T:I wonder if I suffer from Alzheimer's Disease/Dimentia. 	Q:Greetings all,  I'm <name>,  from the anxiety forum.  I'm on <medicine>/<medicine> medications just wanted to put that on the table,  and never been real bright with schoolwork and scholar ways,  also I'm a <age> old autistic male,  I was just wondering maybe I have Alzheimer's Disease/Dimentia. I mean once I think of trying to learn things,  reading books,  or watching documentaries . I realize I just FORGET it all after I do it,  it's pathetic and horrific,  am I doomed,  and is my age making me stupider? In the long run,  I'm just feeling stupid,  dumb in the head,  unable to extract/type proper words/wording and just . speak intelligently in my opinion,  lots of people say I'm hard on myself but . I don't know,  I say I am no longer at my peak from my past,  but was I ever smart is my question,  maybe I was in an ignorant bliss thinking I was smart in <date>,  until the alcohol started in <date>. bah I feel like smacking myself.  	A:<name>,  no I highly doubt you have dementia or Alzheimers. There can be so many reason why you are not retaining what you learn. My husband is the SAME way. Truthfully I think he has ADD. It seems to me that you are not hard wired to learn as easily as everyone else but do NOT let this upset you. Everyone has obstacles they have to hurdle and this is one of yours. It CAN be done. I know a couple of autistic people so to even be able to type your post is one of those hurdles and you did terrific! You are NOT dumb! In fact,  just by reading your post,  it seems the opposite. You seem to me a very intelligent young man.  


A:But I know I'm going to be alone someday,  not being able to pay bills and . taking care of a house,  the world scares me,  my old alcoholism it's like . I just know I'm gonna be put in a home :(


A:You can't worry about some day. You have to live in the now and try to enjoy the good things in life instead of worrying about what may or may not happen. This is a tough philosphy to learn and trust me,  I didn't think I would ever feel that way when I was your age. But now that I am older I can sit back realize that things we worry about TODAY will have no significance in the FUTURE. And if it our TODAY affects our FUTURE then there is nothing we can do about it anyway but go forward and try to change the way the future will come and how we handle it. Does that make any sense?


A:Could be ADHD too or ADD. Talk to your <professional_practitioner>. 


A:Sure could <name>! :) It could also be a form of Dyslexia. Dyslexia takes several forms and retaining what you learn is another form.  


A:<name>: As sad as I felt reading your notes,  I feel you have tremendous insight into what may be causing these alarming lapses in memory,  low feelings of self worth,  sadness and fear. I believe you have named the <num> or <num> things causing your feelings of despair and if I'm right in any way the good news for you is that there is hope. You mention <medicine> (tranquilizer and addictive),  <medicine> (anti-depressant with many side effects,  not to be mixed with alcohol),  <medicine> (narcotic and addictive),  alcohol (central nervous system depressant and addictive). Each of these substances in your body,  even one of them,  causes mood changes and often,  disordered thinking. The combination of all four is most likely causing the extreme difficulties and symptoms you describe: memory loss,  depression,  feelings of low self worth,  thought disorders (confusion) and fear. Three of these substances are addictive and if you are an addictive personality,  it is highly possible you may be addicted and need immediate help. The good news is that there is help and if you are willing to do anything to get better,  and you will get better if you get the help you need to come off these drugs,  then go for it. I recommend you ask your <professional_practitioner> for help,  find some AA - Alcoholics Anonymous - meetings where you can meet other young people just like yourself who will support you and share with you how they have come off these addictive and debilitating substances,  one day at a time. I do not suggest coming off <medicine> - that is something you and your <professional_practitioner> can decide later when these other substances,  alcohol,  narcotics and tranquilzers are out of your system. There is a way out and better way to live <name>. Try picking up the telephone and calling AA in your community for help. Also,  <name> you are at high risk of dying from combining these very toxic chemicals in your body. So please reach out,  ask you Higher Power,  God,  or whomever you pray to for help. Help will come. It is on its way to you now. You can do it. Life will become desirable over these toxic substances ruining your will. This too shall pass. Blessings to you.  
