Cerebral Atrophy; Shrinking of the Brain

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By SirDent

I just got home from taking my Mother in law to the ER. She was disoriented and hallucinating at her home earlier this evening. After they ran a few tests they found out that she has Cerebral Atrophy. It is basically, a shrinking of her brain. The doctors say there is nothing they can do for her condition. I did a search on the internet looking for information and found a few sites. I am going to try and explain what Atrophy actually is and how it affects the person who has this dreaded disease.

What is Cerebral Atrophy?

It is a common symptom of many diseases that affect the brain and means the loss of cells. In Cerebral Atrophy, neurons are lost along with the connectors between them. It can be in a limited area of the brain or it could affect the whole brain.

Associated Diseases/Disorders

The speed and pattern of the progression of Cerebral Atrophy depends on the disease involved. Below is a list of diseases that can cause it.

Stroke and traumatic brain injury

Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, senile dementia, fronto-temporal dementia, and vascular dementia

Cerebral palsy

Huntington's disease

Leukodystrophies

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies

Multiple sclerosis

Infectious diseases, such as encephalitis, neurosyphilis, and AIDS.

Epilepsy

Symptoms

Many of theses diseases are associated with dementia, seizures, and aphasias (language disorders). Dementia is a disorder which progressively impairs memory and normal brain functions. It can affect work skills and social skills also. The ability to learn is sharply impaired also.

Aphasias are characterized the inability to speak and understand normal language. If a person has this symptom, it will cause the person to use odd choices of words, partial phrases, and incomplete sentences.

Research is currently underway to try and diagnose the causes of Atrophy. I'm sure researchers are working hard to find a cure and a way to prevent atrophy from happening in the first place. As of the time I post this, there is little that can be done.

Comments

Froggy213 profile image

Froggy213 Level 4 Commenter 4 years ago

Our prayers are with you!

cristina327 profile image

cristina327 Level 6 Commenter 4 years ago

Great hub. Great information. Thanks for sharing this with us. I will include your mother-in-law in my prayers.

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 4 years ago

Thanks for the prayers. I really appreciate them very much.

Joybells( MJ) 4 years ago

Will be praying for her, you and family Mr Dent . I know exactly what you going through mom has that. Your mom in law loves the Lord and He alone will see her through this and you all too.

Stacie Naczelnik profile image

Stacie Naczelnik 4 years ago

I hope your MIL is doing well. This is good information for everyone to be aware of.

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 4 years ago

I appreciate the comments and prayers very much.

dhoosier profile image

dhoosier 4 years ago

Very good Hub, I'm sorry for your mother inlaw and you and your family. Things like this are very hard to cope with,my prayers are with you. God bless and take care.

Sally 4 years ago

My daughter has Cerebral Atrophy and has done since her birth in 2000. This has limited her life but not her spirit, keep your aspirations high and enjoy life to the fullest.

SweetiePie profile image

SweetiePie Level 6 Commenter 3 years ago

I pray your mom is doing better now Sirdent :).

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 3 years ago

She is doing some better but as far as we know it can never be reversed. It is my Mother in law also.

Discover More Now profile image

Discover More Now 3 years ago

I can understand your problems sirdent. I suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm on 4/3/02. My wife is the one that has actually suffered the most. It took me 2 years just to be able to walk a straight line. She had to teach me just about everything that most everybody just takes for granted. Hang tough SirDent. Your mother has suffered, but so have you. It will get better.

RT...

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 3 years ago

Thanks for the great comment DMN. I appreciate it very much and the encouraging words also.

Jan Rogers 3 years ago

I have been diagnosed with this at the age of 40 it has affected my work and my social skills. I understand there is no cure and somedays for me are worse than others. My speech now is being effected

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 3 years ago

I appreciate your read and comment Jan. I feel sorry for anyone who has to go through this dreadful disease. All I can do for you is pray for your healing.

NADS 3 years ago

HI MY FRIEND DAUGHTER NAME IS SUMMER. SHE IS TWELVE YEARS OLD AND HAS CEREBRAL ATROPHY. WE ARE FROM A SMALL CARIBBEAN ISLAND CALLED ANTIGUA. IN ANTIGUA, THIS DISEASE IS NOT VERY COMMON AND THERE AREN'T MANY DOCTORS ON THE ISLAND THAT KNOWS HOW TO TREAT THIS DISEASE. SUMMER HAS SICKLE CELLS AND HAS HAD SEVERAL SEIZURES WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED HER CONDITION. I HAVE TRIED THE SITES ON THE INTERNET AND AS SIRDENT SAYS, THE INFORMATION IS VERY LIMITED. SUMMER IS UNABLE TO ATTEND HIGH SCHOOL CAUSE SHE CANNOT LEARN AT THE PACE OF A NORMAL TWELVE YEAR OLD. I APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION SO THAT WE CAN TEACH OURSELVES AND SUMMER HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS. BLESS

lorraine 3 years ago

Hi my name is Lorraine ,

I am a 62yrs old and i had the tests done to see if i have Dementia i was getting very cncerned about this as i couldnt even begin to imagine having this desease as my father had it along with other relatavies .

After my Dr Giving me the results i was dumb founded i had a stroke going back around 5 to 6 years ago and ever since this and time has passed by i seem to have trouble with my speech and unable to express my self properly especialy when i am on the phone phone ok

I must sigmn off for now .

P.S If you or any one else out there who could give me any ideas of how to adjust my speech in any way please

kris.eusebio@hotmail.com 3 years ago

My mother in law was diagnose with cerebral athrophy..the person i use to know who was full of energy and now doesn't even recognise me at times.I understand it's not curable but how long is the survival rate with this disease?I guess it would be costly also with all the professional support involved...this disease is so depressing!!!!

keep in touch!

kris

Srini 2 years ago

My Sis MIL was normal till last week. Suddendly she started behaving and talking incoherently. Dr has got CT Scan done and has said that it is Old Age cerebral atropy with white mass in forntal(R). couldnot understand waht it actaully means and whetehr any cure exists or any medicine that can reduce the intensity. Pathetic to see how my BIL and Sister are struggling with the new situation. Just praying god that things become OK

Harold Hall 2 years ago

I have been diagnosed with this disease myself, I have a lot of problem with memory but can still function and am going to try what few things I can do to help myself. I am going to eat a special diet of mainly fresh grains and fresh vegetables with some poultry and fish, along with water, I am going to continue school for as long as possible, and most of all working out under super vision a very good friend. I have been reading up on this disease and found little annoyances such as dependency on others more than normal, Vibrations in strange places as if a cell phone was on vibrate, limbs going numb for no reason. forgetfulness as well as a large list of others. I lost my job two weeks after finding out I had this problem and have truly been unemployed since. I had unemployment but because I attended school and mock worked meaning that they paid me for being there so I could eat but in the end the medicaid found out and will only help me to prevent pregnancy. I want no children.But would like some advice.

anna marie 2 years ago

hi, im a mother of a 7 month old baby boy, he was diagnosed with subdural hygroma bilateral probable cause is cerebral atrophy, i would like to know if this can happen to a child of this age. thank you. any information on this matter is greatly appreciated.

RAJESH 2 years ago

I am having cerebral atrophy, Now I am 39Yrs old,male.

I had detected 8Yrs back by Investigation till now I am doing my routine work slowly. Please suggest me It requires any modification for stoping of this atrophy.

habee profile image

habee Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago

My mom had Alzheimer's. Your family will be in my prayers.

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 2 years ago

Habee, I appreciate your prayers and I know my Mother In Law will also. This is such a deblitating disease.

Laura 2 years ago

I have a 7 1/2 month old son who was born with cerebral athrophy, tho no one can tell me why. My son also has several other health issues, but the doctors can't say whether it was caused by any of them.

I feel for anyone who has this, but it seems even more unfair when it's children that are diganosed and who have yet to live their lives!

Not one doctor actually told me what this was or what it meant I had no clue...I dont know if my son will ever walk or talk or do anything!! At nearly 8 months he doesnt roll over or even try, doesnt try to sit up, but he does love to kick his legs and suck on his thumb and fingers...

I guess what I'm trying to say is....that even tho our heart breaks for those we love that have this we count each and every positive thing reguardless of what other people say....

I only wish the doctors had have been more forth coming with me about this instead of giving us false hope in telling us there are to be no limits set on our child

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 2 years ago

Laura, the only hope I can offer you is through Jesus Christ. Some diseases can only be healed by Him. You and your family, including your son, are in my prayers.

janet 24 months ago

CAN ANY ONE TELL ME IF CEREBAL ATROPHY CAN CAUSE A PERSON TO ATTACK A VUNERABAL PERSON AND THEN NOT UNDERSTAND THEY HAVE DONE ANY THING WRONG ?

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 24 months ago

Janet, the answer to your question is yes. There are many forms of dementia that can cause a person to act that way. Please don't take it personal.

Marjatta Lavin 23 months ago

Theose who have developed celebral atrophy, how many of you have been takin Lipitor or other Statin drug treatment?

Shaima  23 months ago

Dear Sir Dent and all,

It was a great initiative from you to have this forum and discuss this new disease, which were not heard by many people. My dear mom, who was serving in army for many years, so active mom and sacrificing woman had this disease. It took her 5-6 years to die, aged 57 years. she just passed away today and I decided to look deeper into this disease, especially as she died while I am away from her. such powerful woman turned to be like a child, even can not sip from a cup or go to toilet. This started by a depression, she had after a hard divorce, and since this time she had started this struggle, and suddenly, the X ray showed that her frontal part of the brain is totally diminished and there was nothing to be done. She was deteriorating and deteriorating, and stopped talking normal speech since almost 2 years. She deteriorated too fast, as if she wanted to finish this turmoil. My heart is with everyone has this disease. We were sometimes judging her, and she was at the last stages, attacking strangers and pushing us away, we were thinking it is personal, but the issue was "Her disease was talking, and we never understood!" until she died.

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 23 months ago

Shaima, my heart goes out to you after reading your comment. My mother in law passed away on Feb. 26, 2010. My condolensces to you and your family.

You can always come here and write about it if you want.

Shaima 23 months ago

Dear Sir Dent,

I am so sorry to know that, but as we are grieving after losing these people, I contemplate what happened and said, it is the best thing happened to them since they had this fierce unrecognized disease. The problem is only to cope with the feeling of guilt when someone judges these people, and understanding how I traveled when this woman who made me what am I, when she was desperately needing me. I know repent will never being the people back, and we will never knew when the person we forgot about will die, at least to pay him a visit before he leaves the life stage and be away forever with all his problems, sufferings and good\bad deed. Really this disease is like when you hear Edith Piaf's song "No regrets"!

jugal 22 months ago

my mother 53 year old is also Suffuring from cereberal atrophy from last 4 years, Intially she feels some weekness during movement , But with the time she had a problem for Walking .. But Now she is on bed , even not able to move for toilet on herself ....our whole family is dipressed .... Pls Suggest is it Curable by Any treatment ( Ayurvedic / hemopathy / allopathy )

Humphrey 20 months ago

I lost my dad last week, and the doctor had diagnosed cerebral atrophy as one of the causes. He had suffered from some acute malaria about 3 months ago and was taken to hospital with confusion, he was treated but could not wake up until his demise.

rmm 19 months ago

my father was just diagnosed with cerebral atrophy they said his brain has shrunk 20% do you know if this is the start of it or has he had it for a while because his first doctor said we were crazy nothing was wrong with him. he always hallucinates mostly that he is on fire and when he feels this way he has a panic attack is this normal and will it get worse i am just trying to prepare myself on what i am going to have to deal with because i know i have to be strong for my mother.

Shaima 19 months ago

Hi rmm,

Unfortunately, if it is cerebral atrophy, especially of the frontal part of the brain, then you need to be strong to face what will come. Mostly, the patients of CA do not live longer than 3 years after the first diagnose. My dear mom, died after 2 years and 6 months of the diagnostics, specially as doctors at the beginning were not sure what she has exactly, and they discovered the issue when almost 60% of her brain's gone. in the first 2 years of the disease, he will mostly hallucinating, remembering only old events, and forgetting the new, then it will be a stage of repetition of words, phrases and sentences, which could be sometimes meaningless, and the last year, as happened to my mom, they lose all the capabilities, like controlling the toilet time, writing, reading, identifying people, being so aggressive and does not realize who and what surround them. For my mom, she finally has blood hemorrhage in the last 5 days, then she passed away in peace after hard time fighting this disease. Be strong for your family and God helps in such hard time.

braveJohnDale 18 months ago

My 5 1/2 month old baby boy was diagnosed with this disease after his cranial ultra sound because he is having a tremor while feeding during sleep only and lasted for a few seconds, they called it shuddering attack.. i have no idea what kind of disease is this.. the neurologist told me that it might affect some of his physical activity but as he examine my child, he is perfectly healthy.. his locomotor development is okay, he is trying to talk, he can roll over by himself... the neurologist gave him a taurex infant drop, its brain food supplement... i've read some articles regarding this and it made me feel so bad and frustrating... I do believe that Prayer is powerful.. God will help my child to surpass all of this and live like any other normal child...

