Q: My grandmother is 87 and appears much more forgetful than ever before. She lives at home with my mother who sees her every day but I live out of state. When I visit after a month or two, I can see a dramatic change that I guess isn’t as apparent to my mom. When my grandmother visited her doctor recently, Alzheimer’s was mentioned. What should I know about this disorder?
A: Alzheimer’s is a very common form of dementia that affects the elderly. This brain disorder causes the gradual loss of brain cells, beginning slowly and affecting the area that controls language, and memory. As the disease — and it is a disease — progresses, symptoms will worsen. Your grandmother may not recognize you, she may have problems reading, writing, or speaking. She may forget how to do simple household chores she once did with ease, such as putting the milk back into the refrigerator or jars back in the cupboard.
Alzheimer’s doesn’t affect everyone but it will appear in some individuals as they reach their 60s. The risk for development will increase as age progresses. While it is normal to think more slowly as we age, most of us will fortunately have our learning and memory skills intact. With Alzheimer’s, however, communications, thinking, and learning are affected. To simplify things, there are several warning signs of Alzheimer’s that should not be ignored or chalked off to the aging process. They include memory loss, difficulties in performing simple tasks, a lack of or decrease in judgment, a loss of initiative, and changes in personality, mood or behavior.
Early diagnosis is important because it will allow both the patient and his or her caregivers time to make some important decisions. The first step will likely begin with an examination and it will be vital for a relative, friend or someone who knows the patient to be able to answer the doctor’s questions. The patient may be fearful of having the doctor find something wrong and may cover in ways you can’t begin to believe. It may be necessary for your mother to keep a journal of inappropriate functioning, such as dressing in very warm clothing on a hot day, going out of doors and not knowing how to get back into the house, not remembering names, and so forth. This should not be taken as a criticism toward your grandmother but will give a health care provider extensive information for making a correct diagnosis.
Mild cases of Alzheimer’s may initially only require a little extra careful attention to assure your grandmother’s safety. Perhaps she will no longer be able to use the stove for fear of injuring herself, or she will not be allowed to walk to the park without having someone accompany her. Patience is critical for her well being. Remember that she may be terribly frightened. She shouldn’t be talked down to but should have the situation explained to her in simple terms. Advances regarding the disorder are being made every day and it may be a specific medication will work to advantage in slowing the progression of the disorder. If her doctor feels she is adequately cared for at home, there is no need to upset her by placing her in a nursing home. On the other hand, if things have exacerbated rapidly, you and your family might give some thought to nursing home placement where she can have 24 hour coverage.
Speak with your mother and proceed accordingly. A good resource is the Alzheimer’s Association website at alz.org.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Alzheimer’s Disease” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
