Month: April 2024

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are not the same.  Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.  It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to the gradual loss of neurons and brain tissue.

Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses through several stages. In the early stages, individuals may experience mild memory loss and have difficulty with tasks requiring concentration and organization.  As the disease advances, symptoms worsen, leading to significant impairment in memory, language, reasoning and social skills. In the later stages individuals may lose the ability to communicate, recognize loved ones and perform basic activities of daily living.

The brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease primarily affect the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and hippocampus.  The frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and problem solving.  The temporal lobe plays a crucial role in memory and language processing, while the hippocampus is essential for forming new memories.  As the disease progresses, these brain regions shrink, leading to cognitive decline and functional impairment.

MRI scans can detect structural changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as shrinkage of the hippocampus and other affected regions.  However, MRI alone cannot definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s disease.  A comprehensive evaluation including medical history, physical examination, and cognitive assessments is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Recent research suggests a potential link between gut health and brain health in dementia.  The gut-brain axis, a bi-directional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain may influence cognitive function and contribute to neurodegenerative processes.  Imbalances in gut microbiota composition have been observed in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.  However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between gut health and dementia.

Patients with dementia may experience a range of emotional and behavioral changes, including forgetfulness, irritability, agitation, and feeling of abandonment or hopelessness.  While some individuals may be aware of their memory problems, others may lack insight into their condition due to cognitive impairment. The progression of dementia varies from person to person with some individuals experiencing a slow decline over several years, while others may deteriorate more rapidly.  It is essential for caregivers to monitor the. safety of individuals with dementia and intervene when necessary to prevent accidents or harm.  Signs that a person may be unsafe to be alone include wandering, difficulty performing basic tasks, and forgetting to take medications or attend to personal hygiene.  Early intervention and support can help improve quality of life for both the individual and the caregivers.

 

 

DISCLAIMER – I am a Registered Nurse, not a doctor and the information provided is from trusted resources.  Should you need more information you can find them at the following references I have utilized:

•  Alzheimer’s by Medicine X-USA on Facebook
•  https://www.alz.org
• Alzheimer’ Disease Treatments https://www.aarp.org
• The 36 Hour Day by Nancy L Mace MA & Peter Robins MPH
• The Changing Brain by Teepa Snow MS OTRL FAOTA
•  AARP – Dementia Resource Guide
•  DailyCaring.com
•  CDC.gov
•  Medicare.gov
• Hadley Vlahos RN The In-between Unforgettable Encounters During Lifes                             Final Moments

 

In the depths of her anguish, she finds herself engulfed in a spectrum of emotions painted with hues of despair and sorrow.  The color of her pain is a dark, brooding shade, a manifestation of her inner turmoil. Anger courses through her veins, a fiery red that burns with intensity, fueled by a sense of betrayal and abandonment.  She is upset, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders drowning in a sea of emotions that threaten to consume her whole.

Amidst the turmoil, there lies a deep sense of worthlessness, a murky gray that clouds her thoughts and taints her perception of self.  She feels as though she is insignificant, undeserving of love or happiness.  There is no joy in her heart, only a hollow emptiness that echoes with the silence of her pain.  She is heartbroken, her spirit shattered into a million pieces, each shard tinged with the color of her suffering.

As she is taken from her home and placed in a nursing home, her anguish knows no bounds.  Tears, like crimson rivers flow freely from her eyes, leaving a trail of blood in their wake.  She can see the world through a veil of crimson, her vision tainted by the agony that grips her soul.  She cries out her voice a raw scream of anguish, as she mourns the life, she once knew that is now far from her grasp.

“I knew they would do this to me” she whispers, her words dripping with bitterness.  “I could spit black dirt on them.  I’m so hurt.”  Her pain is palpable, a tangible presence that hangs heavy in the air.  She is a prisoner of her own suffering, trapped in a cycle of despair from which there seems to be no escape.

Yet, amidst the darkness there is a glimmer of hope.  She remembers the nights she waited up for them to come home when they were teenagers her worry staining the fabric of her being a deep, regal purple. It is a color born out of love a testament to the depth of her devotion.  And though her heart may be heavy with sorrow, it is also filled with love.

One day she knows, the color of her pain will fade away, replaced by a pure, radiant white. Like the angels, she will be free from the shackles of suffering, her spirit soaring to new heights. The darkness will be banished, replaced by the light of hope and redemption.  And though her journey may be fraught with hardship and pain, she knows that in the end, she will find peace for even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light, a beacon of hope to guide her through the storm.

 

It’s distressing to hear about situations where vulnerable adults, especially those with Alzheimer’s/dementia, may face financial exploitation or manipulation by family members or caregivers. Here are some important points to consider:

1. Compassionate Care for Alzheimer’s/ Dementia Patients: Caregivers of individuals with dementia must prioritize empathy, patience, and understanding. Alzheimer’s/Dementia can be a challenging condition that affects cognitive abilities, memory, and decision-making skills. Compassionate care involves providing support, reassurance, and maintaining the dignity and autonomy of the individual as much as possible.

2. Preventing Financial Exploitation: Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, including those with Alzheimer’s/dementia, is a serious concern. It’s crucial to establish safeguards to protect their financial interests. This may involve appointing trusted individuals to manage their finances, setting up legal protections such as power of attorney, and regularly monitoring financial transactions to detect any signs of exploitation.

3. Legal Capacity and Changing a Will: One of the ethical and legal complexities surrounding dementia is the issue of legal capacity. A person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/dementia may still have periods of lucidity and may be capable of making decisions, including changes to their will, during those times. However, as the condition progresses, their ability to understand and make informed decisions may decline.

Whether a person with Alzheimer’s/dementia can legally change their will depends on their level of cognitive function at the time of making the change. If they are deemed to lack the mental capacity to understand the consequences of their actions, any changes made to their will may be challenged on the grounds of incapacity or undue influence.

