ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
As a worker in the field of geriatrics,
I have found that the vast majority of my
patients have been diagnosed with Alzheimers
disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a slowly progressive,
degenerative disorder of the brain that
eventually results in abnormal brain
function, and as the disease progresses it
slowly robs the patient of memory, dignity,
ability to be independent and eventually
ends with their death,
Clinically, Alzheimer's disease is expressed
as impairment in the cognitive and adaptive
skills necessary for successful personal,
community and occupational functioning.
Eventually the disease will progress to the
point where all abilities to function normally
are lost, and affected individuals need total care.
The stages described may occur over different time
periods in different individuals, ranging from
18 months to 20 years.
Once the suspicion of Alzheimer's disease has been
clinically confirmed, the person's family, caregiver,
or paid providers may need to make changes in the
person's daily routine.
First and foremost, the person must feel safe and
secure in his or her environment. As a result of the
complications associated with Alzheimer's disease,
what may have been comfortable and familiar for
the individual will become unrecognizable and
result in unpredictable behavior.
The family and loved ones of the patient find
themselves caring for a helpless child-like person.
In the earlier stages the patient is often
combative
and resentful, knowing that something is wrong
with them, but either denies or resents the
changes, causing very difficult times for the family.
Later as the patient becomes increasingly dependent
the family becomes torn between love of the patient and
, fear, mental anguish, stress and mixed feelings
towards their loved one.
It is my goal and sincere hope that the information
provided here will be of some help in aiding the
family and/or caregivers with information and insight
into living and coping with the disease and the
affects it has upon their lives, and emotions.
In my work I discovered a book entitled
"The 36 hour Day" (a family guide to living with
and caring for persons with alzeheimers disease)
by Nancy L. Mace and Peter Rabins MD (published
by Warner Books IBSN # 0-446-35786-3)
My copy is from 1984, and there may be newer editions
available on the market today.
This book has become my "Bible" in the understanding
and care giving of my patients and I highly recommend
it for anyone providing care for someone with this
disease.
Last year my step-father was diagnosed with this
terrible disease and I now must bear the pain of
seeing my own loved ones taken through it
MAY GOD BLESS EVERYONE THAT IS AFFECTED....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU THE FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CAREGIVERS.
by Brenda M. Race on 1/4/98
Email Address: brace@northweb.com
LIKE A THEIF IN THE NIGHT I don’t care if you are black or white. I come to you like a thief in the night. It matters not...rich or poor I do not pretend to keep a score. I creep up slowly to take your mind. I never said that I would be kind. To see you struggle with things long lost that is my goal, no matter the cost. Like a thief in the night I come to you. It matters not what you shall do. I will take away all that you once were Until there is nothing, only a blur. I have them fooled, every last one and soon you will not be able to recognize even your son. Your husband, your wife and all you knew the words you speak will even be lost too. I am the thief from in the night go ahead and try to fight! Once I arrive I am here to stay and soon you’ll not know night from day. To make you confused is my goal I will invade your mind and take your soul. For I am the thief from out of the night to make you mindless is my plight. To watch you die, just a little, day by day that is what I do, that is my way. I slowly take your life away until you are no longer even able to pray. You will be frustrated and afraid but I don’t care, for I am on a raid. Your days will not matter anymore. And all you try to do will be a chore. I am invisible, and deadly slow and everything you once where, will surely go. The sparkle that once was in your eye will slowly fade and eventually die. For I am the thief from in the night. Some you once loved will stand by your side to try to help you and be your guide. Others, we will drive away, you and I and they will say, they can’t cope with a sigh. And when all that is left is an empty shell, and I have put you through a living hell, my job will be done and I can move on. For even your body will soon be gone. For I am a thief from in the night. by Brenda M. Race on 1/4/98. Email Address: brace@northweb.com
Below are some of the
BEST LINKS
that I could find dealing with this disease.TODAYS CAREGIVER
www.mercyrose.org/alz.html> MERCY HOSPITAL ON ALZHEIMERS
GENTETIC TESTING FOR ALZHEIMERS
DIXIELADY
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