You can live into your 80s and not necessarily get any diseases of this sort. Life is too precious to cut it short and hope for it to be short-we each need to live each day to the fulliest that we can and deal with the bumps in the road as we go.

Hello Truhal, I am in the exact situation except with my mom. My dad is her primary caregiver and he is wonderful. We take one day at a time and I pray constantly for my parents and that I won't inherit this dreadful, horrible disease. I also have fibro and severe scoliosis. You will be in my prayers!*******Jackie

I think it is something we all think about at some point. The best defense is a good offense.

So do what you can to prevent what you might inherit. See a doctor regularly. Share your concern with your doctor including that you have no immediate family so you will be relying on him to point out changes.

For dementia in particular I would start a journal. That way as things change you can read your words from now. I would also look into care options. Independent living apartments can help you stay independent while having some oversight. Also look at assisted living residences. I'd even talk to them about future planning, not sure if they do this but they should.

Probably the most important thing you can do is talk to a lawyer and financial planner. Make a will and POA and health care proxy. That way you make the decisions about who will care for you and get their agreement now.

I think we have the advantage of seeing our parents go through this. It's never easy to have things happen to yourself but maybe, just maybe, we will be a little more understanding of the changes and make some better decisions.

Truhal, who says the 80's is the magic number that you'll decline in health?

I try not to think about my later years, who knows what will happen. It's dwelling on negative thoughts about things that may never happen.

Positive thinking my friend; you need more positive thinking!

Tigg, I love your suggestions. I did start a journal and felt better by having it.

Pd2012, you make a good point too. Who knows, by then they may have a cure.

80s is the point in my family where I noticed change. I see no point in being alive if I can't enjoy it and know what's going on. I call it only child thinking, but it's true. When you don't have kids, sisters or brothers, you don't want to spend your final years figuring out the logistics of living alone while sick, all to just die one day anyhow. I rather go out in my 70s, strong and kicking with some quality good years behind me.

Rubbish I say! that's other family members that that's happened to; not necessarily you! You'll have friends, I'm sure of that. You'll have hobbies, activities that you'll be involved with.

If you don't you should get involved with something; something that you've always been passionate about and concentrate on that. Never mind thinking about "ills and spills".

You need a motivator; I won't let you go down the wrong path of thinking!

I understand your concerns and even though I am sure you realize on some level thinking about that sort of thing is not doing you and good.

Heres a story for you. My Maternal Grandmother died at age 76.

My now 93 year old mother worried herself half to death for many years wondering if she would be around longer.

So maybe things will go better than you think! =)

I'm praying for a cure. It's hard to watch.

Hi Truhal!

I just joined a few minutes ago. My dad has some type of dementia (not diagnosed, but he has most of the symptoms). I too am an only child, and I worry what happens if it happens to me down the road. No children either.

Truhal, although I am not an only child, I do not have children of my own and 52. Think of nieces or nephews. I have a niece that I have designated as my "caregiver" just in case my younger sisters are unable (42 & 39). The younger sisters have also designated her because they don't have children either! She's going to be one busy caregiver. But who knows, we may not need her services and be good until the day we do pass on (x-fingers).

Keep your brain moving, puzzles, word finds, crosswords, any games in general, read book, exercise even if its 30 min a day. If you become "idle" so will your brain.

Keep your chin up and don't think bad thoughts (they damage the brain!!)

The message above is also for Skeeterkat. Keep your chins high!

Ok, I confused myself. It's been a long day. I'm sorry, but for Skeeter and Truhal, since you don't have siblings you sure won't have nieces or nephews. What about cousins that have children? If you are close to any of those relatives that could be someone you can designate (talk to them first).