DEAR DR. GOTT: I have an average of three dreams nightly, some of which are upsetting. This started after my wife passed away. I dream about her a lot, but there are many other dreams such as losing my way and trying to get back home, worrying about my family worrying about me, losing my billfold, car being stolen, coming out of church and can’t find the car, church happenings and many other miscellaneous things. I sometimes wonder if this is the doorway to Alzheimer’s. I’m 90 years old and a World War II veteran. I don’t think my problem is normal, but my doctor can’t help me so I will have to rely on you.
DEAR READER: The gradual loss of brain cells causes Alzheimer’s. As we age, we tend to take longer to think things out, yet learning, memory skills, intelligence, judgment and organizational skills should remain intact. Once these skills diminish, when there is trouble with long- and short-term memory loss, remembering names and finding appropriate words, it may be an indication of early Alzheimer’s.
The warning signs of the disorder include loss of memory, difficulties with abstract thinking, disorientation to time and place, problems performing familiar tasks, absent judgment, loss of initiative, misplacing things, changes in personality and an inability to find the right word during conversation. Reviewing this list, I think we all fall prey to the outline. However, let’s look deeper before making any final decisions. Absent judgment in an Alzheimer’s patient might cause a person to dress without regard to weather, wearing multiple layers of warm clothing in the summertime when it is hot outside, or dressing in light clothing when it’s cold. We all misplace things. The Alzheimer’s patient will put an article of clothing or jewelry away carefully — but in places such as the refrigerator or pantry. We can get lost easily when driving out of a parking lot, but the Alzheimer’s patient will become confused while on his own street or will forget which house to enter once he gets there. Rapid mood swings can also occur with a patient in control one minute and reduced to tears the next.
You may be problem-solving during sleep. You may be hitting on fears such as losing things, or the burden you fear you may ultimately place on family members. Prior to this, you always had your wife around to talk things over with. You were able to reach conclusions together. You became part of your wife’s support system, as she was part of yours. She’s no longer with you, and this has created an enormous void.
There is no single test for diagnosis. Your physician might consider medical history, mental-status evaluation, physical examination, brain scan, blood and urine tests and more. You appear to be relatively active and functioning well. As such, I must withhold an opinion on Alzheimer’s. If you exhibit any signs you haven’t mentioned, you might choose to be tested. Early detection is important. Treatment and new advances through research are available. I sympathize with you and the millions of Americans that are going through the same issues. It’s heartbreaking and downright scary, but you appear to have a good grip on life. Stay active. Keep abreast of new events. Hang on tight and, above all, keep smiling.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Alzheimer’s Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott