The Healthy Geezer

Hospice...continued from page 20 while maintaining their own well-being. They often feel isolated—like they are carrying the strain alone. This is where we, as a community, can make a positive di erence by learning about dementia and o ering our talents to support them. And as a society, we need to shatter the stigma surrounding dementia. There is shame, as if someone with dementia is stupid. They’re not—they have brain changes over which they have no control.

It truly does require a village. How does the Palliative Care for

Dementia program help?

It’s for people at any stage of dementia—even without a diagnosis, because

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over half the people who have dementia have not received a formal diagnosis. We provide psycho, social and educational support to caregivers—and because we go into the home, you don’t have to bring your loved one to an o ce. We’re available 24/7 because many times issues crop up in the middle of the night or on weekends. So instead of going to the emergency department, you call and there’s always a nurse on the other end. I just really want to encourage all caregivers to educate themselves as much as possible and look for something or someone who can give you emotional support on this journey.

Lin Sue Cooney is director of community engagement for Hospice of the Valley.

Palliative Care for Dementia

Family members often feel overwhelmed, anxious and isolated while caring for a loved one with dementia. Hospice of the Valley’s Palliative Care for Dementia program helps patients at any stage of the disease, not just end of life. Some families only need it a short time to learn behavior management techniques. Others want support much longer. We provide:

Home visits from a dementia educator who teaches b e h av i o r- m a n a g e m e nt strategies for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and helps with medications, placement options and living wills.

24/7 phone support, so whenever you need help or advice, you can call

and talk directly to a nurse or social worker who specializes in dementia care. There’s someone to turn to any time of day or night—never an answering service. Call 602-636-6363.

Ask the Doc if you have concerns. Dr. Gillian Hamilton, a nationally recognized geriatrician and dementia expert, can answer your questions by phone and consult with your loved one’s physician if desired.

For more information on our dementia care, visit hov.org or email dementiacare@azphc.org.

The Healthy Geezer Move your body, move your bowels

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

What is the de nition of constipation?

The clinical de nition of constipation is any two of the following symptoms for at least 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) in the previous year:

A

• Straining during bowel movements • Lumpy or hard stool • Sensation of obstruction or incomplete evacuation • Fewer than three bowel movements per week.

Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults age 65 and over. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States.

Common causes of constipation include insu cient intake of  ber and liquids, lack of exercise, medications, older age and abuse of laxatives.

The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in  ber and high in fats. The bulk and soft texture of  ber help prevent hard, dry stools that are di cult to pass. Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains that the body cannot digest. Keep in mind that many re ned and processed foods we eat have the natural  ber removed.

Many seniors eat a low- ber diet that causes constipation. Some lose interest in eating and choose convenience foods low in  ber. Others have di culties chewing or swallowing; this leads them to eat soft processed foods low in  ber.

Liquids add bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to bowel movements softer and easier to

pass. People who are constipated should drink about eight 8-ounce glasses of liquids a day. Avoid drinks with ca eine and alcohol, because they dehydrate.

Not enough exercise can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know why. If you want to move your bowels, move your body.

Some medications can cause constipation. They include pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminum and calcium, blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers), anti-Parkinson’s drugs, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics and anticonvulsants.

Aging may a ect bowel regularity because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone.

Laxatives usually are not necessary to treat constipation and can be habit forming. The colon begins to rely on laxatives to bring on bowel movements. Over time, laxatives can damage nerve cells in the colon and interfere with the colon’s natural ability to contract. For the same reason, regular use of enemas can also lead to a loss of normal bowel function.

Most people with constipation can be treated with changes in diet and exercise. A diet with 20 to 35 grams of  ber each day is recommended.

Other changes that can help include drinking enough liquids, engaging in daily exercise, and reserving enough time to have a bowel movement. In addition, the urge to have a bowel movement should not be ignored.

For those who have made diet and lifestyle changes and are still constipated, doctors may recommend laxatives or enemas for a limited time.