THE MEDICINE CABINET
Remember When....?
By Jean Sutherland
mexico4us@yahoo.com

     High-profile people with Alzheimers, have to some extent brought the disorder right into our homes. Knowing that former President Reagan and now legendary actor Charlton Heston both have this disorder has, for some, made this disease up close and personal. All of us have those “senior moments” but a nagging little voice in the back of our head worries that it may be the onset of Alzheimers.
     Let’s take a good look at the signs and symptoms of this disorder and debunk some of those scary thoughts. If someone has several or even most of these symptoms, it does not mean they definitely have the disease. It does mean they should be thoroughly examined by a medical specialist trained in evaluating memory disorders, such as a neurologist or a psychiatrist, or by a comprehensive memory disorder clinic, with an entire team of expert knowledge about memory problems.
     The seven warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are:
     1. Asking the same question over and over again.
     2. Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again.
     3. Forgetting how to cook, or make repairs, or play cards or activities that were previously done with ease and regularity.
     4. Losing one’s ability to pay bills or balance one’s checkbook.
     5. Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects.
     6. Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that you have taken a bath or that your clothes are still clean.
     7. Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions you previously would have handled yourself.
     Now, notice that these are “warning signs.” They do not necessarily mean that you have the disorder. Many different medical conditions may cause symptoms that seem like Alzheimer’s disease, but are not. Some of these medical conditions may be treatable. Reversible conditions can be caused by a high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition, bad reactions to medicines, problems with the thyroid gland, or a minor head injury. Medical conditions like these can be serious and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.
     People worried about memory problems should see their doctor. If the doctor believes that the problem is serious, then a thorough physical, neurological, and psychiatric evaluation may be recommended. A complete medical examination for memory loss may include gathering information about the person’s medical history, including use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diet, past medical problems, and general health. Because a correct diagnosis depends on recalling these details accurately, the doctor also may ask a family member for information about the person.
     Tests of blood and urine may be done to help the doctor find any problems. There are also tests of mental abilities (tests of memory, problem solving, counting, and language). A brain CT scan may assist the doctor in ruling out a curable disorder. A scan also may show signs of normal age-related changes in the brain. It may be necessary to have another scan at a later date to see if there have been further changes in the brain.
     A few “senior moments” is nothing to worry about. We all have those days when we just aren’t on the ball. Don’t judge a few incidences of forgetfulness as Alzheimers. If you do have concerns, then please see a doctor and more than likely you will be told you have nothing to worry about. Often worry begets more worry. Get informed, know the facts and you won’t be nearly as frightened by those “moments.”