Alzheimer's Reading Room: Guidelines For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Dementia
People with mild to moderate dementia (and Alzheimer's) are usually cared for by the family personal care physician and the patient's family. The personal care physician is often very busy and is not a specialist in the area. The family is often ill equipped to take on this task due to lack of formal training, education, and experience. Family caregivers and the primary caregiver usually take a learn as you go approach. A team of physicians, teachers, and researchers have created a set of guidelines for personal care physicians on how to manage dementia once a diagnosis is made. This article should be read by physicians but I found it very helpful as a caregiver. From the caregiver perspective it will help you understand the services you need and help you interact with your family physician to assure that appropriate actions are being taken and treatments rendered.
Dementia is a disease that knows no boundaries. It is blind to the
ReplyDeletecategories in which we usually place our fellow human beings. It can occur at the age of 55 or 85. It can happen to Blacks, Whites,
Hispanics, Asians, Jews,Christians, Muslims, males and females, rich
and poor. It will not spare ex-presidents or ex-prime ministers. It did not spare my mother. Tears are shed by husbands and wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters—in fact anyone responsible for the care of a loved one with dementia. Caregiver burnout is a major issue for those with this awesome responsibility. Don't overlook the role of humor to make things more bearable. Things that made me angry and frustrated when my mother (who had dementia)was alive, in retrospect are filled with funny happenings. This is true too for the many caregivers who read my blog and contact me about my book which emphasizes humor as a healing
balm. Caregivers need all the emotional support they can get.
Bob Tell, Author
Dementia Diary, A Caregiver's Journal
http://www.dementia-diary.com
http://caregiverchronicle.blogspot.com/