Testing For Memory Problems

I came across some not-so-new information (2005) that has enforced my determination to see if my mother can be helped by testing for memory problems she is having.

In an article on rxpgnews.com, research decribes testing for the difference in alzheimer's and the second most common dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Anything that can determine the possible type and intervention available is all I'm looking for!

The MRI test is not invasive and less expensive than other scans. Now to get the doctor on board.

Signs of Dementia

The early signs of dementia are subtle and vague, and may not be immediately obvious. They say signs of dementia are often mistakenly viewed as part of the normal aging process. Lack of health screening programs may mean early signs of dementia are missed, or attributed to other aspects of learning disability, and opportunities for potentially useful health and social care interventions are lost.

Memory loss is a very broad term that can mean any deficit in memory function. Memory loss is a common health complaint particularly in the elderly. The most vulnerable parts of the brain are those used for memory and for planning, organising and judgement, social skills and balance. At first, memory loss and trouble thinking clearly may bother the person who has dementia. Dementia affects a person's memory and concentration, and this in turn affects their judgement. Other symptoms include personality change, memory disturbance, slurred speech, impaired judgement and psychiatric problems.

Dementia causes many problems for the person who has it and for that person's family. If your family member has some of the signs of dementia, try to get him or her to go see a doctor. Physicians may begin a dementia workup or exam when the patient's family brings concerns about symptoms or behavioral signs to their attention. Keep in mind, examination of a will and terms of a living will are in order at this time. Also see to the execution of a power of attorney.

To Test or Not To Test

Been a while since I posted, but several things have been happening.

My sister has been in town for a visit. As luck would have it, mother had a doctor's appointment and it had been discussed by ALL of us that we would talk to the doctor about more memory testing to see what could be done for mom, if anything.

I must say, I was disappointed in her doctor. Nice as he was, he seemed to be missing the point of our questions. You see, he had prescribed Aricept about a year ago, when we first broached the subject following a memory test clinic where I had taken mother. The doctor there had enough concern about her responses, he suggested further tests, including MRI, to diagnose dementia or not. The Aricept made her dizzy and after a month and a half, she stopped taking it. My sister and I have seen a decline in time concept, (she gets times and dates confused or forgets altogether). The problem of remembering nouns, names of things, people and places, has only gotten worse. Mother agrees it concerns her too.

Her primary care physician says he will not put her through the tests. When I asked why, his response was that "this is her, this is the way she is." He feels she is doing well for her age and she loves to hear that. She IS doing well, and we want to keep her that way! To live independently and healthy as possible is our only goal.

Mother is happy the doctor "took her part". For some reason, she doesn't understand we are only trying to delay the progress of what seems inevitable. Perhaps, what really is inevitable is we're just beating our heads against the wall.

Improving Your Memory

Improvements in health care and lifestyles mean that more of us are living longer than ever before. But with that bonus of extra years also comes worries for many of us about the natural reductions in our abilities that occur as we age.
Most of us can accept that our physical abilities decline with age, even beginning at a fairly young age (yes, you're only 41, but your teenage son will probably outrun you). What remains a source of stress is that our mental abilities will also diminish as we get older.
The most immediate sign of the apparent "decline" is when we find we can't remember things. Whether we're 35 or 65, when we begin to notice lessened memory power, it's often stressful and possibly frightening. I know! This is the situation my mother is in.
The reality, of course, is that we all forget things, regardless of our age. As a teenager there were homework assignments or promises to parents that slipped out of your mind just as easily as the name of that colleague your saw at lunch yesterday. The difference is that back then you thought it no big deal, while now you're sure it's a sign that old age has you in its grips.
Experts say that for most people the decline in memory is actually very gradual and usually isn't obvious until age 70 or later. And simple memory loss is not necessarily a sign of dementia. While dementia does cause memory loss, it also includes declines in cognitive and intellectual function such as comprehension, judgment, learning capacity and reasoning.
So while having some trouble remembering doesn't mean you're slipping into senility, if it is something you're finding increasingly troublesome, you might consider ways to improve memory.
Good starting points are eating a healthy diet, staying physically active and getting plenty of rest. All can help combat memory loss while helping you feel and function better overall.
Mental health experts also advise that memory can be improved and preserved through training and practicing of memory skills. There are numerous books, and even computer programs, with exercises to improve memory. Learning a new skill, like cooking or chess, is another way to challenge and strengthen your mind.
But, if memory issues are truly bothering you, consider consulting a counseling professional. A counselor specializing in aging can offer diagnostic tests, as well as techniques, strategies and advice to make memory loss less of an issue in your life.

Family & Friends of the Wandering

As more older adults develop dementia and alzheimers, wandering becomes a big issue for caregivers. But, families and friends of the aging can take heart as a program started to help locate missing children is now being used successfully for aging seniors prone to wandering or confusion.

