A Post from Ellen Box

When I started this blog, I said that I might have others write posts. Here is a post from a friend who also has Early Stage Alzheimers. Her name is Ellen Box:

When Alzheimer’s took my mother from me, I realized this devastating disease had also taken my grandmother, my aunt and probably my great-grandmother.  At that point in medical history, it was simply stated that she “lost her mind” and was committed to an “insane asylum”.  We just really know that she also was a victim of Alzheimer’s.

With this family medical history, and some of the early symptoms indicating early Alzheimer’s, I discussed this with my primary physician.  He sent me to a Neurologist.  After extensive testing, laboratory work-ups, etc., I had X-rays, MRI’s and finally a PET Scan.  This final scan was to my Neurologist a positive diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer’s.  Not at all a surprise to me.  This was in April of 2005.

Ellen Box

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congressional task force

It is good to know that the goverment is taking action for Alzheimer's.
The National Alzheimer's Project Act is based directly upon a lead recommendation in the final report of Alzheimer's Study Group, a bipartisan commission created by the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's disease and led by former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich and fomer Democratic Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska that included leaders such as Justice Sandra Day o' Connor.

Alzhemier's is a progressive, devastating disease that results in the loss of memory and cognitive abilites, and in the ability to care for oneself independently. Without progress, as many as 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease by 2050 - yet there is still no strategic plan to address this looming public health crisis.

Finally,I have to say that I have Alzheimer's Disease and have had it for about there years. I am 61 years old. I get out, go to meusuems, keep in shape, jog 6 miles and lots more. I play golf weekly too. In the mean time, we have a real problem looming.
Jeff

ALL IT TAKES IS MONEY

WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH PEOPLE. NOW IT IS TIME FOR MONEY. SO HERE WE GO. THE NATIONAL Alzheimer's PROJECT OFFICE. IT COULD PROVIDE SOME MONEY BUT IT PALES IN COMPARISON TO THIS;IN THISYEAR ALONE, MEDICARE AND MEDICAD WILL SPEND $122 BILLION CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S AND OTHER DEMENTIAS. BY 205O MEDICARE AND MEDICIDCAID COSTS ARE ESTIMATED TO EXECEED $800 BILLION (IN 2010 DOLLARS).

GLOBALLY, THE PICTURE IS JUST AS GRIM. ACCORDING TO THE WORLD ALZHEIMER REPORT 2010, TOTAL ESTIMATED WORLDWIDE COSTS OF DEMENTIA ARE $604 billion; WANT MORE?

SAVE SOME MORE NEXT TIME.THE GOVERNMANT WILL HAVE THINGS TO SAY.

Race for the Cure

Recently, I particapated in the Race for the Cure to wipe out breast cancer. My sister died from Breast Cancer.  It is a terrible disease.

The event was amazing.  30,000 people, if not more, participated.
A friend of mine and I ran in the race.  Others walked.  We walked up and down, winding around others going not as fast as them.  I was surprised how many runners and walkers there were. And I was surprised how much up and down that went through neighborhoods down Allen park way.

The Race for the Cure started in 1982. No doubt there were few not many involved.  But over time, the Race brought more and more participants bringing more and more money for the cause.

But my cause is for Alzheimer's and the Alzheimer's Association.  I have Alzheimer's.  I want the Race for the Cure to continue but Alzheimer's Association need to get out in the community and catch up with The race for the cure.  That will be the subject of my next Blog.
    

out and about

What a day.  First to see Opera in the Heights in Houston It is a very nice place for opera but it is not the grand opera. Tales of Hoffmann was the Opera. The singers were wonderful and so young and The event was for school kids and a group from the Alzheimers Assocation.  All loved it.

After that, I went to Memorial Park to get some exercise. As it turned out,  my friend and I, ran 6 miles around the park. The weather was very nice. Otherwise, we could not make it. 

Like the opera, The Alzheimers groups do other things like going to the Museum to look at paintings from all over the world. 

Just because you have Alzheimers, you can still have some fun. !!!

About time to go.

back to 2007

After my first two blogs, it is time to see how this all stated. First, you have to take a test by a PH.D.  His name is Dr Nance. He is a neuropsychological tester. You might ask him about every thing in the world. He asks every things, like drawing lines in diffiecult spaces. The test takes as  much as 5 or 6 hours. Yike! He is gathering formation. At least I can take a break for a few minutes.  It takes a long time and when they are over, you are BRAIN DEAD fore shure.

 Ok, after all of the tests, Dr Nance will provide the information in the tests and then forword its to the  doctor who will study all the tests.

That don now my doctor comes out to meet me and my wife. First time here. We talk a few minits then gets to the meet time for results. O sat next to my wife. Out of the blew, the docter said you have it. I said what does that mean. It meens I have Alzheimers.  I felt a tear droping. Lisa and I cried a short time. It is done now.  We are both strong and there is a lot of life to Live.
That was 3 years ago.  Life is good.
Jeff

fast and faster

It was world Alz day and letters were being sent to members of congress pleading for more help with Alzheimers suffering from this horable diease we had a hard time to see what was coming in.  Soon, I found out that members of congress were taking it very serious.  I received at lest 5 letters from members of congress saying they would help the cause.  In  Houston,Texas, where I live, we were lucky to have such wonderful help.

One thing I need to tell you about.  Alzheimers, has me spelling words wrong. I can not do anything with math. So if you see a word that that spells is wrong and/or looks funny, it may be a challegin to understand what I am saying.  

Thanks for reading my Blog.
Jeff

World Alzheimer's Day

My name is Jeff, and I have Early Stage Alzheimers. I learned that I had Alzheimers July 17, 2007. I was 58 years old. I was the Managing Partner of a large law firm, and I continued working until I couldn't work anymore. It was devastating. Initially, I could still drive, but after about 2 years, the doctor told me I could not drive anymore. Today is World Alzheimer's Day. I have started this blog to raise awareness of this disease so that someday a cure can be found. Just so you know, today I also ran 5 miles, and after I post this blog I plan to write a letter to my congressman in support of Alzheimer's legislation. Sometimes, friends or family members might help me with this blog, but mostly, it will be me. Signing out for today.