Joined: 10/27/2014
Posts: 1
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Hello,
My name is Cass and I am a 20-something year old PhD student living in NYC and completing my coursework in NJ. My 50-something year old father was diagnosed with Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease in January of 2014 and since then, my brother (also in his 20's) and I have become his primary caregivers. Besides my brother, myself, and two of his own brothers, my father does not have much else. Additionally, in our search for others like him, those in the community who suffer from the same disease are individuals aged 65+. In this area, I have found zero support groups geared towards patients diagnosed with younger-onset dementia. As caregivers, we are to focus on quality of life, and I don't see much quality existing without being able to connect with like individuals. I think it is extremely supportive and beneficial, especially for those under the age of 65, to meet and connect with each other. Therefore, I am reaching out to see If anyone is interested in having their loved one connect with my father. I am happy to arrange and supervise an in-person meeting and/or a Skype session.
Many Thanks!
Best,
Cass
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Joined: 8/9/2013
Posts: 584
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Cass, so sorry to hear about your father. If you are unable to find someone in your local area to meet with in person, I would be willing to try and Skype. It would be better for your father if you all could find someone that he could talk with in person. Is there a Memory Café in your area that you could check out? Many times, those with EOAD are more apt to participate in these.
I was diagnosed in 2009 with Early Onset and have been living with the disease for 5 years now. I live in Kentucky so we would have to Skype rather than meet in person.
Let me know what you decide.
God bless,
Paul
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Joined: 12/9/2011
Posts: 13692
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Hello Cass, in what field are you obtaining your PhD in and what coursework are you doing now? It sounds as though it must be quite interesting and all of this while you are so busy with everything else.
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Joined: 12/5/2011
Posts: 795
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Hi Cass,
Welcome to the Alzconnected Message Boards. I'm sorry to hear about your Dad but I am glad you've found us.
Does your Dad have a computer? Perhaps he can join us on line??
As far as needing Medicare disability, there is a new act that helps speed up the process.
Please, call our toll free 24/7 AD helpline @800-272-3900 for assistance with that.
Good Luck. Perhaps you can find out about Young-Onset meetings thru the AD Assn?
Please, keep posting.
Peace and Hope,
Lisa
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