mysticgirl 16 months ago

these are so sad to hear a disease wer nothing can be done; but sometimes when a stage comes wen no medicine works prayer does . all my prayers for who are diagnosed wid this problem may the lord almighty give you the strengh to bear the suffering and frustration it brings!

rosemary 15 months ago

I HAVE BEEN EDUCATING MYSELF ON CEREBRAL ATROPHY.MY 8MONTH OLD BABY HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH THIS DISEASE AFTER A SERIOUS CASE OF JAUNDICE AT BIRTH.IT HURTS SO MUCH TO LOOK AT HIM COS HE IS A TWIN AND HIS SISTA IS DOING FINE EVEN THOUGH SHE HAD JAUNDICE TOO.AFTER READING ALL THE COMMENTS I AM ENCOURAGED AND WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY AND TRY MY BEST FOR MY BABY.I KNOW HE WILL NEED MY STRENGHT IN THE YEARS TO COME.

Shaima 15 months ago

Dear Rosemary, I praise your bravery and dedication. This disease affects my own mom and brought her end after active 50 years life, so I understand how it is even too hard to have it in your own child. I pray for him to be better and to enjoy his life with you. Be strong for him and his sister as well, both of them need you!

Terri 12 months ago

Hello all. I was very glad to find this page.

I am a 53-year-old woman who was diagnosed with mild cerebral atrophy about 3 years ago. My atrophy is mild, and I have one tiny white lesion in the frontal lobe. My neurologist is monitoring it.

However, during my last doctor's visit I was told that my brain has atrophied to the point that it looks like the brain of a 63-year-old, rather than one of a 53-year-old. The neurologist also said that I am functioning extremely normally for someone with such atrophy, that the patients she usually see with this kind of atrophy are already experiencing quite a bit of dementia.

The only symptoms I have noticed are: 1) in my short-term memory. If someone tells me something in passing or casually, I'm not likely to remember it. And even when someone does tell me clearly, I still have to write everything down, if I am going to have to use the information soon after...like at a meeting or for a project at work. But my long-term memory appears to be functioning fine so far. 2) I am also tireder than I should be at my age, I think. I get fatigued a lot quicker now during exercise than I think I should, even though I do exercise regularly. I'm very active.

I'm very nervous about this diagnosis. I have a great job, a full life, and I'm a single mom. All my kids have is me.

It's so disturbing that there's so little out there about this disease. If anyone has any links they can share I would be very grateful.

Thanks,

Terri

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 12 months ago

Terri, I am sorry to hear that you have this dreadful disease. It is debilitating and as far as I know there is no way to reverse it or stop it. The only site I know of where you can find more info is the one I linked in this hub.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_atroph

Tabrez 11 months ago

Hello friends I am very happy I got this page i have a kid with around 3 yrs having a problem of acute cerebral atrophy and trying to make him fine as every time when he got up he got seizure and I wanted to know how to make him improve cause I know there is no treatment also he can't stand without support also can't do any thing himself and not trying to speak what should I treat please inform My Email Id is tabrez_hasnain@yahoo.co.in

sheila j 9 months ago

i want to say i feel for everyone affected by this disease i was diagnosed a few years ago and i am fighting it day by day and refuse to give up but i am 48 and ineed prayers 4 my husband&son they are the real victoms of this awful disease i will keep all of you in my prayers

shaima 9 months ago

Dear sheila ,

I wish you are fine now. Please do not give up and I wish you all success in your fight with this disease. My mother passed away because of this and I know how it is hard to be in this situation. All my best wishes!

Shaima

Susan 9 months ago

Thank you Sir Dent for this insightful hubpage. I agree with Terri that there is not a lot of information about frontal lobe atrophy. You can find more information about Alzheimers, which is situated in a totally diffrent part of the brain and an age related disease. I have spoken to a few neurologistss and if Terri would like to contact me please give her my email that I sent to you recently. Thank you.

paul hyke 9 months ago

my partner has cerebral atrophy she has had it from birth she is 47 now

MJ Kelly 7 months ago

Thanks for your heart-wrenching post. I have an old friend back in Canada who has been diagnosed with something similar and at 52 years old was told that she won't see her son get married. He is now 12. I am hoping that she will come over here to Switzerland, to see about treatment but I can't find much info...

