Day 4 - Remember Dementia In November

#RememberDementiaInNovember

 

Day 4 (11/6) – #Garudasana or #EaglePose by @hmcleod200 (Heather)

! This helps to improve balance and concentration; stretches the shoulders, upper back, thighs, and hips; and helps to balance both hemispheres of the brain and the third eye chakra.

#DementiaAwareness – Alzheimer’s Disease and Diagnosis (Click on link in my bio)

Any of the information presented is NOT to be used as medical advice, please make sure if you suspect your loved one of having symptoms of dementia to seek medical attention.

See @ski_yoga_guy (John) for Day 5’s (Monday, 11/7) pose tomorrow night

AWARENESS

Day 4 – Alzheimer’s Disease and Diagnosis

While there is no definitive way to diagnosis Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), getting a better idea of what is causing dementia requires two sections.  A physician or medical team will first rule out what a patient does not have, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, etc. and then they will “rule in” AD using “standardized diagnostic criteria that outline the behaviors, physical findings, and cognitive symptoms that are typical of AD suffers to ‘rule in’ a diagnosis of AD (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, p. 96).

Using various assessment tools, the patient will have screenings that look at “basic skills of short-term memory, orientation, concentration, language, and visuospatial skills.  Doctors often repeat these tests at least annually to track cognitive changes” (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, p. 96).  One screening that is typically performed is a BIMS (Brief Interview of Mental Status); it “focuses on repetition, time orientation, and recall” (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, p. 96). 

Along with assessments and a complete physical examination, laboratory diagnostics will be run. These include standard blood work such as: CBC (complete blood count) that looks at white and red blood cells; blood chemistry that includes glucose levels, electrolytes, along with kidney and liver function; vitamin B12 levels, thyroid function, urinalysis, and electrocardiogram (EKG).  All these are probably tests that have been done before.  Some tests that a physician may also look at are a serum test for syphilis; prescription drug levels (depending on what the patient is taking); and heavy metal and toxicology screening if a patient’s health history shows they may have worked with or had prior exposure.  Some radiological testing may also be performed, including an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computerized tomography) scans, or PET (positron emission tomography) scans…all of the brain (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, pp. 106-107). 

A physician may ask family members about mental health history and this is to help determine if there are possible psychiatric issues that may be causing dementia or mimicking  dementia.  For early AD patients, clinical depression often presents and it could be helpful for an antidepressant to be be prescribed.  As AD advances, the patient may present with psychosis that includes delusions or hallucinations…all of which seem real to the patient.  Common delusions include the patient thinking someone is stealing from them (they have misplaced items) and not recognizing family members and thinking they are strangers in their home or bed.  “Psychosis in AD patients can lead to behavioral problems and agitation, which can make caregiving more difficult” (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, p. 108). 

As symptoms and events happen, keep a journal or record of what is happening so that it can be discussed with the patient’s physician.  This information is being presented so that you may have a brief insight into what to expect from when you first notice symptoms and as the dementia progresses.  Not only does the patient need help, but as a caregiver and loved one, you may need to look into support groups, counseling, or other coping strategies which I will discuss in a few days.

References

American Geriatrics Society (AGS). (2016). Alzheimer's & dementia for dummies. Hoboken, NJ:

           John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (Published simultaneously in Canada)