Sudden On-Set Dementia and NaNa

This week has brought about a great deal of challenge for my family and for me as a Certified Dementia Specialist.  No doubt everyone has experienced something similar,  but it seems my week has received a double dose of challenges.

My husband had bronchitis, my mother had two attacks of her esophagus, I got bronchitis, and my mother-in-law was admitted to our local hospital because of pneumonia.  This pneumonia was not just in one lung, she had pneumonia in both lungs!  About twenty-four hours after admission, her mild dementia advanced rapidly.  That is when I asked for a urinalysis.  As suspected, she also had a urinary tract infection. 

The process of administering antibiotics was started, and soon we saw the dementia go away.  This is to remind us all how important it is to be aware of our loved one’s health.  When sudden on-set symptoms of dementia occur, it is NOT Alzheimer’s.  Alzheimer’s is not a disease you get overnight.  Dementia, however, CAN and DOES occur very quickly.  When it does, the body is screaming, “HELP!  SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT.”  Listen, take action, and see improvement. 

My mother-in-law will soon leave the hospital.  She is feeling better physically, cognitively, and emotionally.  Maybe we can all sleep through the night.  Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.

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Dementia and Memory Music

People with dementia are among my favorite people on the planet.  They sing with me, smile with me, and make music with me.  The wonderful hand instruments we use bring out their natural rhythm.  It is a fun and amazing experience.

This week we introduced music therapy to folks in a memory care facility.  One gentleman, very advanced in his dementia, was crying, showing signs of agitation, and very distracted from the activities his caregiver was trying to interest him in.  My approach was slow and gentle.  As he reached for my hand, I stepped closer.  Kneeling down beside him, stroking his face, I began singing “Jesus Loves Me”.  After a few minutes, he calmed, looked me directly in the eye and sang a few words.

I released his hand, and he grabbed my shoulder, worked his way down my arm, and once again held my hand.  Upon accomplishing that task, he smiled broadly.  We connected.  For just a few minutes, this wonderful man and I were communicating in a way like only music can accomplish.

Sing with your loved ones, even if they have dementia.  It is the most amazing experience.  Don’t miss it.  Senior Life Journeys is here to offer Music Therapy to your loved ones.  Drop me a note for more information. Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.

The Dementia Is Progressing

It was 2006 when Momma was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s type dementia.  The doctor, whom I refer to as “Dr. Wrong” (because I did not like him), called and announced Momma’s diagnosis over the phone.  He then advised he would call in some medication, and I was instructed to call him if I needed anything.  I was shocked in more ways than one.

I was shocked at Momma’s diagnosis.  Grandma Carpenter had died of Alzheimer’s, and I was extremely frightened at what the future may hold for Momma.  I was shocked, secondly, at this doctor’s method of delivering this news.  It was so impersonal and very cold.

That was seven years ago, and this week Momma said, “I think my dementia is getting worse.”  It was difficult to hear those words, but she is correct.  She seems to be asking the same question more frequently, and her sense of being aware of the “what, when and where” of life has been less sharp.  She is still my Momma.  She still has all the love for my sisters and me that she ever had.  She still wants to be a part of our lives.  She enjoys her life.

The day may come when all that changes.  I’m not ready for that day.  What I know is this.  With the help of those I love, the encouragement of other professionals, my Momma’s life will be the best life she can have.  After all, isn’t that what we want for everyone we love?  I hope that gives you Something To Ponder.

Dementia and Heart Disease

I would like for you to take a look at this picture?  Does anything seem slightly wrong to you?  It really makes me want to cringe.  I am seriously thinking about writing Coca-Cola with my opinion.

I have a question.  Since when did soft drinks become something “wholesome and healthy”?  In my opinion, the delicious part is even in question, but I will concede there are those among us who enjoy their taste.  But, really?  Wholesome and healthy?  NO WAY!

Now look at this next picture.  That, my friends, is a wholesome and healthy food item.  Notice all the raw ingredients.  Notice how it is not covered in a ton of dairy products.  The salad dressing is barely noticeable, and, yes, I ate the entire thing.

Take serious consideration to the foods that enter your body.  Heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes all increase your chances of Alzheimer’s type dementia.  Do you want to drink that calorie laden, full of sugar bottle of soda, or do you want to enrich your body and your mind with fresh food?  Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.

Dementia Journal - Write It Down

As you may know by now, I am a published author.  I have just finished writing my fourth book, and it is due for release in late February.  It is titled, Let’s Talk Dementia. I am excited to offer this easy to read caregiver’s guide to dementia.  In its pages you will read practical advice regarding caring for someone with dementia, along with stories and jokes that will make you smile.  After all, as I am known to say, “You’ve just got to laugh.” (Email me if you would like to reserve a copy – carol@seniorlifejourneys.com .)

Not everyone writes books, but writing can be very healing.  One of the techniques many Hospice organizations recommend for grief recovery is journaling.  My Mother went through such an experience when my Dad died.  She wrote down exactly what she was thinking.  It helped the healing process to move more quickly, and it documented for the future what Momma was experiencing.  Quite honestly, reading her journal was very emotional for me.

My brother-in-law passed away on January 2^nd of this year.  I have recommended my sister journal her thoughts.  I am making that same recommendation to you as you caregive for someone.  Whether they have dementia, or not, caregiving is difficult.  Writing your thoughts can help lessen the pain that surrounds those thoughts.

Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.

Dementia and Water

I am sure you are not expecting me to suggest you drink plenty of anything except water.  You, of course, are correct.   I only drink water, an occasional cup of coffee, and an even less occasional glass of wine.

When I was expecting our daughter about 27 years ago, my obstetrician said, “I want you to go to the fawwwcet, turn it on and drink some waaaaaater.”  And, yes, he said all those “w’s” and “a’s” .    That saying has stuck with me.  So much so that I don’t purchase bottled water except to replace the bottles I run through the dishwasher and refill.

Why should you be concerned about drinking a sufficient amount of water?  If you are hydrating yourself with water instead of a sugary substance, your body will thank you.   A recent study stated drinking five glass of water a day reduces the chances of a heart attack.   Sufficient hydration helps aid in healthy skin.   It gives you energy, and it can help prevent headaches.  By the way, make sure you don’t substitute sugar-free drinks for sugary drinks.  All those chemicals in the sugar substitute are not good for you.  And, I ask you this question.  Since Americans started using all the artificial sweeteners, have we gotten slimmer?

Anyway, be good to your body and drink water.  Drink lots of it.  Your body and your brain will be healthier.  Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.

Dementia Diagnosis: Grouchy-itis

Our morning was started with a not-so-pleasant phone call from an individual who was stressed.  This stress was playing out in the form of anger toward my husband.  One important fact to comprehend is my husband and I were about 400 miles away from this individual when the phone call came through.  Nonetheless, it was our fault he was experiencing the emotions which were overtaking his mood.

This is a common scenario when you are caregiving for someone with dementia.  No matter the reason for their frustration, you can become the target.  Try not to take it personally.  While this is certainly easier said than done, it is good advice.  When your loved one vents their anger, emotional distress, frustration, or any unhappy emotion, they may be communicating something very important.

Notice whether this individual may be cold.  Are they hungry?  Are they thirsty?  Have they soiled themselves?  Lastly, and potentially most important, are they in pain?  It is common for an individual who is experiencing disruptive behavior to be in pain.  The most common form of pain is a urinary tract infection.

Be aware of the non-verbal cues your loved one gives you.  Their actions speak loudly.  Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.