November is recognized as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
The Alzheimer’s Association highlights a significant fact: every individual is at risk for Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. This assertion is startling. Even more concerning is that among the top ten causes of death in the U.S., Alzheimer’s is unique in that there is currently no way to prevent, cure, or slow its progression.
by Melissa Chaiken | Section Editor
As I began to delve into the topic of Alzheimer’s, I was aware of its devastating nature and the absence of a cure; however, the extent of its prevalence caught me off guard. Alzheimer’s ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in America, claiming more lives each year than both breast and prostate cancers combined. Additionally, I had not fully understood the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s. It is not surprising, given that dementia is not a singular illness but rather a term that refers to a collection of symptoms associated with significant memory decline or other cognitive impairments that hinder daily functioning. The confusion surrounding the two terms often arises because Alzheimer’s constitutes the most common type of dementia, making up 60 to 80% of all dementia cases. Importantly, Alzheimer’s is not a natural aspect of aging.
Navigating life as a caregiver for a parent with Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms while also raising one’s own children can prove to be quite challenging. Andrew, a father of three from University Park, began noticing troubling signs in his father during his early seventies, which he could no longer dismiss as merely a part of aging. Living 100 miles away, Andrew’s father would frequently visit, but Andrew grew worried when his father started missing these visits or forgetful of their arrangements. The situation escalated when his father reported his car as “stolen,” only for it to be discovered that he had simply forgotten where he parked it. Recognizing the need for more support, Andrew’s father eventually relocated to an assisted living facility close to Andrew’s home and later transitioned to a unit specializing in Alzheimer’s and Memory Care, where he passed away a few years later. Andrew reflects on the irony of the situation, recalling, “He raised me not long ago, and now he requires my assistance. As his condition deteriorated, the kind of support he sought resembled the help one of our younger children would need.”
Likewise, Bobbie, a mother of two teenagers from Plano, faced comparable challenges when her mother, living on the other side of the country, began exhibiting symptoms of dementia. For several years, Bobbie and her five siblings took turns visiting their mother to assess her condition. Ultimately, it became clear that continuous in-home care was insufficient, prompting the decision to move her mother into a skilled nursing facility that offered comprehensive care. Bobbie shares, “Handling these situations from a distance relies heavily on the observations of those closest to your loved one. One sibling might report that everything is fine, while another insists she needs urgent medical care; yet another expresses concerns about her medications, and one more might mention hallucinations.” Bobbie emphasizes the difficulties of interpreting behaviors from afar. Varying perceptions and the inherent inconsistency in how dementia manifests can lead to confusion, and even after her mother’s passing, Bobbie finds it challenging to disentangle her mother’s true personality from the behaviors driven by the disease.
As our parents grow older, it becomes crucial to inform ourselves about the symptoms and indicators of Alzheimer’s and dementia, alongside understanding the next steps if a diagnosis occurs. Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s involves a comprehensive medical evaluation that accounts for medical history, mental status assessments, physical and neurological exams, as well as additional tests like blood work and brain imaging to eliminate other potential causes of symptoms akin to dementia.
It is essential to recognize that while certain behaviors may raise concerns, many age-related changes are typical. Examples include occasional poor decisions, missing bill payments, temporarily forgetting the day of the week, struggling with word recall, or misplacing items. Trusting your instincts is vital; if something feels off, it’s advisable to seek a medical assessment for your parent and obtain the doctor’s guidance on how to continue.
Providing care for an aging parent who has Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other significant health issues can be an overwhelming task, often requiring professional assistance.
Andrew advises, “Exercise patience with your ailing parents. This can be a very frustrating situation for them. Your primary responsibility is to ensure their safety and comfort.”
What actions or behaviors should alert you when observed in a parent?
10 Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
1. Memory lapses disrupting daily activities
2. Difficulty in planning or problem-solving
3. Challenges in completing familiar tasks at home, work, or during leisure
4. Confusion regarding dates, times, or locations
5. Problems with visual images and spatial understanding
6. Difficulty finding the right words when speaking or writing
7. Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps
8. Poor judgment or decision-making
9. Withdrawal from social and work activities
10. Fluctuations in mood and personality
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS
Receiving an early diagnosis benefits individuals with dementia and their families by providing:
• A greater opportunity for effective treatment
• Additional time to plan for the future
• Reduced anxiety concerning unknown challenges
• Increased possibility of joining clinical trials and advancing research
• An ability to take part in key decisions regarding care, transport, living situations, and financial and legal matters
• Opportunities to foster relationships with healthcare providers
• Access to care and support services, facilitating management of the disease for both the patient and their family
