Alzheimer’s link concerns daughter

April 8, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently had an MRI that showed some brain atrophy. A few days ago, I read a report that people whose mothers had Alzheimer’s show more rapid progression of brain atrophy.

I’m 67, and my mother had what I believe was the Alzheimer’s/vascular combo dementia. No autopsy was performed. She showed symptoms in her early 70s, died at 85, and had two sisters who also had dementia.
The recent MRI will have to be my “base.” How soon should I have another to monitor possible deterioration? What is the probability of me getting Alzheimer’s?
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TGA an uncommon disorder

February 22, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Could you please talk about transient global amnesia? I have never seen this discussed in your column before. Thank you.

DEAR READER: Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a rare event that causes sudden, temporary loss of memory. It is often accompanied by repetitive questioning. It is not associated with the more common causes of amnesia such as stroke.

For a positive diagnosis, the patient must meet a set of criteria. He or she must retain knowledge of personal identity and have normal cognition (naming familiar objects, following simple instructions, etc.); the event must be verified by a witness; there cannot be a history of active epilepsy, a recent head injury or the presence of seizures during the episode; the event cannot last more than 24 hours; testing and examination will not reveal signs of brain damage; and, finally, the patient must experience a gradual return of memory.
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Alzheimer’s a concern for the aged

December 30, 2010 By

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.
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25-year-old is forgetful

May 19, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Is there anything I can do about my memory? I am 25 and seem to have a real problem remembering things, whether it’s studying for a test or something my wife has told me to remember. It’s frustrating for both of us.

DEAR READER: Memory loss, whether short- or long-term, in young adults can be the result of a variety of causes. It occurs when the portion of the brain that stores memory becomes compromised. Short-term loss issues include brain infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, traumatic brain injuries, vitamin B1 deficiency and specific drugs.
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Look deeper for cause of memory loss

February 4, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My wife, who is 68 years old, is having short term memory loss.

She has had a CT scan and MRI of the brain. No abnormalities were detected. She has seen a neurologist and a clinical psychologist. Both diagnosed her with early stage Alzheimer’s disease.

The neurological appointment lasted only 30-45 minutes. The physician asked some personal history questions and then did a short test of her memory. The appointment with the clinical psychologist lasted nearly 2 ½ hours. She was again asked about personal history and several detailed questions to check her memory.
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