On a beautiful summer day, Mr. M drove to his mother’s house to take her for a walk at the botanical gardens. He called her when he left his house, which was 10 minutes away. Then when he arrived at the apartment, his mother was still in her pajamas, despite the fact that they had discussed the trip to the botanical gardens the night before. Mr. M’s mother didn’t ask who was at the door — she just opened it. Then, Mr. M noticed that his mother’s apartment was filled with newspapers, and that there were multiple messages on her answering machine. When he played back the messages, he realized his mom’s primary care office had been calling to schedule her annual appointment. There were also messages from a fraud detection agency attempting to verify use on her credit card, and a follow-up message from the landlord in regards to the fire department coming to his mother’s house earlier that week, a result of his mother’s alarm going off due to her leaving the stove on.
Feeling troubled, Mr. M asked his mom if he could accompany her to her next doctor’s appointment. At that appointment, Mr. M learned that his mom’s blood pressure was elevated and that she could not name any of her medications, nor provide her pharmacy information. During the visit, he also learned that his mom’s diabetes was poorly controlled. It was not that she had eye disease or poor dexterity, but that she was having trouble with her memory and adherence to medication — and apparently had been for quite some time.
[See: 5 Ways to Cope With Mild Cognitive Impairment.]
Cognitive impairment is unrecognized in 27 to 81 percent of affected patients in primary care. Patients with memory trouble may also be non-compliant with medical care.
The doctor remarked to Mr. M and his mother that they would be doing some testing and that he recommended Mr. M return with his mother during her next visit. He also mentioned that he would be providing all her medications in a “brown bag.”
Montefiore, which combines the expertise and best-in-class practices of the Montefiore Einstein Center for the Aging Brain and Burke Rehabilitation’s Memory Evaluation and Treatment Services, has been designated as the exclusive Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease serving the seven-county region of the Hudson Valley in New York.
At our centers, we often see cases similar to that of Mr. M and his mother. What we try to look for are signs for early onset of Alzheimer’s disease — and differentiating Alzheimer’s versus the natural part of aging. For example, it is not uncommon to forget someone’s name after meeting him or her, or to leave your phone in the house, so we try to offer perspective and see what supports are most appropriate.
[See: Emerging Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease.]
If you suspect a loved one might be displaying symptoms associated with the early stages of Alzheimer’s, pay attention to these warning signs. If a few of these sound a little too familiar, schedule an appointment with your family’s primary care physician:
— Memory loss that disrupts daily activities
— Challenges with planning or solving problems
— Confusion with time and place or understanding of visual images
— Withdrawal from work or other social activities
— Changes in mood or personality
— Difficulty with speech and/or writing
By getting in touch with a primary care provider, concerns can begin to be addressed, and you can identify what other types of specialists might be most helpful in caring for your loved one. As a caregiver, there are many resources available for you as well.
[See: 14 Ways Caregivers Can Care for Themselves.]
Mr. M, for example, was enrolled in our caregiver support group and offered counseling sessions at the center. He was also given a referral to the local Alzheimer’s Association, where his mother was measured for a bracelet that would link her with the local safe return programs. It can also help identify memory trouble.
Comprehensive approaches improve identification and support of caregivers in need. This can help enhance quality of life for all impacted by Alzheimer’s. Recently, Mr. M and his mom enjoyed a beautiful afternoon in the botanical gardens. As part of the day, he helped her with taking a fingerstick glucose, packed her needed medication and held her hand as they strolled through the park. Mr. M’s mom’s health and well-being were back on track, and as they walked through the gardens, her memory bracelet — which helps make sure she remains safe when Mr. M isn’t around — shimmered in the bright summer sunlight.
More from U.S. News
Emerging Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
How Music Helps People With Alzheimer’s Disease
5 Ways to Cope With Mild Cognitive Impairment
How to Identify Alzheimer’s Symptoms originally appeared on usnews.com
