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by Alicia Wanek
There is no cure.
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be terrifying. This fear is compounded by the reality that you or a loved one will experience a gradual decline in cognitive abilities, leading to the inability to recall your history, communicate effectively, or recognize cherished individuals.
But it’s time for some positive news regarding this disease. Consider the following encouraging developments:
• The prevalence of the disease is decreasing (thank goodness!).
• Research indicates that appropriate treatment can significantly slow the progression of symptoms.
• A small yet hopeful study has revealed that memory loss in patients may be reversible with a rigorous treatment focused on altering brain chemistry.
• New medications are enhancing the quality of life for an extended period.
• There are excellent support systems available to assist family members who are caregivers.
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia is transformative not just for the individual but also for their families, particularly for those designated as primary caregivers. As the condition advances, the affected person may become increasingly unaware of how their illness impacts themselves or others; meanwhile, the caregiver faces escalating challenges.
Pat Warren’s sister Teresa was diagnosed just a year and a half ago, while still in her 50s. Their father had been diagnosed in his 80s, but Pat could hardly have imagined that her younger sister, nine years her junior, the one she had cared for in childhood, would face a similar fate as she describes it, “the genetic roulette wheel.” Until the diagnosis, Teresa had been employed full-time as a medical librarian at a local hospital. Her husband Stuart had noticed a few concerning signs but hadn’t connected the dots. For instance, after their recent move to a new home, Teresa struggled to find her way back when driving from various locations around the city. When she had a breakdown at work and resigned, Stuart was taken aback. They discovered that she had received two poor performance evaluations, and colleagues had been covering for her because she had trouble with some of her routine job responsibilities.
Her primary physician recommended a comprehensive examination. Stuart recalls wishing for a brain tumor, as that condition at least offered a possibility of surgical intervention and a return to normalcy. When Teresa was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the couple entered a new phase of life. For the first six months, Stuart would leave for work each day, leaving Teresa at home. Still in his 50s, he needed to continue working to ensure health coverage and retirement benefits. But as Teresa started to wander and hallucinate, imagining people upstairs in their house or helicopters hovering overhead, it quickly became clear that she would require much more assistance.
Residents of North Texas are fortunate to have a wealth of resources available to support their loved ones. Senior living facilities, memory care units, and even day programs for patients can be found in almost every community. For those wishing to keep their loved ones at home, businesses like Custom Caregivers provide viable solutions.
As indicated by its name, Custom Caregivers develops personalized plans tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. Their services range from meal preparation and home safety evaluations to administering medications and managing behavioral strategies. Many of their caregivers have personal experience caring for family members with dementia, and they all receive training from the Alzheimer’s Association. Family members express high praise for the quality of care their loved ones receive. Lawon, a daughter, describes her mother’s caregiver Heidi as “dependable, compassionate, and sincerely caring.” She treats my mom as if she were her own.
Most importantly, the staff consistently demonstrates respect toward the patients. They strive to maintain routines for as long as possible while treating individuals with dignity and compassion. David Stanley, owner and Chief Caregiver at Custom Caregivers, states, “Creating understanding and accommodation is empowering.” The families of patients—and the patients themselves, as long as they are able—are included in crafting a plan that is mutually beneficial.
As Pat shares, when Teresa received her diagnosis, “it caused some pause” for reflection on what it meant for their family. They had to collaboratively determine how best to support her sister—with external help. Pat and her other sister still enjoy visiting Teresa and going out to activities like the movies, fully aware that she might not remember the experience afterward. They cannot foresee what the future will hold for Teresa due to her condition, but they are grateful for the good days and the support they share with each other and all those involved in her care along the way.
