Is Alzheimer's disease contagious? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Is Alzheimer's disease contagious?

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:13

my friend's mother has Alzheimer disease. I think there is no cure for this disease. pls advice what she has to do?

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 15:50
I am shocked how amused some posters are ... No sunlight as other people posted already this cruel disease is not contagious and your friend and her children are not at risk to get infected. However, this is a terrible disease and I wish them so much strengh to see her loved one suffering and loosing her personality ... They need to get treatment to keep the development of the disease slower and they might need to get documents in place which allow them to take over control of the accounts and decisions of the mother as long as she still can sign these documents. It can get ugly if she starts forgetting her loved ones and she will loose controle about her ability to jusge on day to day situations. They should get advise and start reading books to understand what they will face the next time. Best of luck for them.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 15:40
Wow, never thought i would write ' alsheimers isnt contagious' however, it is linked to being genetic .... both my grandmothers have it, and one is presently suffering through it. its a disgusting horrendous illness and heartbreaking for all involved. They say that if you keep your brain active then it wont be bad- a load of bullsh*t,my granny is/was the cleverest woman i know, doing maths in her head, playing suduko etc and is now barely able to dress herself and forgets who ppl are and that her husband is dead. Disgusting disease! :( Am sorry that both of your grandmothers have this awful disease. I have been learning a lot about the various forms of dementia, of which Alzheimers is only one type, through my new job and find it fascinating. Rather like cancers, not every smoker gets small cell lung ca and not every bright, intelligent person won't get some form of dementia. We have a retired neuro surgeon in our nursing home with vascular dementia. He doesn't know his name, family members but can still talk in great detail about operations he carried out! It is indeed a very cruel disease and I regard it a priviledge to care for people who have to live with it and their heartbroken families Lifestyle etc can help with reducing the risk of developing some forms of dementia but not all. There are loads of very good websites which give good advice and information on dementia.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 14:33
Wow, never thought i would write ' alsheimers isnt contagious' however, it is linked to being genetic .... both my grandmothers have it, and one is presently suffering through it. its a disgusting horrendous illness and heartbreaking for all involved. They say that if you keep your brain active then it wont be bad- a load of bullsh*t,my granny is/was the cleverest woman i know, doing maths in her head, playing suduko etc and is now barely able to dress herself and forgets who ppl are and that her husband is dead. Disgusting disease! :(
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 13:07
I am a former hospice nurse now working part time in a nursing home which specialises in the care of people living with this cruel condition. Dementia is an umbrella term which covers many types of dementia of which Alzheimers is only one. Most types of dementia are not hereditary, but some can be. There is indeed no cure and any medications are used to alleviate symptoms such as depression. It is a massive subject and I am learning so much in my new post. Lifestyle can play a big part in reducing the risk of the onset of Alzheimers such as stopping smoking, keeping your brain active, exercise, watching weight, reducing alcohol intake (there is a form of dementia which is triggered by drinking too much!) There is no link to intelligence and IQ. To answer the OP's question, NO, dementia is not contagious, ie, can't be passed on like the common cold. <em>edited by JoyceB on 11/04/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:38
I'm not familiar with the US really in terms of what help is available. However, these might be a good place for your friend to start: http://www.alz.org or http://www.alzfdn.org <em>edited by coffee_mate on 11/04/2012</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:29
Where is your friend and her mother? There is help out there but you have to look for it. That's what we found anyway. (not sure if they are in Dubai though?I don't think mental health is well catered to here) yes she lives in Dubai. basicallythey are based in US
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:28
OK Sunlight, you are obviously genuinely concerned. Alzheimer's is a very serious disease, however NOT contagious. There is no cure, no prevention either. I can be traced back to genes, but as Amy Aus pointed out, if a family member has it, you will not necessarily get it. If your friend is worried that she and her kids are at risk, she can always go see her doctor and talk to him about it. That would really be her best option.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:26
Where is your friend and her mother? There is help out there but you have to look for it. That's what we found anyway. (not sure if they are in Dubai though?I don't think mental health is well catered to here)
313
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:25
Its not contagious and there is no cure. It's a horrible, cruel, dispicable disease. My sympathies go out to your friend. She could be in for a very tough ride. We watched my grandfather suffer this for many years until he finally succumbed. Honestly, in the end it was a blessing. There are drugs that are meant to slow the progression if given in the early stages. This is so so sad. I pray this disease never touches my family again. Its heartbreaking to see them physically fit, but mentally gone (or going, over many years). Best of luck to your friend. thanks CM
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:23
I think OP means to say 'is it GENETIC?' Or, at least I hope that is what she is trying to say! (OP 'contagious' means can you catch it if you come in contact with the person (ie touch their hands or share a drink), GENETIC means that it is more likely for a child of someone who has it that they will get it too)... I believe it can be traced to the family, but you won't nececssarily get it just because a relative has it. I also believe there is no prevention. thanks for your kind words. yes if it is genetic then ok but if it is contagious (if we are in contact with them) @suze63 pls I am serious :(
683
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:23
Its not contagious and there is no cure. It's a horrible, cruel, dispicable disease. My sympathies go out to your friend. She could be in for a very tough ride. We watched my grandfather suffer this for many years until he finally succumbed. Honestly, in the end it was a blessing. There are drugs that are meant to slow the progression if given in the early stages. This is so so sad. I pray this disease never touches my family again. Its heartbreaking to see them physically fit, but mentally gone (or going, over many years). Best of luck to your friend.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:20
@AB: yes she is... *bangs head against wall*
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:20
Strongly suggest that you stay away from both the friend and her mother as you might catch it. You might even have it already.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:18
Strange question. What should who do, your friend or her mother? Both should talk to their doctors. My friend & her kids.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:17
@AB: yes she is...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:16
yes thats true. yesterday she told me this story.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:15
are you serious? My thoughts exactly
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:15
Strange question. What should who do, your friend or her mother? Both should talk to their doctors.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:14
are you serious?
 
 

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