Your Brain May Be Declining …
BUT YOU STILL HAVE MANY OPTIONS Edwin Malet
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VER TWO-THIRDS OF SENIORS — IN THIS case meaning people over 65 — will need long-term care in their lifetime. That number may sound surprising. And among those requiring care, an increasing number require specialized memory care (about 10% of those over 70). The next question is, how are those needing this extra level of care identified? Perhaps a family member has noticed a change in a loved one’s behavior. Perhaps a phone number has been forgotten. Maybe the person got lost on the way to do the shopping, if only momentarily. They’re laughing about it now, but the second or third time, they become concerned. Enough to raise the issue with a physician. The doctor may be noncommittal at first. A few questions. A test or two. A referral to a specialist. Those are the first steps. WAITING FOR HELP Then more testing. More doctors perhaps. Ultimately, though, the conclusion is that the loved one is in “cognitive decline.” Maybe, the doctors say, early dementia. Mild, but nevertheless real. Not enough to panic. But enough to alert the family. And consider taking action. At the library — or, more likely, on the Internet — researching begins. Dementia is progressive. It gets worse. Sometimes gradually, sometimes not. The condition can be stalled, scientists say. But it’s ultimately irreversible. The end sounds difficult. The question becomes, what to do? Where to go for help? What kind of long-term care? What are the options? LUCKY TO LIVE IN THE 21ST CENTURY The good news is, there are many options today if you or a family member is concerned about dementia. As luck would have it, you’re “Walk As One” on World Labyrinth Day at Garden Spot Village
living about 35 years past the days when physical restraints were commonly used on dementia patients and 60 years since fictional Nurse Ratched handled patient care. In recent years, there’s been quite a bit of progress on the pharmaceutical front — aducanumab, cholinesterase inhibitors, glutamate regulators and other medications. Though, sadly, there’s still no cure. Much of the progress has not been medical. For instance, there are many support groups — the Chester County Department of Aging Services can provide a list — and national associations — the Dementia Association of America, Dementia Action Alliance, Alzheimer’s Foundation and others. In fact, the emphasis in treatment of early dementia is now on the patient’s attitude toward the disease. In other words, by avoiding the “doom and gloom” syndrome, it’s possible to mitigate dementia, at least for a time. Dwelling on the diagnosis will probably make symptoms worse. Instead, eating healthy, exercising often, getting enough sleep — things we should all do anyway — will forestall the effects of dementia. Major emphasis is placed on stress management, too. Brain training, taking supplements and medications as prescribed may also help. Doing something purposeful with your life. Maintaining and growing relationships. Staying connected. And, if dementia is detected early, there’s likely a lot of time left. The Mayo Clinic says Alzheimer’s, a common underlying cause of dementia, can last more than a decade, maybe two or more. But of course, it might not. In the early stages of dementia, the symptoms are benign — a bit of forgetfulness, some confusion, maybe a loss of balance. In the later stages of dementia, the risks and dangers grow. It’s one thing to forget a phone number, another to forget who your spouse Barclay Friends
