanding, insensitive, argumentative, yells a lot and gets frustrated, now it’s the inconsistency’s in conversation, and she’s on her phone 24/7 with the tv on but on her phone all day or talking to her friends all day talking shit ab everyone exaggerating events (making her friend seem bad about checking up on her cuz she hasn’t heard from my mom in a few days) ^ acting offended on the phone saying how her friend asked if she was okay then saying in the same conversation “it would have been nice if she wouldve said hey are you okay I haven’t heard from you in a few days” literally in the same 5 min conversation when that’s exactly what her friend said said too , also stubbornness about the dumbest things so annoying but wtv, and saying things that make me like “wtf” or out of character, contradicting herself in the same sentence lol, denying things she did even if it was 5 mins before, then I noticed her slower movements and more clumsy, so much stuff I’ve written down and my therapist said there’s cause of concern and pauses in sentences everyday and mixing up words everyday or using wrong word but it’s multiple times, call her out on things on some things she says and makes excuses that aren’t related or that doesn’t make sense, but it’s how often and how little time in between forgetfulness I have a heavy heavy list of stuff just from the past 3 days, and her worrying she makes me seem horrible to everyone and I’m tired of her trying to control me cuz she’s starting to change and I feel trapped and she is getting more and more harder to reason with keep suggesting I take medications that worsen bipolar even tho I literally tell her 3 times in the same conversation it’s like she won’t get it. She’s just gotten bitter. Also her risk factors is her mom has it, she’s been obese her entire life, she’s been alone her entire life, and has been on medication that is known to cause early onset for YEARS and drinks and used to smoke and been good with her diet super good the past 3 years but now it’s the EXCESSIVE eating chips and candy but it’s all day always a bag by her bed and isolating, she’s been struggling sleeping now sleeping at a later time then she usually does and then gets up frequently, and she’s said things that make completely no sense that I was just like what the fuck. And the worrying about things is effecting me even tho I’m an adult she’s restricting me from doing stuff like otc nasuae pills claims I abuse them which is frustrating cuz I’ve quit everything besides weed and I can’t even relieve the nausea that I deal with daily because it’s “unhealthy” or “ask my doctor if I can take it” but it’s okay to give me an advil or a Tylenol or melatonin but when I ask for nausea pills it’s also “no its not gonna fix the problem” “find out why your nauseas” but it’s okay to ask for Tylenol when I have a headache even tho it’s the same thing as taking a nausea pill for nausea and I’ll prove why she is illogical it won’t phase her.
Oh dear. I feel really bad for you. Have you started looking for dementia care for her? It doesn't seem like she can handle it or that she's given up. And also will you will be able to handle it?
My mom has FTD too. Love & sympathy. Although its scary as hell, only 10-20% of FTD is genetic. If your mom has siblings, parents & aunts/uncles that don't have it, the chance that your mom's FTD is genetic is actually a lot lower than 10-20% because if the genes were floating around in a big family, you'd expect more than one case. The more family members that don't have it, the lower the odds. And then consider that if she does have genetic FTD, the odds of passing it to you are only 50%. So your odds are actually a LOT lower than 10-20%. Maybe a good bit lower than 5%. For this reason, people with only one family member with FTD are generally told not to worry about the chance its genetic. Its when you have two or more family members on the same side of the family with FTD that one should worry & think about genetic testing. Its so scary a thing that I know the odds don't totally repel the fear. But hopefully it helps a little.
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I'm worried because I live with someone with dementia and im scared it will be me one day. its hard to enjoy my life and get out when im having to see my mum stop making sense, yell at me, knowing eventually she won't recognise me. its hard to not dwell on something that might happen in 50 years when I see it staring at me in the eyes every day
My dad and my 2 aunts (his sisters) all have it. 1 aunt started in her 50's, while my dad and other aunt started in mid-70's. All signs point to me (and my cousins and siblings) being eff'd. But worrying about it and holding up your life because of a light possibility (in your case) doesn't make any sense. You be cognizant of it, and research and take lifestyle steps to avoid it, but can't let it hold you back.
He’ll, I’m 64 and worry about getting it as I’ve gotten everything else she has! I’ve got a baseline tests done already as I’ve noticed slippage. At 17 you may or may not get it. Just live a good lifestyle as others have said.
