My Cerebellar Dysfunction Ataxia

You may recall that, in June 2023, I saw a neurosurgeon to investigate whether I should receive a shunt for hydrocephalus.  But he agreed with other doctors that I do not have hydrocephalus.  So no shunt.  He also agreed with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (and wasn't surprised by my experience of improvement with lifestyle changes), but he added a new diagnosis of ataxia due to cerebellar dysfunction.  He said this was what was causing problems with my balance.

My balance problems and insomnia are currently the most frustrating aspects of my condition.  While I haven't had any serious falls, balance problems affect pretty much everything fun I want to do.  And a sleep doctor told me that the cerebellar dysfunction was probably causing my chronic insomnia.  I am very, very grateful to be alive, and I truly enjoy life.  But it would be nice to have some improvement in my balance.

Back in August, I said that I saw a new neurologist in Seattle who is well known as a specialist in movement disorders.  He ordered another MRI and some blood tests, and he said he'd have a Zoom call with me in November -- which is now.  At the time, I was not optimistic that he'd find anything useful to help.

I just finished the Zoom call, and I'm more encouraged than I was before.  When I asked him, he said that there is about a 30% chance that he will find something that will actually help me.  This will be a result of genetic tests that he intends to do.  Now 30% is what I'd call "less likely," but it's better than the 0% I had inferred from our first visit.  One thing he pointed out is that they are finding more and more ways that cerebellar dysfunction emanates from newly identified genetic causes.  So there may well be something they can do for me.

In the world of Alzheimer's research, I'm seeing more and more studies regarding how it is that exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes can affect development and progress of the disease.  But as far as breakthroughs in the disease mechanisms and pharmacological treatment ... not so much.  Also, no new scandals.  I have a couple of things I've been wanting to post on, but my life has been refreshingly full.  While I haven't been posting as much lately, it's not because something is wrong.