Alzheimer s Awareness

Transcription

1 Alzheimer s Awareness Page 1

2 Introduction This lesson was taken from a presentation by Lizzy Orf on February 28, 2017, to the Grady County OHCE members and guests. For more information about this presentation, please contact Ms. Orf at the Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer s Association. Materials needed by Leaders: 1. A copy of the Leader s Guide 2. Instructions for Fidget Blankets One for each member 3. For handouts and current information, contact the Regional office of the Oklahoma Chapter. See for more information. Alzheimer s Disease: Know the Signs Alzheimer s Disease is becoming more prevalent in our society. The general public does not understand how stressful and impossible life can become for the person with the disease, their family, and the caregiver. Several misunderstandings have evolved over time due to the lack of knowledge about this disease. How often do you think to yourself when you enter a room on an errand What was I looking for again? Or Why did I come in here? Where did I put my keys? What was that person s name? Amazingly, people who do these things often think that they must be getting Alzheimer s disease. A typical human mind have about 50 different thoughts being handled at one time at any given moment during the day. Many times, our thoughts are about 20 thoughts ahead of what we are currently doing. Alzheimer s disease is not about simply forgetting. With Alzheimer s disease, the patient may not be concerned about misplacing a set of keys. With Alzheimer s disease, a person doesn t know what purpose a set of keys has Facts and Figures Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer s disease in Alzheimer s disease kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined. Alzheimer s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented, slowed or cured. In 2016, Alzheimer s disease and other dementias will cost the nation $236 billion. By 2050, these costs could rise to more than $1 trillion if a cure is not found. Alzheimer s versus dementia Dementia is a general term for the symptoms of cognitive decline that come with specific diseases. Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other intellectual abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is not a specific disease. It is a collection of symptoms that can be caused by various diseases. Under the umbrella of dementia there are different forms of irreversible dementia such as Parkinson s disease, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and Alzheimer s Disease. Alzheimer s accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases. Alzheimer s is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys brain cells and affects a person s memory, Page 2

3 behavior, ability to communicate, make proper judgements, and carry out basic daily activities. The memory loss that occurs with Alzheimer s disease is completely different from age-related memory loss. The changes that occur are not once in a while occurrences. They are a consistent and ongoing patterns of loss of function in skills and areas that we once relied upon to function. Alzheimer s is not a normal part of aging. Progression of Alzheimer s In each individual, the course of Alzheimer s is different. Noticing the symptoms in the early stages can be difficult. Many times, a diagnosis isn t discovered until later. Early Stage Recent memory loss Difficulty managing money, driving, handling social activities In the early stages, the behaviors listed here represent the shift in the person s normal state, which can be noticed more by those closest to them. Middle Stage Difficulty with language Problems keeping track of personal items Needs help with grooming In the middle stages, among the behaviors listed here, they may get lost in personal settings as well or don t know what day of the week it is or what season, which causes them to not dress appropriately for the weather. Late Stage Long and Short-term memory affected Around the clock care In the last stages, short sentences are used; they could make sounds or gestures to communicate. Some cannot speak. As Alzheimer s gets worse over time, symptoms will vary with every person. Warning Signs of Alzheimer s Disease Some people recognize the changes in themselves before anyone else ever does, especially with younger-onset Alzheimer s. In other circumstances, friends, family or co-workers are the first to notice any major changes. The Alzheimer s Association has identified the Top 10 Warning signs for Alzheimer s disease. Again, every individual may experience these signs at different times and at different degrees. 1. Memory Loss that disrupts daily life the most common sign, especially in th early stages. Forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, forgetting who a person is, or asking the same information over and over again. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems Difficulty following a plan or working with numbers such as a checkbook. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks tasks may include driving, showering, brushing teeth or hair, eating, getting dressed. 4. Confusion with time or place no concept of seasons or time of day, suddenly forgetting where they are or how they got there. 5. Trouble understanding visual images They have a hard time judging distance or determining contrast such as between a mirror and a television. 6. Problem with words having trouble following or joining a conversation. Some find it difficult to finish a Page 3

