Question: My older sister was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. To prevent some painful pitfalls my parents experienced, I am looking for local resources. Can you suggest the best places for us to get support and counseling in the South Bay? I would appreciate recommendations to help us all cope with this debilitating disease.
B.P.
Answer: Dear B.P.,
Let's begin with a little background information.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disease that destroys memory and thinking skills, involving the loss of brain cells and functioning. Eventually, it is debilitating. The disease affects more than 5 million Americans of all racial, economic and educational backgrounds. In 2050, the incidence is predicted to reach 16 million.
Among the top 10 causes of death in the U.S., it is the only disease that we cannot prevent, cure or slow its progression, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
A few more facts:
With age, the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease increases significantly. It affects one in eight people 65 and older and nearly half (45 percent) of those age 85 and above.
In 2013, the paid caregiving costs are estimated at $203 billion. That's eight times the total sales of McDonald's in 2011. In 2050, the cost is expected to reach $1.2 trillion.
In 2012, 15.4 million caregivers provided more than 17.5 billion hours of unpaid
care valued at $216 billion. Eighty percent of care is provided by unpaid caregivers.
It is the fifth-leading cause of death in California.
Alzheimer's disease affects memory, yet some memory changes are part of normal aging. How do we tell the difference? Here are some examples provided by the Alzheimer's Association.
Exercising poor judgment and decision making is a sign; making a bad decision once in a while is not. Losing the ability to manage a budget is a sign; missing a monthly payment is not. Losing track of the date or the season is a sign; forgetting which day it is and remembering it later is not. Having difficulty conducting a conversation is a sign; forgetting a word or which word to use is not. Finally, misplacing things and not being able to retrace your steps is a sign; losing things occasionally is not.
Alzheimer symptoms also can be caused by medication, depression and other factors.
Note that a person in the early stages of the disease may experience mild changes in their ability to think and learn, yet continue to participate in daily activities and conversations. This early stage can last for years.
Despite the lack of a cure or cause, researchers have found growing evidence linking brain health to heart health. The risk may be increased by some of the same conditions that damage heart or blood vessels such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol.
On the bright side, other evidence suggests that a healthy lifestyle may offer some protection by avoiding obesity, tobacco and excess alcohol, staying socially connected and exercising both mind and body. That's all part of healthy aging.
Now to the resources: A starting place is the Alzheimer's Association Care Consultation. They provide services by telephone, email or in person, including assessing needs; helping with planning and problem solving; caregiver training and supportive listening. Call 800-272-3900 and ask for care consultation. Also their general website is rich with information and resources at alz.org/socal/in_my_community_helping.asp.
The South Bay has several caregiver support groups. Beach Cities Health District in Redondo Beach has an ongoing program that currently has a short waiting list (310-375-3426, Ext. 155). Silverado provides a once-a-month drop-in support group also in Redondo Beach (310-896-3100). The Palos Verdes Peninsula Center Library hosts a group facilitated by geriatric care manager Krista Emery. Contact her at 310-376-3205 for information and registration. In San Pedro, The Salvation Army Sage House Adult Day Care Center has a group that meets the third Wednesday of every month (310-832-6031, Ext. 115). And the Inglewood Senior Center's group meets every second and fourth Wednesday (310-412-5338).
For caregiver support groups in the larger Southern California community, go to alz.org/socal/documents/supportgroups.pdf.
B.P., thank you for your question and for reaching out for assistance. Hopefully these support groups and the Alzheimer's Association will make this difficult journey a little easier for all. My best wishes to you and your family.
To continue our conversation about successful aging, go to facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity.
Send questions to Helen Dennis in care of the Daily Breeze, 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503, or email helendenn@aol.com.
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEKRGibyM1WnaRo-Xbyhr4gnJN7eg&url=http://www.dailynews.com/entertainment/ci_23132810/helen-dennis-alzheimers-disease-signs-support
0 comments:
Post a Comment