WINNEMUCCA - The good news? My friend from the October article who had to leave our community because our local facility could not accept her, did not have to go to Fallon. Instead room was found for her in the Lovelock nursing home. Two hours less driving round trip allow me more time with her on my weekend visits. I must tell you, she is adjusting far better than am I to this change. She has proudly shown me her "apartment" and given me the grand tour of her new complex. I have met some of her friends including a hairstylist who comes in once or twice a week to shampoo and trim hair and even offers perms for those in need.
My friend misses her cat, Blackie, but tells me he went to a good family. "I hope he doesn't scratch and bite them," she whispered to me. She wishes her family lived closer and while she gets to travel to the Lovelock senior center once a week for lunch, she misses seeing her favorite bus driver, Robin, and cook, Paula, from our senior center. While her independence has been curtailed as she cannot walk out the door and down the block for a stroll, safety keeps her close and under guard. I just wish I could brush away the clouds and have her back in Winnemucca.
Now I continue with the August article and early Alzheimer's warning signs (I was side-tracked with my friend's sudden displacement). Recall the first three signs were changes in personality (saying inappropriate things or displaying offsetting behavior), decreased executive function (following recipes, completing familiar tasks) and vision changes (depth perception and visual-spatial coordination).
A fourth sign may be language problems. This includes inability to find the right word for common objects or stopping in mid-sentence, unable to complete a thought because the appropriate words are absent. This can happen to anyone but concern arises when the individual appears unaware that the sentence does not make sense or that the thread of conversation is non-existent as the victim forgets he was even speaking.
Those with dementia may have social withdrawal. Often the person is aware that something is amiss and even though she may not recognize the source of the problem, she wants to avoid embarrassment and criticism. It may simply take too much energy to stay in command and focused and so not interacting feels like a safe solution.
Any of these may indicate dementia but they can also be brought on by causes such as chronic stress or depression. When the body shifts to hyper-alert during times of crisis, tension and anxiety may veil cognitive function. A couple of remedies? Throw out stress! (wouldn't that be handy!). If that is not possible, getting enough sleep and finding supportive sources may help.
Low levels of serotonin may affect concentration and focus. Three groups especially vulnerable to depression are older adults, caregivers and people with dementia. A good physician, medicines and assistance may alleviate depression.
But sometimes it can be the medications that are creating the problem. Drugs affect the entire body and can interfere with memory, thus any new medications should be carefully evaluated in light of personality change. Thyroid problems and excessive drinking also affect memory as do head injuries and concussions.
A neurologist will help you determine ways to best deal with personal concerns. And if one doctor is quick to answer or hand out a prescription without listening, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion. Anyone in too much hurry to listen rarely has the patient's best interests at heart.
As a caregiver or as an individual who just wants to keep prescriptions, therapy, appointments and other medical matters in order, I recommend The Caregiver's Journal by Marie Gibson. Available online at www.the-caregivers-journal.com or by e-mailing me, this useful book has space for notes on everything from medical information to therapy procedures. It also contains helpful hints for healing and maintaining sanity, whether for you or a loved one. This spiral "diary" keeps every medical note in one place (rather than slung and tacked willy-nilly throughout home, purse and wallet).
Finally, holidays pervade life during the next few months. Be certain that your loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementia participates in all events that seem reasonable while avoiding excessive clamor or trips to new places. Being a part of this season of love holds the potential for joy and health for all.
Gini Cunningham is the facilitator for the Alzheimer's Association Support Group, which meets the second Wednesday of each month at noon at Humboldt General Hospital. Her column appears the second Tuesday of each month in the Humboldt Sun. She can be reached via e-mail, gini.cunningham@sbcglobal.net.
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