Cte

[pwd72s]

A disturbing Christmas day call from a friend since childhood. Very disjointed call, he trying to remember words. Finally, he mentioning three brain traumas he suffered...first during high school years, dumping his Vespa (no helmet) when a small child ran out in front of him. I remember that one, happened in front of our home. Head hit on a curb...very low speed, but definitely rang his bell. A brief hospital stay, some stitches, then all seemed okay. He did play football in high school, running back, but a knee injury sidelined him during his junior year.

2nd one was a car accident...face into a windshield. I remember the massive forehead scarring he had on that one..plus a hospital stay, for a few days. Cosmetically restored via plastic surgery.

ROTC during college, went into the USAF, became an F-111 pilot during the 70's.

3rd one the biggie...he then an adult, piloting for American. Based in Dallas. Got T Boned while on his motorcycle by a red light runner. He darned near didn't survive that one. Weeks in the hospital, more than a few surgeries. This was late 80's. Again, everything worked out. Perhaps lucky that the crash happened near the same hospital they took JFK to. Evidently, some top trauma medical talent works there. He continued with his airline days, retired at the mandatory age 60.

Currently retired, age 72, living in Florida...said symptoms began about 2 years ago, finally saying that's why he sold the plane he built.

Guess this is really for the MD's here...is it highly likely this is CTE? I know no definite way yet to diagnose, but his genetic are good...both his parents remained mentally sharp until their deaths in their late 80's.

Also, any guesses at a prognosis? I know CTE is progressive and there is no cure...so I guess I'm asking is "how long"? Any educated guesses?

Yes, this news is hitting me pretty hard...

[pavulon]

Sorry for this news about your long-term friend--especially on this day. I wouldn't think anyone here could offer an accurate opinion of disease process or lifespan remaining for this poor fellow.

That said and although you didn't ask, I think the real question for you is what can you do? Maybe go see your friend as soon as is feasible. It won't make any difference for his diagnosis or prognosis but that's what friends will do.

[pwd72s]

I've been thinking of doing just that...thanks. Wish I lived close instead of on the left coast. I'd haul his ass to a pool hall, try to teach him the fundamentals of a game that requires cognitive skill...might be good therapy?

[svandamme]

It's a form of dementia, currently have my aunt with Alzheimers.. and uncle with "regular" dementia..
If there is one think i know by now, is that there's no predicting anything with dementia of any sort.
everybody is different, and has had different types and levels of risk factors leading up to it.

Enjoy ever good moment you can because it can turn around in no time, and you won't see it coming.
Which to be honest applies to anybody over 70 anyway.
Medical science can do a lot but it can't give you guarantees.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Sorry to hear about your friend. You may never know the underlying cause. My adoptive Mom is 83 and has un diagnosed dementia. The cause? We may never know. She had a heart attack in 2016 and that certainly is part of it. Her Doc has told us the best "treatment" is exercise, good nutrition, social activities and trying to keep her brain active. She doesn't do much of any of these things.

The hardest one is my step dad from my bio Mom. Recently he's been forgetting things and telling odd stories. She's taking him to a neurologist in a few days. He scored poorly on a recent cognitive test at the primary doc's office. He's only 72 and in good physical health although he smoked much of his adult life.

Getting old sucks.

I've been thinking of doing just that...thanks. Wish I lived close instead of on the left coast. I'd haul his ass to a pool hall, try to teach him the fundamentals of a game that requires cognitive skill...might be good therapy?

The distance is a tough one. Hopefully you will get to see him and my Mom's doc would agree with teaching him pool. Just the kind of thing to keep the brain working.

[RKDinOKC]

Mom was fading into dementia. Got her a new puppy. Amazing, it took her brain back to her capabilities of almost before it started. Even started cooking for herself again (so she could feed the puppy off her plate).

[Seahawk]

Where in Florida, Paul?

Go see him...you will be forever longing, wondering, if you don't.

Depending on where he is, I may be able to help. A friend of mine from HS flew the Aardvark...coolest ugly plane ever.

Do it.

[pwd72s]

My friend is in Sarasota. Problem is, my doc will probably advise against travel. Don't wish to go into my own numerous health problems at 76, but going there would be problematic. Glyns nailed it...getting old sucks.

To add to the problem is that his wife is dealing with her ailing mother...as Jim said yesterday, "We don't do anything anymore." The move to Sarasota was to be close to her parents...both were still alive then.

He has a son & a daughter, both living here in the NW. Daughter a flight attendant, son a sheriff's deputy. a SWAT team member. Haven't been in touch with them yet, but will be doing so. Also will try to talk with his wife when he's not in earshot...

Definitely do NOT want to butt in where not needed. Last thing I want to do is add to any difficulties.

For what it's worth, Jim seems to be accepting of his problem, grateful for the good life he's enjoyed up to now, chatting of our good times when we were young, laughing loudly when I said it was good that we both "forget" some of our adventures from then. Then he talking of various military times with the USAF and the Oregon air guard. He hated it when he aged out, couldn't fly fighters...

A pic of he & his wife from when they were last here in his plane..2011. She designed the paint scheme..

[KFC911]

Best to you and your friend Paul...

[MMARSH]

Sorry to hear about your friend Paul. Hope you manage to make it out there to see him. I'M sure it would be good for both of ya.