4 story or they struggle with finding the right word during a conversation. 7. Misplacing things or losing the ability to retrace steps Sometimes they put things in very unusual places. Some accuse others of stealing the items. 8. Decreased or poor judgment especially when handling money, bathing or grooming. 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities they remove themselves from hobbies they enjoy, social activities, work projects, etc. The body is going through changes. 10. Changes in mood or personality they become easily upset, confused, fearful, anxious or they do not like being out of the comfort zone. Age, genetics and family history are risk factors of developing Alzheimer s. These risk factors can not be controlled. Age is the greatest known risk factor. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer s doubles every 5 years after the age of 65. After the age of 85, there is a 50% chance of developing the disease. If you have a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer s, you are two to three times more likely to develop the disease. The risk increases if more than one family member has ever had the disease. Scientists have also identified two genes that play a role in whether a person develops the disease. One is called the Risk Gene if someone has this gene, the likelihood of developing the disease increases, but does not guarantee you will get the disease. The Deterministic Gene guarantees you will develop the disease. If you have had a head injury, research is beginning to show a very strong connection between severe head injuries and the risk of developing Alzheimer s in the future. Conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure increase your risk of developing Alzheimer s disease later on. These risk factors can sometimes be controlled with proper diet and exercise. Process of Diagnosis Experts estimate a skilled physician can diagnose Alzheimer s with more than 90 percent accuracy. The first step in following up on symptoms is finding a doctor with which you are comfortable. Many people contact their regular primary care physician or internist about their concerns regarding memory loss. Primary care doctors often oversee the diagnostic process themselves. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer s disease and related dementias such as a geriatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist or neuropsychologist. There is no single test that can show whether a person has Alzheimer s. While physicians can almost always determine if a person has dementia, it may be difficult to determine the exact cause. Diagnosing Alzheimer s requires careful medical evaluation. The process of a diagnosis can be considered to be a process of elimination. Assessments can be tested during the diagnostic process. What if Someone I know is Experiencing Signs of Alzheimer s Disease? Talking to someone about Alzheimer s disease can be a difficult conversation to have. Please be sensitive with this disease because of the stigma tied to it. If someone you know is showing signs, determine what the most sincere approach would be. Talking with family and friends about what you have noticed may be a starting point. If your friend is on Medicare, encourage them to take their annual wellness exam which will include a cognitive impairment exam. If needed, the appropriate treatments and support will begin. Early detection is important. Once a person is at a stage where their cognitive function is limited, it can be very difficult for family members to negotiate the financial and legal issues. Discovering the disease in the early stages will allow the person to make good decisions about his/her future care. Page 4

5 References Alzheimer s Disease: Know the Signs. Power Point slide series presented February 28, 2017 by Lizzy Orf, Oklahoma Alzheimer s Association Chapter. NOTES The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied. of Title IX with OSU s Title IX Coordinator Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK ; Phone ; eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of $1.00 per copy. Page 5

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7 FIDGET BLANKETS FOR ALZHEIMER S PATIENTS A Project supported by Grady County OHCE 1. Fidget Blankets should be approximately 18 1/2 inches by 22 inches or any dimensions similar. Example: 20 inches by 20 inches or 19 inches by 22 inches. There is not specific size. 2. Any item that is attached should be securely attached. Use dental floss to attach buttons, bells, or any item that needs to be attached but not using a sewing machine. You may want to try to hide the floss if visible by using a ribbon to cover the floss. If possible, use a sewing machine to bar tack or zig zag an item in place. 3. The back should be constructed using a fabric that will not slip or slide. It can be one piece or it can be two or more sewn together for interest. 4. Use different textures and items for user s interest fur, lace, rick-rack, buttons, taffeta, burlap-anything that is safe and has a texture to it. 5. Items should be washable. 6. Use a variety of colors including bright colors. Do not be afraid to use fabric with design in it fabric with fish, flowers, tractors, animals, people, cars, etc. 7. Use your imagination. There is not a wrong fidget blanket. Some ideas may work better than others. There is not failure with this. 8. Close your eyes and try to visualize items that a patient would find enjoyable to see or feel. 9. Enjoy this project and don t stress. Use those scraps and notions that will not be used elsewhere lime green lace, bias tape (wide and narrow put together for a braid after sewing edges together), flannel, fleece, corduroy, old buttons, zippers, etc. Thank you. Everyone knows someone who has dementia or Alzheimer s disease. We are believing that one day there will be a cure. Until that time, let us support these patients who are suffering from these diseases. For more information: Other ideas can be gathered from Pinterest. Page 7

8 The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied. Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK ; Phone ; eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU s Title IX Coordinator Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of $1.00 per copy. Page 8