Extended Interview with Alzheimer's Patient, Don Hayen

Summary

The speaker, diagnosed in 2005, discusses the early signs of memory loss and uncontrollable anger that prompted a medical evaluation. Despite having a medical background, he emphasizes the challenges faced by those with Alzheimer's, especially those with limited resources. He highlights the importance of early diagnosis, which allows for better preparation and adaptation to the disease's progression. The speaker also points out the limitations of current diagnostic methods, which often only confirm Alzheimer's in its later stages when the patient is significantly impaired.

Takeaways

• 😡 The individual was diagnosed with a condition affecting their anger and memory in 2005.
• 👨‍👧 The person's anger issues were triggered by their daughter moving in with her two children, which they were unprepared to handle.
• 🧠 The individual experienced episodes of memory loss, including getting lost on familiar streets.
• 👩‍⚕️ The doctor, a friend, suggested an MRI after the person reported memory issues.
• 💼 The person has a medical background as a dermatologist and is concerned about the impact of the disease on those with fewer resources.
• 📚 Despite memory issues, the person is still able to follow plots in books and write novels, although they need to reread and outline more.
• 🤔 The person's intelligence and education level may be compensating for memory deficiencies, delaying a formal Alzheimer's diagnosis.
• 🧐 The individual has not yet been officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's due to normal psychological testing results.
• 🏥 They have tried to participate in drug studies at UCSD but do not meet the criteria for participation.
• 🔍 The person criticizes the current system for diagnosing Alzheimer's too late in the disease's progression.
• 🌟 Early diagnosis is emphasized as crucial for preparing for the future, managing finances, and adjusting to the impending changes in life.

Q & A

When was the individual diagnosed with a condition that affected their memory and behavior?

The individual was diagnosed in 2005.

What was the initial trigger for the person to visit a doctor?

The person had an anger problem and was experiencing episodes of memory loss and disorientation while driving.

What was the individual's profession before these health issues?

The individual was a dermatologist.

How did the person's family assist in getting them medical help?

The person's wife and daughter went to the doctor behind their back and discussed their concerns, leading to the doctor asking about memory problems.

What medical test was suggested by the doctor to further investigate the individual's condition?

The doctor suggested getting an MRI.

What was the individual's concern regarding people with similar conditions who might have different economic and social circumstances?

The individual was concerned about how the disease affects people with serious economic and social challenges, making it difficult for them to cope.

How has the individual's medical background influenced their approach to dealing with their condition?

The individual's medical background as a dermatologist has allowed them to understand the importance of addressing the issue and to be proactive in seeking solutions.

What challenges does the individual face in their daily life due to memory issues?

The individual has to reread books to follow the plot, and when writing novels, they have to outline in more detail to keep track of the story and characters.

Why hasn't the individual been officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease despite their symptoms?

The individual has not been officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's because their psychological testing results are not abnormal, and they can compensate for their memory issues.

What is the individual's view on the current criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease?

The individual believes that the current criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease are insufficient, as they only allow for a diagnosis when the person is already severely impaired.

Why is early diagnosis important according to the individual's perspective?

Early diagnosis is important because it allows individuals to prepare for the future by managing their financial situation, adjusting their living arrangements, and getting psychologically and spiritually ready to handle the progression of the disease.