Kaye 6 months ago

I have it too... I am 38 would love to get more info out there so people know and don't judge family members. I don't want to be a "that's sad" case x I just want to live. I know God will heal me whether here on earth or in heaven. I just hope I go in good style and not in a way that destroys my families lives ?

Kaye 6 months ago

Also Paul I love your post ? that gives us hope. How is she?

Loredana 5 months ago

I just found out my housband have cerebral atrophy,i took to er with alucination very poor connection ,coldn't wolk eat drink on is own ,he can't speck clear ,this is so overwelmin for me and my children ,my husband just came back from Iraq bring with him ,tramautic brain injury ,post tramautic stress disorder ,photofobia i jury knee ,and now this to ,please if somone out there halp me out ,to show the doctor there is connection with tramautic brain injury .Thank you

Kaye1 5 months ago

How old is your husband

loredana 5 months ago

my housband is only 34 with brain of 65 yers old

Kaye1 5 months ago

What country are you in and when did it all start? There aren't many people who respond on here or give any good advice either .. Seems we all wait for good news or something that can help

Loredana 5 months ago

it start in 2010 after the war ,he was ok before he left ,but he came home with TBI.

Kaye1 5 months ago

What are the doctors treating him with? There should be a better look into this but there doesn't seem to be. I will keep you in my prayers.

Loredana 5 months ago

no it is not they don't know there is such a dreadful disease,they just told me there is an atrophy to a lower back part the brain ,they don't understand why ,it look like an alchoolic person ,even they just assum he is alcholic,and I underline he is not on alcholic,i print this page ,I just hope monday they look in to it,my question is how long me and my children ,we have to spend before he will be gone forever .

I just hope long time ,but i know it is not going to happen ,that why i would like someone give me more credible time

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 5 months ago

Loredana, I really have very little to say. I can't give you nay hope at all. I can pray for you and one word of advice that I can give you is this. Cherish your husband and your children every day. We have no promise of tomorrow.

Jesus loves you and wants to hold you. I will pray for you and your family.

Kaye1 5 months ago

I think it's a matter of finding it early ... Well praying that is the case for me. Then living a healthy brain lifestyle. How can we help researchers with this

Loredana 5 months ago

Thank you to all of you ,it is just so overwhelming ,and be alone it is more hard ,I would like just my husband be treatin right ,he did wat they told him to do and now ,they left hem alone fight against this disease it is just not right .

Kaye1 5 months ago

What did they tell him to do?

Loredana 5 months ago

nothing because they don't understand what it is going on ,I just hope by monday the copy of this page make them understand that he is not make this up ,but it is actually something goin on .

They really lose a lot of time ,and I feel like I can't do nothing to help hem.

Kaye1 5 months ago

Is he in hospital ... My thoughts are with you and you are not alone. God is with your family. How old are your children

Loredana 5 months ago

yes he is in hospital ,and my children are 7 and 3

7 he soffer a lot of tis situation ,my 3years hold she don't really understand ,she know the father already sick ,he left she was 6 month ,he came home she was almost 2,and he was already sick ,not this bed but show already a lot of sign

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 5 months ago

Loredana, do you know what meds they have him on? I am trying to remember what my MIL took but can't remember.

Patty Inglish, MS profile image

Patty Inglish, MS Level 7 Commenter 5 months ago

My opinion is that doctors do nothing about this in cases of the older adult.

A case in the 1990s of many children in an orphanage in southeastern Europe showed that cerebral atrophy responded to vitamins alone, but this was a case also of malnutrition. That may not be the answer in your mother in law's case, but the fact that some individuals have recovered from this disorder in a starving region of Europe shows that there are indeed treatments.

White matter increases naturally in the brain with age after the middle years, specifically allowing senior adults to make larger numbers of logical connections among information that they have stored in their brains. A large white mass at the frontal lobe sounds like a tumor to me, but i can't see the x-ray or scans.

Lay hands on and pray until you can find a doctor that will work with her. My prayers are joined to your at this moment.

