Is
experiencing increasing levels of memory loss?
Call the Alzheimer's Association (800-272-3900) and ask
for a referral to a geriatric dementia specialist and ask
where the closest dementia diagnostic center is. They will
have the most up-to-date elder care, memory loss, dementia
and Alzheimer’s disease information. Your loved one’s
doctor may not be trained to uncover the earliest signs
of dementia, so don’t waste time--it is of great importance
to get an early diagnosis, as there are four medications
which, in most people, can slow the progression of the disease,
which slows the need for full time care.
Inquire about the medications: Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl
and Memantine. Once your loved one has progressed further,
these medications will still help, but they will not take
the person back to when they were relatively independent
in the early stage.
Also ask about Vitamin E therapy and make sure the doctor
rules out reversible dementias such as a B-12, folate and
thyroid deficiency. Understand that depression alone can
cause dementia-like symptoms. The right doctor is really
the first big key and… More tips on page 282
of Elder Rage.
Is a danger on the road
but refuses to give up driving?
This is a serious problem that cannot be overlooked and is
usually one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome. Have
a doctor whom your loved one trusts check their eyes, hearing
and reflexes. If the doctor feels that your loved one should
no longer be driving, confidentially ask for a letter stating
that. A copy of this letter should be sent to the Department
of Motor Vehicles requesting that the license be revoked.
This process may take several weeks.
If the situation is critical, contact the DMV immediately
and speak with a supervisor, lining up an appointment. Tell
your loved one that someone must have reported them driving
erratically and that you have to take them to the DMV for
a routine exam right away. If the DMV ends up taking the
license away--be sympathetic, saying how sorry you are that
this has happened. Assure them that you will arrange for
alternate transportation so they don’t feel trapped
at home. This way, you're not the horrible person who took
their last pleasure in life away, and you may have saved
some lives. Realize that it is a four times higher accident
rate for seniors, and a nine times higher… More
on page 286 of Elder Rage.
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