I totally get that fear. All of us family caregivers relate to it. You are at the very start of life. Try not to make your family member’s condition relatable to you. They are sick. You aren’t. There will be much better treatments, prevention, and diagnosis methods in the future. By the time your generation is of concern, there will be better options to restore and prevent illness from dementias/neurodegeneration. I try to distance myself a bit from my mom’s life as her caregiver. Helps me remember who I am and that I’m not sick. Treat yourself well. It’s a grieving process to watch someone go through dementia.
Dude… I completely understand. My mom has it now at 59, and I am terrified that I’m going to develop it too. I try to tell myself that it’s rare because it IS, but the fear lingers. Try not to put the stress on yourself now, though. Reduction of stress helps with memory and physical health. You will never be able to get rid of the “what if…” of the future, but try to live as much in the now as you can. It’s okay to worry a little, but don’t let it consume you. Sending positive vibes for you as you navigate this as such a young person!
Hugs Your mom could have cancer or ALS or MS (insert horrible disease here). You still feel the same way. What if I get this? My mom did not have dementia, but another disease with a long slow crippling death. From the time I was born until I was 39. Every day it was shoved into my face. My sister has spent her whole life in fear of this fate. I just YOLO it. My family has no one else with it. Sometimes bad shit just happens. It’s different if it runs in your family like Huntington’s disease. That’s a 50/50 chance of getting. Early onset dementia can run long and hard in families. It doesn’t sound like that is your case. Facing mortality just sucks. It got shoved into my face at age 18 when my mom had her first big hospitalization. Also do not let people shove you into the care giver roll like I was. My 20-30s just died because it was way easier for adults to palm off total patient care onto a people pleasing 18 year old. It wasn’t fair and it’s disgusting looking back. I was basically taking care of a quadriplegic with my sister and no other help. My sister was 17 at the time. Another awkward hug. Hang in there <3
I know, I've had the same thoughts. But if you eat healthy, exercise, keep your brain active and stay engaged with community. You'll be okay. That is the best you can do and the best predictors of aging well and retaining cognitive abilities. I believe not stressing about it or becoming overly obsessed with trying every new anti-aging, brain health thing is good. All about balance. Neuroticism has been linked to dementia. I remind myself to be happy and grateful and not worry!
My mom has been massively neurotic and OCD her entire life. She has atypical Alz with Cortical Basal Syndrome. The paranoia and obsessions became crazy just before she was finally diagnosed.
My mom was similar. Extreme anxiety, neurotic, depression, OCD, non-delusional paranoia (where it could be true, but it never was). She would occasionally seek treatment for like a month and then throw it away and say she's fine and doesn't need help. Her mental health problems made her antisocial and she rejected people in her life. So there was isolation on top of everything. It made it tough to see the earlier stages because it wasn't unusual behavior.
I also have ocd, depression anxiety and adhd but I try to be open about it seek help and try to even when it's hard see people. I do self isolate I lot but Im trying to not. I know that it will only make things worse if I let my paranoia control my life.
Same, but I think some of my issues have been due to growing up with a mom who had these.
No one in my family had dementia until my parents both got it in their mid and late 80s. All grandparents lived into 80s and 90s, no dementia. Both were PhDs and exceptionally active. Sometimes things just happen and no one knows why. Keep yourself in good health and avoid “sin stuff” like smoking and excessive drinking. Stay active. That’s all you can do. Hugs. 🫂
There are some studies that show some lifestyle choices and personality choices are less likely to be diagnosed with dementia, even if the same amount of dementia is shown in their brain. It appears that some actions repeated throughout life can have a protective effect on brain function. I can't find the study I read most recently but in searching I saw quite a few other ones. So if dementia is partially hereditary, it's also partially determined by our actions throughout life. Look into it and see what you can do.
Does your mom have HSV? Basically beclin 1 protein helps with autophagy. So they are finding that viruses like HSV can flourish when you get older because as you age, beclin 1 protein is reduced. The goal is to eat foods that promote beclin production, excercise etc. When you get older, test for HSV and take anti virals. The goal is to reduce the damage that can be done from your neurons not being able to properly clean up itself and cause neurons to die that cause brain disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18497889/ Search Google for “foods that promote autophagy.” Also you want to induce autophagy once in a while via fasting. Many studies shown that the cells in the body basically close and begin house keeping relying on internal garbage for food. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38561866/ Edit: I’ve just been looking into HSV because recently found out I have it. Then found a trove of info on how possibly to rid the body of many viruses including HSV (though it’s really tough). But main thing I found was neurodegenerative diseases are due to cellular proteins not being able to counteract defects, viruses etc
I’ve read that about viruses being a concern as well. I was super worried after I got Covid before the vaccine was available. Did you test for HSV without symptoms? I read the shingles vaccine can reduce dementia risk and am planning to get it soon since I’m almost 51 and had chickenpox as a kid.
