add triats but not add

So I believe that my add comes from my mother’s maternal side of the family… I’m almost certain my grandmother has it, as do a couple of her sisters and some other relatives in the extended family.  Furthermore, though my sister’s never been diagnosed, I could bet everything I own that she’s add.  But here’s the thing…. Many people on my grandmother’s side are a bit quirky, and definitely have traits associated with add.  But that’s about it—just traits. 

We always called my grandmother absent-minded or flighty.  She was such a gentle person but seemed very forgetful.  Near the end of her life she had Dementia.

I would often joke that "dementia" runs in the family and that it is happening at a younger age in each generation.  I said that my father was getting it in his 50's and that I was going to have it in my 30's.

So, here I am in my 30's and acting exactly how my grandmother used to act (and really have all my life).  2 years ago I noticed an increase in "dementia"-like symptoms.  I brought this concern up to my dr and he just laughed it off (seems every dr I go to does that).

Now I know it is because we all probably have it.  My father is said to be "depressed" but I don't think that's it at all.  I think he has ADD too - he's so disorganized and absent minded yet he is a genious - literally. 

I have to wonder really if our societal demands are bringing this out in more people or if we are looking for reasons why we can't live up to the potential that we think we have to have.  Sometimes I think I'm crazy for thinking I have this and yet...well, I don't know what my point is here.  I guess that's proof enough that somethings wrong with me!  So, I don't think I answered anyone's question. 

I think I'll just shut up now.

Thanks Brookelea--I like the name too :-)  I think I've always enjoyed being around slightly quirky friends too-- they're so much more fun!  Most of my friends are of the normal variety, but I think they're amused by my own brand of quirkiness.

It's funny, because everyone in my extended family is pretty normal except for the whole clan from my grandmother's side--makes fun family gatherings.