“Forget the names of my grandchildren”, “Forget where the light switch was”, “Gripping terror”, “I know it inside my heart I am going down that slippery slope but don’t know what to do”. “The more stressed I get, the more forgetful I become!”
Bing Videos – Introducing the first survivors of Alzheimer’s
Hi, Dr Dennis here again, I hope you are following my blogs from series one. You can find them all under the tab “Blogs” on www.primegardensrs.com.au
The video transcripts above are from a real-life Alzheimer’s (the most common type of brain degenerative disease-causing Dementia) sufferer from the USA who has been through terror, stress, and hopelessness to live again!
We can dispute all the science behind the way the Scientists conduct the experiments and reject the evidence because the way the evidence presents itself doesn’t tick all the traditional boxes. Still, WE CANNOT DENY and REJECT this lady’s testimonial. Unless we adopt an open-mind mentality, we can continue to live in fear, fear that one day, Dementia will come knocking on our door (brain)!
Friends, I have chosen not to follow that path, and I hope you can join me and many others who have chosen to think outside the square.
What are the challenges faced by Dementia survivors?
In addition to the stigmatism, which I have outlined in the first blog of series two, they are also facing the following challenges:
- The real threat of losing Competence (the ability to make decisions for themselves) if they have lost all capability is palpable. As a doctor, I am confronted with this daily. The challenge of telling my patient that they are now dependent on others, from who will shower them to someone else, is taking control of their finances, and they will lose their license, which is complicated and challenging to express in words. I must put up a brave face as the family relies on my support to help them.
- The real threat of losing Companionship (spouse, friends, relatives). People with Dementia will lose the ability to recall and recognise faces and names as the disease progresses.
- The real threat of losing Identity (self): this happens towards the end of the disease, which is one of the most agonising phenomena. It is utterly confronting to the children and their loved ones.
What take-home messages and practical steps can I take?
- Competency
Practical step: discuss and document an advanced care plan (ACP). An ACP is a process where you discuss and prepare for future decisions about your medical care if you cannot communicate your wishes. This will ensure your wishes are adhered to and respected. It will also remove the need for your family to “second-guess” what you will prefer. - Companionship
Practical step: Although they might not recall your name or identify you as an individual, they can remember certain memorable or fond events both of you did or experienced decades ago. So, keep reminding them about the event, focusing on the process rather than the specific names and characters, and watch their eyes sparkle.
- Identity
- Practical step: Often, play back a recording of their speech; showing them video footage and a memorable photo will help trigger memory retrieval. Do this repeatedly.
Friends, there are so many ways we can help people with Dementia; everyone is unique, so the approach must be individualised. At Prime Garden Mont Albert North, our daycare and diversional therapy are designed for this purpose. Please click on www.primegardensrs.com.au to find out more.
Watch this Short Video:
Useful resources
Competency
Considerations of informed consent and decision-making competence in older adults with cognitive impairment. Considerations of informed consent and decision-making competence in older adults with cognitive impairment – PubMed (nih.gov)
VCAT
Wide-ranging role of Victoria Civil Administrative Tribunal Guardians and administrators | VCAT
Enduring Power of attorney
Making an enduring Power of Attorney Making an enduring power of attorney – Office of the Public Advocate