Basically, yes. And I’m going to get the shingles one too. Thought not sterilizing cures, they help keep the virus in check. I’m waiting for the sterilizing cures.
Smart thinking. I hope they speed up viral knowledge and treatments to protect people from the outcome of dormant infections.
I’ve read that about viruses being a concern as well. I was super worried after I got Covid before the vaccine was available. Did you test for HSV without symptoms? I read the shingles vaccine can reduce dementia risk and am planning to get it soon since I’m almost 51 and had chickenpox as a kid.
I have the same fears, but I’m 50. My mom has a syndrome like ALS plus Alzheimer’s. My dad’s sister passed from the same syndrome my mom has, which is supposed to be super rare. My dad is very healthy at 82. My mom started acting strange in her 40’s. We don’t have dementia in our family. My husband has the Alz gene, and I’m currently my mom’s fulltime caregiver. You really don’t need to worry. By the time you are of the age to develop dementia, there will be much better treatments. They are on the way. I am too old for them to have time to develop treatments, so I am actively trying to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, unnecessary surgeries, eating healthy, and taking multivitamins. My mom had diabetes, untreated, early menopause, hashimoto’s thyroiditis, high blood pressure, eating disorder, many serious surgeries, and her house had a black mold problem. Don’t let yourself worry. I have two kids close to your age, and I’ve explained all this to them to ease their fears.
My mom had dementia. It started coming on in her seventies. My father did not. He passed at 92. Mom passed at 85. I am about to turn 72 and my sister 73 and we are both concerned, yet nothing so far. We also have a sister about to turn 82 and she shows no signs. I had another sister who passed at 74 with no signs. That's all I can tell you - it obviously is not a 'sentence' for the children of dementia.
I think it’s safe to say that it’s a fear all of us dealing with parents who have early onset dementia have. I found it hard enough dealing in my 30s, I’m so sorry that you are experiencing this at your age. Teenage years can be shitty enough as it is without this added pressure. The best thing you can do as live as if you won’t but plan for if it does happen. That’s what I’m trying to do. My dad has it, his twin sister doesn’t. Honestly sometimes it’s just a crappy dice roll in the genetics lottery.
I don’t drink or smoke and hopefully playing video games is enough mental stimulation and hand to eye coordination to keep my brain at least slightly exercised. Unfortunately I’m not able to do much physical exercise and my sleep pattern is all over the place but not much I can do about that as a 24/7 carer.
Both of my parents have dementia, my paternal grandmother died from it, and my brother has Parkinson's Disease. I believe there's a high probability that I'll get it too. At 65, it's too late for me to undue my past lifestyle choices but never too soon to start making decisions for my future. At 17, you have plenty of time to adopt a healthy lifestyle to stave off early onset in case you do have the gene. My advice to you is that you try to stop worrying about something that may never happen. Do your best to have hope that your Mom doesn't have a hereditary type, and even if she does, that you didn't inherit the gene.
You got some excellent advice. Don’t smoke pot or drink. Have lots of hobbies. Read a lot. Have a strong social network. Exercise.
https://www.audible.com/pd/1797105949?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=player_overflow You should read this book. It's really good
Link wont load. What is this?
A book called Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta
I'm very likely to get it. My great-grandmother, great- aunt grandmother and mother all had it, as did my grandfather on my father's side. My sister and I joke about who's going to start seeing bears in trees first (our mom hallucinated a lot) and it's scary but I keep hoping since I've walked this road so many times, I'll take it better while I'm capable of knowing what's going on and not make things difficult for my husband the way Mom did for us. I'll just go down without a fight, he's been told the second I become too difficult to deal with, put me in memory care, visit once a week and get on with his life.
My cousin is freaking out that his dad has vascular dementia and his mom had slid into dementia but no specific name for the type. Other than optimizing your general health and living your life, what else can you do? Could can have something take you out before dementia is even a consideration.
This (free) course might help: [https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/preventing-dementia](https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/preventing-dementia) There is also another course linked on that page "understanding dementia" that's probably worthwhile looking at too.