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 5 months ago

Patty, I appreciate the read and comment. This hub was written over 3 years ago now and my Mother in Law has gone on to meet the Lord. Right now we are trying to encourage Loredana as her husband has been diagnosed with atrophy. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Loredana 5 months ago

they don't give nothing for the atrophy but a lot med for post tramautic stress disoder ,tramautic brain injury ,and a lot anti depressant ,but nothing for this atrophy ,and he have allucination already and black out ,i don't know if this is already a late stage ,I hope not .Just talk to some one it is good for me ,i just would like the doctor understand better and help him out ,THANK YOU TO EVRY BODY

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 5 months ago

Loredana, I wish there was more I could do. Prayer at this point is all I know to do. ***HUGS***

Kaye1 5 months ago

Patty what vitamins exactly as there are many of us here who will give anything a go ... I'm only 38 and they say mine is mild

Patty Inglish, MS profile image

Patty Inglish, MS Level 7 Commenter 5 months ago

SirDent - Yikes I'm extremely sorry about that! Poor woman, but Happy with the Lord now. - I'll pray for Loredana and family.

Hi Kaye1 - The report was that the orphans received high doses of Vitamins A and B-complex, doses that in average individuals would cause problems. There is some work that shows that B-12 can be effective against dementia and Oxford University found in 2010 that B6 and B12 are important in preventing brain shrinkage. If your doctor does not believe any of this, then go to your local health food store and ask the staff for help with determining how much you can safely take daily - including actual dose and interactions with other meds you may have.

Best of health to you!

Kaye1 5 months ago

Thanks patty ... I'm not on any meds at all but do take vitamins on my own advice ... Here's holding thumbs and praying for a good time x if you think of anything else please post as I am sure there are undercover readers also needing huge help with this issue x

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 5 months ago

Thanks for coming back Patty to answer Kaye's questions.

Kaye1 5 months ago

Loredana keep us posted on how you are x

stressed mother 5 months ago

i just found out yesterday that my baby girl got celebral atrophy. I got her while i was still 7 months pregrant and she is 2 mnths old now. So i dont know what gonna happen with her, please help me?

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 5 months ago

Hi stressed mom. I am sorry to hear about the dilemma you are in. First I want to let you know that I will be praying for your child and for you. I have a link to give you that has some phone numbers and addresses that may be able to help you in some way.

http://patientinfo.ninds.nih.gov/DiseaseInfo.aspx?

Please let me know if there is anything else you need.

robynss 4 months ago

I am 47 yrs old, 3 yrs ago I went to the doctor because I kept like tipping over. If I leaned in one direction I fell in that direction. My doc thought I had a middle ear infection. 2 weeks later I went back because meds didnt do a thing. Took maybe 1 year longer before my primary sent me to a neurologist. anither year and a half later after tons and tons of blood work, x-rays, cat scans, mri's, spinal tap, everything coming back normal. That is very very frustrating, I insisted my doc do another mri with contrast because it had been a year since the last that maybe they will see something now. They did, atrophy of the cerebellum. I keep falling, breaking many, many bones, legs paralize, no coordination at all, cant form words, muscle twitching, and can barely see now. In all my research I cant find anything that says how closely you should watch it now, mri once a year, twice, or every 2, nothing at all. This is supose to be the best years in my life, kids are grown and gone, and I am now disabled, and alone. I am losing my independance, I need help everyday, cleaning, cooking, laundry, and then some. This is very hard for me to swallow, I was always a very hard working, strong, independant woman, I have a hard time letting people do things for me. I just dont feel right, but on the other hand I am hurting myself doing them. One of these falls is going to be the fall that kills me. And I hope my doctor believes me when I tell him I dont drink, cause I truely dont. I know by reading what everyone wrote on this site, I am not alone. If your doctors are doing something for you that mine isnt I would love to know what it is. I feel like my life is over, there is no quality of life at all, so why bother. I cant help but think WHY ME, which I'm sure you have all said the same at some point. My prayers will be for all those out there with health issues. Maybe it wouldnt be so bad if I had a significant other to lean on, count on,m to keep me strong, but I dont, I am battling this alone, I'm a little to far away for my kids to help as much as they would like, but money is tight, and it is what it is. This is hard for me to deal with, I just couldnt handle if it was my baby, god bless you, I hope they can help your child life a normal life. Thanks for letting me vent.

Robyn

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 4 months ago

Hi Robynnss. I don't have any idea how to help you other than pray for you. Have you contacted hospice care and asked for help? If they can't help you yet they should know who can. Maybe try this link and see if there is someone you can call to help you. If you come back please let me know where you live and I will research and find out what I can in getting you some help.

http://patientinfo.ninds.nih.gov/DiseaseInfo.aspx?

