[al baby]

My mom is suspected of having Alzheimer's but I was told only after death during a autopsy could it be as positive
diagnosis

[Clara Lou]

Thanks for the confirmation. I'm sorry about your mom.

[4mer Liberal]

It is true, that a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can't be made until after the patient passes. Doctors can diagnose it pretty much with a 90% degree of certainty because the symptoms are so common.

I lost my father last January to Alzheimer's. It is a heartbreaking disease. I pray for any family who has to suffer through it with a loved one.

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

I forget the exact number, but Alzheimers accounts for a very small percentage of senile dementia.

My grandmother passed away 2 years ago and had been diagnosed with ALzheimer's for at least 10years.

I always questioned the diagnosis, because she definitely had a dementia, but she never forgot who or what she was.

I do not like the tendency to use Alzheimer's as a catch-all diagnosis. I would make sure the doctor has ruled out the other causes, because there are a few which are reversable and others which are treatable.

As long as the evaluation was complete and it is what it is, relax, enjoy your Mom when she is lucid and when she is confused.

My Grandmother was healthy otherwise and I used thank God she was happy in her world...it could have been so much worse.

[lawdude]

"My mom is suspected of having Alzheimer's but I was told only after death during a autopsy could it be as positive
diagnosis"

Does it really matter? You are watching someone slowly (or rapidly, in some cases) lose their cognitive capability. In my MIL's case she was a total vegetable the last 18 years of her life. Not fun for anyone.