4. Seeking Legal Advice: If there are concerns about financial exploitation or changes to a will made by someone with Alzheimer’s/dementia, it’s advisable to seek legal advice. An attorney with experience in elder law can assess the situation, determine the individual’s capacity to make decisions, and provide guidance on potential legal actions to protect their interests.

5. Support Networks and Resources: Family members, caregivers, and community support networks can play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of individuals with Alzheimer’s/dementia. Open communication, regular check-ins, and involvement in support groups or educational programs can help address concerns and provide valuable resources for navigating the challenges associated with dementia care.

In summary, caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s/dementia should prioritize compassionate care while also taking steps to prevent financial exploitation and ensuring that any legal decisions, such as changes to a will, are made in the best interests of the individual and in accordance with their capacity to understand. The individual cannot be forced into making any changes they do not understand yet may agree to anything placed in front of them.

DISCLAIMER – I am a Registered Nurse, not a doctor and the information provided is from trusted resources.  Should you need more information you can find them at the following references I have utilized:

•  Alzheimer’s by Medicine X-USA on Facebook
•  https://www.alz.org
• Alzheimer’ Disease Treatments https://www.aarp.org
• The 36 Hour Day by Nancy L Mace MA & Peter Robins MPH
• The Changing Brain by Teepa Snow MS OTRL FAOTA
•  AARP – Dementia Resource Guide
•  DailyCaring.com
•  CDC.gov
•  Medicare.gov
• Hadley Vlahos RN The In-between Unforgettable Encounters During Lifes                             Final Moments

 

Sometimes everyone forgets what they went into the kitchen to retrieve, and even making intentional deliberate reasons for walking into a room doesn’t always ensure that they will remember once they get there.  Why is that?  Are our brains filled with such colossal mind-blowing pictures and words that we can’t think of simple tasks we intend to perform?   They can also be great pretenders. They can be quite misleading in their communications with family.  For instance, when seeing someone on a daily basis the difference in personality may not be noticeable.  This is an important time in the life of the person experiencing memory problems.  It is the beginning, it is timely, it is a crucial diagnostic time when someone; you the son or daughter realize that something is wrong. The person may be infuriated with you if a concern about memory is brought up in conversation.  Paying attention to safety and security are of utmost importance.  So, gathering your own information about their risk for falls and injury is a good start in protecting them.

DISCLAIMER – I am a Registered Nurse, not a doctor and the information provided is from trusted resources.  Should you need more information you can find them at the following references I have utilized:

•  Alzheimer’s by Medicine X-USA on Facebook
•  https://www.alz.org
• Alzheimer’ Disease Treatments https://www.aarp.org
• The 36 Hour Day by Nancy L Mace MA & Peter Robins MPH
• The Changing Brain by Teepa Snow MS OTRL FAOTA
•  AARP – Dementia Resource Guide
•  DailyCaring.com
•  CDC.gov
•  Medicare.gov
• Hadley Vlahos RN The In-between Unforgettable Encounters During Lifes                             Final Moments

 

Over the years I have had contact with Alzheimer’s/Dementia patients, their families along with other healthcare professionals.  The care and compassion that is needed is immense; not at first, but as time goes on.  Many times, loved ones are not aware that their parent may be developing this disease which for now is elusive. The signs are either not prevalent enough to trigger a trip to the doctor, or the family is not aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease.

More times than not the persons themselves “suspect” something is not “right.”  They are forgetting more often and hoping that it is just a bad day.  After all everyone forgets where they put things or miss a doctor’s appointment now and then.  A staggering number of people start out with subtle interferences that are simply ignored.  Patients don’t want to admit that they might be labeled as “losing it” if they tell someone.  If they ignore what is going, concentrate harder, write things down to remember maybe this whatever “this” is will get better.

DISCLAIMER – I am a Registered Nurse, not a doctor and the information provided is from trusted resources.  Should you need more information you can find them at the following references I have utilized:

•  Alzheimer’s by Medicine X-USA on Facebook
•  https://www.alz.org
• Alzheimer’ Disease Treatments https://www.aarp.org
• The 36 Hour Day by Nancy L Mace MA & Peter Robins MPH
• The Changing Brain by Teepa Snow MS OTRL FAOTA
•  AARP – Dementia Resource Guide
•  DailyCaring.com
•  CDC.gov
•  Medicare.gov
• Hadley Vlahos RN The In-between Unforgettable Encounters During Lifes                             Final Moments

 

Remember the puzzle pieces mentioned earlier?  The picture won’t look nice, the puzzle is missing “pieces” or are they there and just won’t fit?  Those
“pieces” are the thoughts, ideas, feelings, past joys that have switched places on that puzzle board in the mind.  They no longer look pretty, feel right or fit in the correct hole.  The pictures in the mind no longer look like they did when I    was in my prime.

I search for words so my tongue can release the creative me, the loving me, the heartfelt joyous me, but it is not to be.

I want to know you…my brain once did, and my mouth could spill a hundred words a minute…not anymore. but it is not to be.

DISCLAIMER – I am a Registered Nurse, not a doctor and the information provided is from trusted resources.  Should you need more information you can find them at the following references I have utilized:

•  Alzheimer’s by Medicine X-USA on Facebook
•  https://www.alz.org
• Alzheimer’ Disease Treatments https://www.aarp.org
• The 36 Hour Day by Nancy L Mace MA & Peter Robins MPH
• The Changing Brain by Teepa Snow MS OTRL FAOTA
•  AARP – Dementia Resource Guide
•  DailyCaring.com
•  CDC.gov
•  Medicare.gov
• Hadley Vlahos RN The In-between Unforgettable Encounters During Lifes                             Final Moments