Kate1 4 months ago

Hi Robyn my heart and prayers are with you! If you were my neighbor I would help you! My doc hasn't said any follow up scan either and it's very frustrating! You live life for your time when the kids are big and now this makes you think where we all going and why this is happening. Did they put you on meds? Or any advice at all? Patty suggested vitamins are you taking any! Prayers for you tonight

Sino Saraei 4 months ago

My prayers are with you my friend. It is the worst thing that could happen to anyone.

My sister has had this disease for the past 12 years and we have tried everything but unfortunately with no luck.

Please keep us updated if you hear anything and I will do the same.

All we can do at this point is to Stay strong and prey my friend.

God bless.

desperadeaux 4 months ago

SirDent: You,re doing what may be the best, if not only service to be offered, especially to families. Brain atrophy is really "just" a symptom of many conditions w/technical & ironically simplistic sounding names (e.g., "Picks")

Dad's 82. "Ahlzheimer's" was used so long nothing much else was discussed. My "just enuf to be dangerous" knowledge suspected more & severe atropy is finally, yet uselessly discussed. I guess giving "it" a name has a purpose, but doesn't mean much. The "step off the cliff" began with confusion & social withdrawal, then personal hygeine neglect & inappropriate social issues, including odd reactions to the plight of others (a "so what" attitude was strikingly different.) I'm 54 & the only family he consistently recognizes. Mom has been "dead" for years & he doesn't know the woman who cares for him even if I insist she's mom. Any stimulation-even a trip to the barber and a hotdog-overdoes it and the night is full of hallucinations and insistance on "going home." I'm 13 hours away and mom refuses a nursing home and strongly resists even an ALF; yet she cannot and does not really provide needed care. Sundown is the worse, as he just "knows" he is not where he wants to be.

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 4 months ago

Hi desperadeaux. I know where you are coming from. My MIL was the same as your dad is. Constantly wanting to go home, hardly ever recognizing anyone and most times no one was known to her. It is hard taking care of someone in that condition.

My prayers are with you.

Shaima 4 months ago

Dear Loredana and all,

My heart goes to all of you. My mother passed away in early fifties because of this disease. Actually, she was always on Vitamins but it never helped. It took her almost 3-4 years to surrender and die finally because of CBA. I understand what Loredana specially goes through and I wish you all the best and your children. It is very hard to suddenly find someone who was caring of you, active and giving turns to be very weak and fragile and even does not know or understand you. At this time these patients need only our understanding, although sometimes even we fail to be compassionate to them because of the disease stress on the people around the patient himself. It is just a way to end the life with. I wish you all the best and I always remember you in my prayers. Thanks SirDent for the hub, I am following it since my mom's death as a way to keep her in my mind and remember her with me. God Blessings to all the family who has a patient with this disease.

Kaye1 4 months ago

I'm going to fight this battle with everything I have.

vani 2 months ago

My 2 year baby girl has been diagnosed cerebral altrophy. Can you tell me how I can handle her ? How I should take care of such a child ? Can she live like a normal child ? How long can she live ?

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 2 months ago

Just raise her as a normal child Vani is all I know to tell you. I have no answers for your other questions other than God knows how to heal her. I will pray for you and your child.

mary 2 months ago

my daugther has been diagnoised with conditioner how is treated is there a cure

vani 2 months ago

Is their any medical treatment for my baby ? I feel very very very sad for her because she can sit but can't walk, talk also. She can't eat with her hands. we have to feed the food to her though she is 2 & 1/2 years now. She can't grasp like a normal child. I am a lecturer in an engineering college.Should I leave my job for her? her weight is only 9 Kg now. When can we take admission to school ? Can she go to any normal school or has she require any other special school ? She can understand only 20 % of what we are speaking. But she is very smart & very active also. She is always smiling . She can identify our all family members. She can sort the young man & old one. for example: while going on road, If any old man is seen, she calls him as grandpa & if young one is seen she call him as uncle.She can identify people. But cannot speak more than 4 to 5 words like mamma, papa, baba,appa etc. Can you guide me to develop her so that she can at least do some things herself. A very bad thing is that now-a-days, her leg shape is changing means normally the angle between our leg & foot is 90 degree, but that of her is becoming greater than 90 degree.It is becoming the barrier in our try for her walking. When she was born it was ok. I feel very sad as I am a mother. Still I am trying my level best . Please guide me to make her progress. Please....

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 2 months ago

Mary, there is no known cure that I can find. There are treatment options that can slow down the disease. I suggest asking your child's physician about these options. I will be praying for your child and you also.

