26 Oct 2008
Dear Mary,
I think my husband has Alzheimer’s disease. He eagerly retired in June and made many plans to enjoy life. But since then he has developed memory problems and has no motivation to do anything. He sits on the sofa watching television and dozes all day. At night he can’t sleep and moves to the sofa to watch TV again. When I try to talk to him he gets defensive. We helped care for his father who suffered for many years with Alzheimer’s and I’m in a panic that my husband has inherited it. I know he should see the doctor, but I’m terrified to know the truth. Please help me.
Dear Reader,
Although it is true that the risk of Alzheimer’s is greater if a parent had it, it doesn’t mean the child will get it, too. Your husband could be suffering from a medical condition related to thyroid dysfunction or vitamin deficiency. He could also be suffering from depression which is not unheard of after retirement. Each of these conditions shares similarities with Alzheimer’s disease such as memory impairment, disturbed sleep, and lack of energy and motivation.
Whatever the cause, he needs attention now. Make an appointment with his primary care physician for a complete physical. If no medical cause for his symptoms is found, a psychological evaluation is the next step.
I know how hard this is for you, but it is better to know and be prepared than to face a crisis unprepared. Let me know how you make out. I’ll be thinking of you.
Dear Mary,
A while ago you responded to a caregiver whose husband had Parkinson’s disease and couldn’t get off the sofa without help. You suggested a lift chair. While that is a great idea, what can you do if your spouse refuses to use it? My husband, too, has Parkinson’s and has trouble rising from a chair. He also looks like he’s going to fall even when using his walker. I watch him but don’t know what I would do if he started to fall. Do you have any suggestions for caregivers with stubborn spouses?
Dear Reader,
I do like a lift chair because it makes the caregiver’s job so much easier. But if your loved one absolutely refuses to use it get a gait-belt. A gait-belt is a wide canvas belt that can be purchased at any medical supply store. To use it, place it around your loved one’s waist at belly button level and secure the buckle off to the side in the front or the back. Be sure the belt is snug enough not to ride up but loose enough to be comfortable.
To help steady your husband when walking, grasp the gait belt in one hand from the back and walk with him as he leads. If he should start to fall you can cushion the fall by guiding him to the floor.
To help him get up from a chair stand in front of him with your knees bent and one foot between his feet and the other firmly planted on the floor. If his feet tend to slide, position yours in front of his at an angle. Grab the gait belt on both sides of his waist and rock back and forth to the count of three. On three, pull him up to a standing position. At this point your bodies should be touching. Always bent at the knees, not at the waist, and use your thigh, buttock, and arm muscles to lift - not your back. Encourage him to help as much as possible. Allow him enough time to follow your commands as his response time is severely limited by his disease.
By the way, I recommend using a gait belt with anyone who is unsteady on their feet. It is an inexpensive safety devise for both caregiver and care-receiver.
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