WINNEMUCCA - Through my work with the task force to create a plan for Alzheimer's and other dementias for Nevada, I have excitedly watched as all three of our proposed bills moved through the Senate and Assembly and onto the governor's desk.
The first, lowering the age requirement for younger onset Alzheimer's disease from 60 to time of need to be able to receive certain services, sailed by with no contest. The second, continuing the work of the task force, also met with no argument. Both of these are practical ideas and cost the state nothing as the funds come from elsewhere for the first and the task force consists of volunteers.
The biggest challenge was allowing nurse practitioners to perform services without direct supervision by a physician.
While envisioned as one way to alleviate the medical shortage in Nevada, especially in rural areas, many doctors testified of the inherent dangers of such a proposition.
Oddly, they produced no evidence to support this claim, while the nurse practitioners had an abundance of information and statistics that favor this addition to health care. Our bill combined with a similar one to create this much-needed supplement to medicine. It too has passed.
I usually follow the Nevada legislative process with a glance at daily happenings. This year, however, having actually participated in bill creation, the session is more meaningful and "real."
Alzheimer's Advocacy Day was a moving experience as we met with the Senate and Assembly; it apparently impacted the thoughts and understanding of legislators as it advanced awareness of Alzheimer's disease and its effect on our state.
Further material from the AD conference in Sparks includes the research of Dr. Zwilling and associates in San Francisco. Unfortunately there is no cure, no prevention, no reversal of the disease but Dr. Zwilling sprouted hope.
He discussed Apolipoproteins - ApoE3 (good E) and ApoE4 (bad E). Bad E chances increase with head injury, aging, and poor oxygen. This partially explains the prevalence of AD in those 65, 75, 85 and beyond. As the hippocampus as our memory center is invaded by the disease, confusion and forgetfulness result.
Dr. Zwilling's study with mice implies that when good E is injected mouse memory improves; when bad E is injected, trouble learning and remembering result. The optimistic possibility of this working with humans in the not-so-distant future is encouraging.
Researchers have noted the increase in the likelihood of AD and related dementias with cardio-vascular disease and diabetes. New findings show a link between dementia and post-traumatic stress disease (PTSD).
- See LAWS, Page 23 -
\While stress from a break-up or our jobs is common in our whirlwind of life, PTSD stressors result from combat, witnessing or being a part of severe motor vehicle accident or a violent crime. Characteristics include recurring nightmares/night terrors, flashbacks, withdrawal from others, and uncontrollable anger. PTSD is a roadblock to healthy recovery and may lead to substance and alcohol abuse. As problems spiral, the trauma response is further triggered.
Victims of PTSD show deficits in the hippocampus, the area of the brain relating to learning and remembering. Chronic stress may predispose dementia as the body goes into overdrive that may speed up the aging process. Since age is related to dementia, a consequence is obvious. How can some people who have survived horrendous events mask these, and then suddenly have them exposed later in life?
A study with Holocaust survivors who went on to marry and lead successful lives found victims "controlled" their past by inhibiting thinking and recall of these incidents. With dementia, the ability to suppress these memories dissipates and later onset of dementia is filled with terror and panic, exacerbating the problem.
How can we hope to avoid such dreadful outcomes following intense trauma? Stay healthy through daily exercise and by eating a well-balanced diet. Attend counseling to cope with the aftereffects of a traumatic event.
My experience indicates that those who say they do not help are those most in need to uncover and recover physiological and psychological health. Engage in fun, relaxing, interactive pursuits. Play games, share memories, travel, create photo albums and memory books, visit favorite friends and places.
In that hustle and bustle of stress we often forget to simply appreciate. Do we require more possessions to find happiness? I know that I have plenty of junk. What I value most is time with family and friends and the opportunity to see and do. I hope you are finding the same satisfaction in your life.
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