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 2 months ago

vani, your child is underweight according to what you wrote. it also seems to me that there might be another condition apart from the atrophy. Have you had her checked out to make sure there is no spinal problems?

Loredana 2 months ago

I have some news maybe can help someone out there ,resource say that if you use the chambers it is very good ,thaking if not bring back the brain the way should be .

Loredana 2 months ago

sorry I forgoth also oil fish and vitamin

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 2 months ago

Hi again Loredana. Thank you for the information. I am sure many appreciate it very much. Please keep us informed as to how your husband is doing.

vani 2 months ago

Sir,

Firstly thanks for your response. I havedone MRI Test. There is clearly written on result sheet of MRI report, that the child patient has mild cereble altrophy. The Docter to which her treatment is a gold medalist in neurology. He has not suggested any spinal problem.Docter has suggested Physiotherepy for her legs, some exercises for legs, hands, speach.When she was born her birth weight was 2.7 Kg. At the age of 4 months, she was caught with high fever. After that, her weigth decreased. I am taking practice of her leg exercise daily evening. She is responding so nice. Do you know? During exercise, She stand up herself on her own effort for 5 seconds Yesterday. Ther were tears of glad in my eyes. I was waiting for this moment for last 2 & 1/2 Years. . . . Be continuously guide me to develop my child !

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 2 months ago

Vani, it is good to hear that your child is improving. The high fever she had earlier in life is probably what has hindered her physical development.

Again, I am glad to hear a little good news concerning her. Thank you for posting and letting us know.

Kaye1 2 months ago

Loredana - The chambers? What is that?

Ratnadeep 2 months ago

Doctors say my father has c.a .he is 43 but the doctors say his mind is 65 years old .what does it mean.pls answer it. Regards...

Loredana 2 months ago

That means that the brain it is old as like a 65 years old man ,I think is the number that evry doctor like ,my husband is 38 with mind of a 65 ,that menas your brain it is shrank ,the chambers is machine mostly use by scubadiving ,it is oxigen ,they get inside and they get treath with oxigen for the ammount time they need .

Ratnadeep 2 months ago

Thank u very much.

Kaye1 2 months ago

wow - has your husband tried this? Ratnadeep how did you find this out with your father

Rd 2 months ago

Doctor did that.

Loredana 2 months ago

No I can't pay for something like that .

Shootist 2 months ago

My wife has suffered from short-term memory loss,continual repetition, severe mood swings, as well as turning physically violent. She also uses the most terrible of language that she would never usually dream of!

After a bad term, she acts completely different, and turns back into the loving and caring person I know.

She is adamant that she does not have a problem, but after an MRI scan revealed "some brain shrinkage", I have now had to speak to her and explain that she may be pre- dementia. We now are waiting to see another specialist.

Whilst I have found the information on this blog most enlightening, I now just wonder what will happen to those "golden retirement years" that we were both looking forward to???

Kaye1 7 weeks ago

How old is she?

Its terrible - I just wish there was something someone could do. :( Sorry Shootist - I will keep you in my prayers. I too have this dreadful condition - thankfully nothing yet but its on my mind constantly thinking of how many people I may hurt in my future and what will happen to my family. I told them just to give me a bottle of valium ! But they convinced I'll be fine :( We can only pray that God will heal.

Jalina 5 weeks ago

My aunt is 55. Living with Alzheimer's for 10 years. Just had some seizure like symptoms and was taking to the er. MRI says shrinkage of the brain. she has been deteriorating fast. Only recconizises a few people with smiles and cant speak or do anything for herself. Her mother has been her caregiving for years after my aunt husband couldn't handle it. Is being home best. Or sending her to facility. My grandmother is completely drained but just can't let her daughter go. Does this seizure mean time is running out. How long can she live healthy with a smaller brain. How fast does it shrink. Wow so many questions. Thanks for any thoughts.

vani 5 weeks ago

Thanks for your support. can you tell about the exercise to be done by my baby so that she can walk, talk & also increase her grasping, understanding. pleasr guide me.

SirDent profile image

SirDent Hub Author 5 weeks ago

vani, I am not a doctor and cannot tell you what exercises will work. Your baby's pediatrician should be able to tell you what needs to be done. Maybe someone else has some good advice for you.

littleone 2 days ago

Im a 41 yrs women who brain has shrink about 80%. I was four month old when I had my first head injury more after that followed thought out my childhood. Now trying to understand and dealing with the the cerebral atrophy alone with my family doctor

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