2 Aug 2009
Dear Mary,
Please clear up the confusion over dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Is there a difference?
Dear Reader,
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a pattern of symptoms associated with a multitude of brain disorders. One of these disorders is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Others include Lewy body dementia (LBD), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular dementia like from a stroke, and Huntington’s disease. Simply put, Alzheimer’s is just one of the many dementias; however, it is the most common.
People with dementia experience problems doing things in sequential order that vary from balancing a checkbook to getting dressed. Some dementias, like Alzheimer’s, also affect memory and language skills. Although most dementias are seen in the very old, it is not considered a normal consequence of aging.
Research in AD that promises new treatments to stop the progression could be available in the very near future. Right now, current treatments only help with symptom management.
Contact the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) of the National Institutes of Health at www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org for more information.
Dear Mary,
Recently I went to see an Uncle whom I haven’t seen in quite some time. He lives in a nursing home several hours away and the visit has left me very upset.
My uncle is confused and apparently was using a trash can as a urinal. The staff reported him as incontinent and put him in a diaper, which he removed at every opportunity. They tried putting his pants on backward so he couldn’t get it off, but he became so angry that they’re now considering using medicine to keep him calm. He is unable to communicate and I feel he is not being treated fairly.
His daughter believes whatever the home tells her. What do you think and how can I help him?
Dear Reader,
The meaning of incontinence is the inability to hold bladder or bowel. There is physical incontinence related to problems like weakened pelvic muscles or paralysis. Then there is functional incontinence which is the inability to get to the bathroom. Your Uncle’s problem falls under the latter definition. He knows he has to go but doesn’t know a trash can isn’t a toilet. In my opinion he doesn’t need incontinent garments; he needs someone to direct him to the toilet at least every two hours. If he receives psychotropic medication, it will only treat the symptom of his distress not the cause which is frustration and humiliation.
I suggest you talk to his daughter and offer to support her advocating for a more humane solution. If the home doesn’t agree, please file a complaint with the Ombudsman at the local Area Agency on Aging.
Dear Mary,
My significant other of twelve years has COPD and avoids talking about it. I’m frightened about the future and would like to know what it means and how it’s treated? I want to help him but don’t know what to do.
Dear Reader,
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s a category of lung diseases such as emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. Treatment is determined by the type and severity of the disease and can range from the use of inhalers to continuous oxygen. A primary symptom is shortness of breath but can also include cough, fatigue, and confusion resulting from lack of oxygen to the brain.
There is no cure, but medication compliance, avoiding triggers such as smoking (including second-hand smoke), and remaining in an air conditioned environment on poor air quality days help to minimize breathing problems. It is also important that he see his physician routinely.
In order to effectively support him, communication is a must. If he won’t talk about it, ask his permission to speak to his doctor. You would also benefit from joining a support group.
The COPD Foundation has valuable information and resources for caregivers. Contact them at www.copdfoundation.org or 1-866-316-COPD (2673).
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