According to the Journal Times, the SafeAssured ID kits are being issued to grown children for their aging parents as a resource to locate them as quickly as possible should they wander off. The kit includes fingerprints, a picture, contact information, and images of the person walking and talking for better identification.

Assistive Technology Now

In previous posts, I have mentioned the need for assistive technology (new and better ways for remaining independent)in the homes of our loved ones who still live alone. Here are a few to ponder.

Medic Alert is a system that has been around for awhile and works through a monitoring system by a pendant or bracelet worn by the individual. If the individual wanders away, as in the case of dementia patients, when someone encounters that person, there is an 800 number to call.

Another monitoring system called Quiet Care, uses small infrared sensors placed throughout the home to monitor the senior's activities. There are no cameras or intrusions of privacy, and the senior does not have to interact with the system. Several things the system can do: monitor taking daily medications, home temperature, bathroom frequency, sleeping habits, eating schedules, fall detection and other potential accidents. This data is fed to a computer program that analyzes the patterns, and notifies the family caregiver when the pattern deviates from an established baseline.

Xanboo System utilizes a more comprehensive monitoring system, using cameras, door sensors and home automation controls, that can issue alerts, turn on lights, monitor door exits, and send text messages and video clips to a caregivers cell phone or computer. For more on this system that can be self installed, go to tsi.xanboo.com.

Way To Go, Mom!

We know that exercising the brain is said to be a good way to slow dementia and memory loss in general. It makes sense that reading and working puzzles and learning something new could be effective in keeping our brains in good working order.

I think I mentioned in the past that my mother has loved to play scrabble for years. And she was a whiz too! When she moved close to me, I located a scrabble group and she played with them for several months. She was age 83 then and the oldest of the players. But she kept up with the group and enjoyed playing until they started making some changes to the rules.

My sister had given her an older laptop computer and I put the scrabble game on it. She was learning to enjoy it, although it is definitely different playing a computer opponent than a human one! Then for various reasons, she stopped using it for a while.

Now, after a year or so, she is ready to play "Maven" (the computer) again. She is well aware that exercise of different kinds has been prescribed to help with her memory loss. And she is the one who asked me to help her with start up and how to play again. I've written out the instructions from start to shutdown and spent some time today explaining the ins and outs of the computer to her. I don't expect her to catch on immediately, but I must say, I'm awfully proud of her. Almost 85 and learning new skills to play a game that will help her in so many ways. Way to go, Mom!

Tips on Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

If your parent or loved one has made the decision to move to assisted living, congratulations to you both! Now that the hard part of making the decision is over, finding the right facility can be almost as difficult.
Here are some tips and questions to ask in finding the best assisted living facility.
1. All assisted living facilities are regulated by the state. Ask the regulating agency if any formal complaints have been made against the facility and to see copies of inspection reports.
2. Ask the facility to show you the employees certifications and licenses. Ask specifically how medications are managed and to see the certification of the person who administers the medications. It is important to know if residents can use over-the-counter meds themselves. Learn who is responsible for prescription refills.
3. No one wants to move again after adapting to a new home, so learn about the levels of care. Ask if they handle dementia patients. Are there a doctors and nurses on staff? It is important to know under what circumstances they would discharge a resident and how much notice they would give.
4. Check out the social and recreational activities. If possible, talk to some of the residents and their families to see what they like and don't like about the programs. Staff members who have been at the facility a long time provide a good indication of a well run, friendly atmosphere for the residents. Ask about religious services, pets on campus, transportation provided, meal plans and dietary restrictions. Now is the time to know if the residents have a complaint system and an advocate in place. Ask about visitors and family dinners.
5. Last but not least, find out all you can about financial matters before moving your parent into the facility. If a resident can no longer pay, are they out or is there a payment plan? Find out what happens if the resident is admitted to the hospital. Are charges pro-rated? Ask about deposits and refunds. Make sure what is included and what is an extra charge, such as transportation, special meals or activities charges. If your parent is into technology and uses a computer even minimally, find out about internet connections and special charges to connect.

Remember, with the costs of assisted living running on average $2500 to $3000 per month, be certain you are getting the best living arrangement for your money. Happy hunting!

Let's Face it. Who Likes Exercise?

Today was a little unnerving. I took my mother for a follow up visit to a memory care specialist. She has some issues going on that have given us both concerns over just what this is. Or could be. The specialist apparently has a few "concerns" as well, nothing concrete but suggests she go ahead with the full battery of tests to see if it could confirm that the big "A" is coming on. I've been reading some on the brain and alzheimer's as well as other forms of dementia. Studies have shown that exercise, physical as well as mental, can help in postponing the progression of the disease. So what's on my mind now is how to encourage an 84 year old woman with bad knees to exercise. In her case, walking is best. Fortunately, we live in a state where bad weather is not an issue. Motivation is. Not just my mother but me! Let's face it. Who really likes to exercise? We're told it's good for just about everything. It's time to find out.