With cuts to the National Institute of Health and the dismemberment of the Alzheimer’s Research Center, fear exists that everything we have learned so far about Alzheimer’s and advancements made for methods to prevent, cure, or reverse dementia will vanish.
I believe, though, that most people recognize the value of studies of the health and well-being of each of us regardless of the circumstances. While we wait to discover what comes next, here are a few ideas for you.
First, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias is increasing as we draw close to 7 million in the US. The number is probably higher as many are not diagnosed often even by their physician who distresses at sharing this frightening information.
We are living longer – that’s good news – but that also allows other problems to crop up over time. Brain cells may diminish, cognitive decline may ensue, but ignoring these does nothing to improve your mental status. In a discussion with my family this past weekend they were surprised that I had undergone genetic testing for Alzheimer’s.
Wondering why, I explained that I could not be honest with others about the disease if I ran scared. I bet many readers remember my description of my testing. Being negative, I naturally feel safer, but I also realize the importance of making certain that everyone is aware of what can be gained by knowledge — more good news.
The person who assessed my results asked about family background and I acknowledged that my mom and sister both died of Alzheimer’s. Their cases were quite different — Mom’s faster and at a later age; Carole’s slower with noticeable signs of decline at age 53.
Genetic material from them plus my own results would have offered triangular insight for my family and for science. If I had only known… My recommendation to anyone who is curious is to find out now about what may rest in the future.
By summer there should be a simple blood test to detect excess amyloids and plaque in the bloodstream, an indicator of potential dementia. I say potential because carrying the gene or having plaque does not necessary lead directly to Alzheimer’s.
If this seems too overwhelming, grab a diary and begin your self-reporting (or that of a loved one) of possible warning signs starting with financial problems. Are addition, subtraction, and other simple mathematical operations overpowering or riddled with errors? Does counting out change befuddle the mind? Are numbers a mystery?
These might be clues to regression. Does trouble sleeping at night exist? While seniors offer have an enormous change in sleeping patterns, it is important to get adequate rest to ensure healthy, day-to-day living. The brain requires pauses in activation to rebuild, replenish, and thrive. Sleep provides these.
Are you noticing personality changes – like blowing up over the trivial or feeling aggressive when a deep breath would clear the atmosphere. Or the opposite may be true.
Have you been outgoing, friendly, and engaged and now dread encounters of any sort. I agree that it is nice to be home, in quiet security, but I also accept that interactions with others are vital to building brain cells and generating thoughts and brain power.
Withdrawal might also be due to awareness of cognitive malfunction or loss of hearing. It is impossible to participate in conversation when rattled or confused. No one wishes to expose a weakness.
Another signal may be decrease in smell. This one surprised me as many adults lose this sense yet continue to succeed intellectually. Fortunately, I can brush this one off. I smell just fine (pun intended!) However, I must research taste.
Lately, after every meal and even after brushing my teeth, I have a lingering hint of onions left behind even when I have not eaten nor even come close to this vegetable. Maybe it’s my brain working overtime.
Then there comes driving difficulties. Driving equates to independence; the loss of this freedom causes dependence so many ignore this warning sign. After all, who wants to take Grandpa’s keys knowing that now he is isolated and alone? Then again, who wishes that Aunt Bess mows down another mailbox, garbage can, or retaining wall. We count on the DMV to refuse a license, but often it is family that must intercede.
As you note worries in your diary, also celebrate achievements. We make mistakes, but we also uncover remedies for complications. Use the diary to manage health while expanding productivity.