Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

In This Issue

What's New at Guardian Nurses

Guardian Nurses Helps Daughter Advocate for Father

The 24-year-old daughter of a 58-year-old retiree called us recently to ask for help with her father, whose early-onset Alzheimer's was worsening. A nursing student, she worried that her father could not be left safely alone at home. Our nurse advocate guided the daughter to identify appropriate nursing facilities for his continued care and counseled her on the financial issues associated with a long-term placement. Dad was accepted into a facility near their home. We will stay in touch with this young woman to ensure that her father remains safe and that she remains empowered.

Lighter Notes

Happy Thanksgiving!

Though it is hard to believe that we are nearing the Thanksgiving Holiday, (wasn't it just July 4th?), we do want to make sure we wish all of our colleagues, friends, clients, and patients a

Very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

p.s. be careful about eating too much turkey!

The Flame
November 2009

As my father aged into his 90's, my siblings and I frequently expressed our gratitude that "at least Dad is still sharp." When we visited him, he knew who we were, could have an engaging conversation with us (mostly about the Phillies), and could easily share his thoughts with us. We were grateful because a few older members of our family, aunts and uncles, and cousins, weren't as fortunate. They and their family were intimately affected by Alzheimer's. And so are millions of Americans--not only with the physical and behavioral symptoms, but with the emotional ones as well.

November is National Awareness Month for Alzheimer's Disease and so we share with you this information and hope that you never have to personally use it or ever have to deal with Alzheimer's.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease*

General Information

The occurrence of Alzheimer's Disease is not a normal development in our aging process. It is characterized by a gradual loss of memory, decline in the ability to perform routine tasks, disorientation, difficulty learning, loss of language skills and personality changes. Over time, these changes become so severe that they interfere with an individual's daily functioning. Alzheimer's Disease affects as many as 4 million Americans, most of whom are older than 65.

How is Alzheimer's Diagnosed?

Unfortunately, there is no single test to identify Alzheimer's. A comprehensive exam should be conducted by a physician including a complete health history and physical exam, neurological and mental status assessments, as well as other lab tests (like chest xrays and blood work). These will help rule out any other diseases which may present like Alzheimer's but are not.

Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disase

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or during leisure
Confusion with time or place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to replace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood or personality

Treatment and Cure

While there is no known cure for Alzheimer's, there are a few available medications which may help control some of the symptoms. Patients with Alzheimer's Disease must work closely with their healthcare providers to determine which drugs and activities are best for them.

Resources

For more information about Alzheimer's Disease and services, check out The National Alzheimer's Association or the National Institute on Aging.

* With thanks to the Alzheimer's Association

Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association can offer resources, support and guidance.

Guardian Nurses' advocacy services are also available if you or your family needs assistance "figuring it all out." As you know, our team of nurse advocates is happy to help. We're nurses, it's what we do.

Best wishes for good health,

Betty Long

Betty Long, RN, MHA
President and Founder
Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates, Inc.

	Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates, Inc. PO Box 224, Flourtown, PA 19031 215.836.0260 888-836-0260 Visit our website www.guardiannurses.com email feedback@guardiannurses.com