My dad died of early onset alzheimers andim panicing

[emkana]

that I will, too! I'm only 38 but I keep thinking I can't remember this or that, or can't think of a word sometimes and I'm so scared!

Everyone forgets words or gets confused - please do not stress yourself out because stress makes you more befuddled than anything. If you have any genuine symptoms seek help - the drugs these days are much better and can stall development I think, if you get them early enough.

I just can't get a handle on what would be genuine symptoms

Sorry to hear that about your dad- it's a terrible disease (my Dad also had it and I understand your worries/panic). Please try not to worry yourself too much - if you are really concerned then go and see your Doc and talk to him/her. I think from my reading that genuine sympoms are similar to later-onset Alzheimer's.

Does anybody know more about the genetic link?

I don't, emkana, but I do know you can get genetic counselling for things like this - dh had some because his brother died at 42 of a potentially genetic condition.

FWIW, I forget words and things all the time - I put it down to motherhood, and don't worry. But dh (whose mother also died of Alzheimers, his family have been unlucky ) does the same thing and worries. He also takes low dose aspirin, but has talked to his GP about it - some studies suggest it can help prevent dementias.

I"m really sorry about your Dad, btw

Thank you

Sorry about your Dad.

I sometimes have trouble remembering things too, there are lots of minor health issues that can cause this, for eample a mildly underactive thyroid. It's worth making sure that you eat enough oily fish and perhaps use sea salt or iodised salt for seasoning. Eat well and get some exercise and enough sleep, mothers are often sleep deprived and therefore forgetful.

With inherited problems not every family member will get them. Would you want to know if you could have a test?