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Alzheimer’s: a Disease Affecting Both Patient and Caregiver
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Monday, March 12, 2012
Jenna Spivak
Online Communications and
Social Media Coordinator
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Last month, the Obama administration launched its National Alzheimer’s plan in an effort to come up with a strategy to combat a disease estimated to affect up to 16 million Americans by 2050, as the population continues to rapidly age.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia in the United States. This progressive and often fatal brain disease is one of the greatest neurological concerns for elderly patients. Alzheimer’s disease destroys brain cells, causing a steady loss of memory that affects thinking, behavior and communication. These problems progress and often become severe enough to significantly interfere with regular daily activities.
“Unfortunately,” states Dr. Marshall Keilson, Director of Neurology, “the biggest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's is aging.” The first warning sign of Alzheimer's is often memory loss, which usually progresses to symptoms that include:
- Difficulty performing daily tasks
- Trouble communicating clearly
- Confusion about time and place
- Misplacing things
- Repetition of questions or stories
- Struggling to make basic decisions
- Other fundamental changes in personality
The government’s goal is to find effective ways to treat Alzheimer’s by 2025. It’s definitely an ambitious goal. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and available medications only somewhat slow its progression and alleviate some of the associated cognitive and behavioral symptoms, including depression and emotional distress.
I personally think the plan’s additional focus placed on family members and caregivers is not only beneficial, but necessary to the care of Alzheimer’s patients. Families can find themselves overwhelmed by the task of caring for a loved one with degenerative memory loss. The process can be both emotionally and physically draining. The proposed plan advocates support for these caregivers so that they can provide the best care for affected loved ones. “At Maimonides,” Dr. Keilson explains, “we also realize that Alzheimer’s not only affects the lives of those who suffer from it, but their family members and other caregivers as well.” Although the cognitive function of patients suffering from this incurable brain illness cannot be reversed, a lot can be done to improve the day-to-day quality of life for both the patient and caregiver. According to Dr. Keilson, “It’s important to ensure that caregivers remain emotionally, financially and physically capable of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.” |
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Friday, May 04, 2012 by Aurora
My father pessad away almost a year ago from Alzheimer's, it's a terrible terrible disease, when we first started suspecting something was wrong was when my father started having complications in doing everyday tasks, it was really heartbreaking to find out that he had Alzheimer's, we suffered as much as he did because it's really hard seeing as his illness progressed, to those familys taking care of an Alzheimer's patient I can only say try to always show as much love as you can till the end.
Thursday, April 12, 2012 by Joaquim
Well Baby Sis....most of your siblings are over 40 and this "most ecainnt sister" is 50 and none of us has had early onset Alzheimers....yet. Out of Dad's 8 siblings, just 2 (a brother and sister) developed Alzheimers before 80. Dad is the youngest of the three to develop it earlier (by his late 60s--dementia and then the Alzheimers came on in his early 70s). I am in contact with most of our cousins, and as far as I know--no one has dementia or Alzheimers. This is particularly interesting since the 6 children of Uncle Bud (who was the brother with Alzheimers) are now in their late 60s and early 70s and none have it. So keep exercising, eat those red fruits and veggies, take your vit. D and omega 3s, and PRAY HARD. Maybe we won't get it after all.
Monday, March 12, 2012 by Jenna Spivak
Hi Barbara,
I spoke with Dr. Keilson and he does recommend asking for medication as it will help to slow your mother's progression a bit. A common group of drugs, known as cholinesterase inhibitors, are most beneficial for mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease. They work by slowing down the disease activity that breaks down a key neurotransmitter, known as acetylcholine. You should note that while these drugs can initially help, they can't reverse Alzheimer's disease and they don't stop the underlying destruction of nerve cells. As always, you should discuss your mother's medication with her physician, as all patients have unique treatment requirements.
Although Maimonides Medical Center doesn't have any upcoming lectures or support group meetings, Dr. Keilson recommends calling the Alzheimer's Association to find a local group in your area. You can call 1 (800) 272-3900 or visit their "In My Community" webpage (http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp) to find support near you.
Dr. Keilson also recommends to plan in advance for the financial cost of Alzheimer's disease. "Most patients will eventually need help at home," he states. "Start planning now on how you're going to save for this care."
Monday, March 12, 2012 by Barbara Simino
I am in the early stages of caring for my Mother who has the some signs of dementia. I am already feeling the stress and emotion of this. She will be going to see a Neuro doctor in two weeks and I have a question is their anything that I should ask the doctor, what are the medications that can aid in slowing down the progression of this brain alternating disease. Lastly are their going to be at MMC any addtional information, support groups or lectures on this topic open to the public? Thank you for your attention concerning this topic. Barbara Simino, Peidatric Endocrine at Maimonides Hospital, Brooklyn NY.
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