WINNEMUCCA - Dory Ward from the Northern Nevada Alzheimer's Association presented excellent information at the conference held here at Humboldt General Hospital. Even more fantastic were the tremendous turnout and insightful questions of attendees. I left wiser, uplifted, and ready for new challenges.
Alzheimer's disease falls under the umbrella of dementia. While many believe that dementia is natural and unavoidable aging, it is not. While 50 percent of those over 85 have Alzheimer's disease, this does not sign a warrant for you to be a victim. It is possible, as are falls, chipped teeth, and headaches, but it is not inevitable. There has been great fear of genetic testing to learn if one carries the Alzheimer's gene. The good news - and it links to the forgetfulness of aging - is that just because you carry the suspected gene it does not mean that you will contract it. There is the potential but it isn't a death knell.
Occasional forgetfulness is natural. How many hours have I spent searching for keys, papers, or a flathead screwdriver when I keep digging out a Phillips? Forgetting more frequently is a warning sign that something may be amiss. This may be a precursor to dementia but there are also a variety of other possibilities. Depression, delirium, emotional and metabolic disorders, infections, stress, and poor nutrition can juggle brain connections but each of these is reversible with proper diagnosis and treatment. That is one reason it is critical that if you sense a change in yourself or in a loved one, seek appropriate professional assistance.
While my mother did have Alzheimer's disease, this did not cause her bouts with diarrhea. There was no medication for Alzheimer's at the time so that was not the cause of her troubles. Devoted daughters worried about her nutrition as she ate less and lost weight until she was a mere wisp. Our remedy? Milk! Good for her, nutritionally sound, and easy to offer. To this we supplemented cheese and ice cream in magnificent abundance. With this devout care why did her difficulties persist? We never discovered the problem - nor did we share our concern - until our sister Carole developed the same symptoms, weight loss and diarrhea. Again, we offered dairy products in an endless array until finally we shared our perplexity with her physician. The hitch? Lactose intolerance. The side effect? Diarrhea! Oh, why were we not more informed?
Dory shared a profound analogy with us. Remember how on the airplane the flight attendants say, "Place your oxygen mask over your face and then assist children or those needing help". These words are an absolute truth for caregivers of dementia and Alzheimer's victims, caregivers of any sort. You must take care of yourself first to be able to fully attend to another in need. Take a walk, go to the movies, ask for help, and ignore jibes that attack your loyal attention to a loved one. Healthy caregivers create better living conditions for all.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. The senior center offers weekday meals and Meals-on-Wheels delivery. The social worker there can help you discover assistance for which you and the victim qualify. When a neighbor offers to stop by and visit with your loved one so you can go to your son's recital, leap at the chance and dash out the door. It is essential for well-being. Know that if you refuse help and always reply, "No, thanks. We're doing fine", soon people we give up, seeing themselves as a bother. This can bring you isolation and exhaustion.
Please reach out to hospice (remember ours is for care and help, not necessarily a terminal situation), RSVP, or our local Alzheimer's Support Group. We all care - a bunch. To better aid you our support group will now hold an evening session the second Tuesday of the month at 5p.m. at Humboldt General Hospital. This meeting (like those held the second Wednesday at noon at HGH) has a new locale - the Sarah Winnemucca Room just across from admitting and information. Our purpose is to learn from and support one another during this trying journey. Plan to attend Sept. 11 or 12.
Finally, Louis Mendiola, wellness coordinator at HGH stated, "Never feel that you don't have an obligation when you have a concern." This struck me as what provides my oxygen - reaching out to assist; listening and offering ideas when asked; caring about our community. What inspires and drives you?
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