Dr Honig called me tonight and we spoke for about a half hour. Though you can't really be sure, he is supporting an Alzheimer's diagnosis (though her symptoms are "atypical", partly because of her age). We've done all the tests and the body of evidence is pretty convincingly pointing towards AD. Alzheimer’s is not confirmed in anyone until the brain is studied under a microscope. What we do know is that what has been learned from the brains of confirmed AD patients is similar to what has been found in medical and neuropsychological testing.
There are some trials coming up he calls "interesting", probably in a month or two. Dr Honig recommends a prescribed driving evaluation fairly soon. Also says it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring Riley and Ryan with us when we see him next. I’m not sure bringing the kids in is a good idea. At least not yet.
We've got two of the most respected neurologists in the area seeing and saying the same thing now.
My interpretation from what I've heard from her team of doctors is that she has Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), caused by Alzheimer’s. PPA is the atypical symptom of Alzheimer's - language is where this is primarily showing up as opposed to memory. From what I understand, over the long term, the visible symptoms become similar as the disease progresses. Not much can be done, but we are going back to see Dr. Honig Monday, 4/25 to talk to him about clinical trial participation. I am looking into some not-approved-in-the-US options too that have been recommended to me by family who knows someone who knows someone....
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