A specific diagnosis may rule out Alzheimer’s. “Depression can mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s...symptoms like mistrust, hallucinations, apathy, social isolation,” explained Dr. Arun Sharma, a geriatric psychiatrist with Alegent Creighton Health. “But we can treat that. We can treat depression.” Dr. Sharma helped establish a 22-bed, short-term residential facility called Heritage Center at Immanuel Hospital to better diagnose the reasons for a person’s memory loss. Once a patient is stabilized and receives a proper care plan, they can return home. The more doctors learn, the faster a cure will come. “I see something exciting in the next five to 10 years,” said Dr. Sharma. “If we identify and isolate the protein believed responsible for Alzheimer’s, perhaps we can do a blood test to catch the disease early.” But what about a cure? With 78 million baby boomers coming down the pike— 10,000 of them turning 65 each day—this country faces an epidemic. And what about the psychological, financial, and emotional toll on the caregivers, who are very often family members? They, too, feel isolated. “It was an impossible situation for me. I couldn’t get her the help she needed,” said Jean Jetter, who bore the brunt of the family crisis since her married sister lives in Dallas. “Now that Mom is at [the nursing home], I can take a breather and concentrate on Dad, who also has mental issues.” In recent weeks, her father, Thomas, has been admitted as a permanent resident of Life Care Center of Elkhorn as well. What about her own family? “I have no one. No husband, no boyfriend. I mean, what boyfriend would put up with all this?” asked Jean, who’s been shuttling between one parent and the other for years, all the while trying to run her own business. The situation has obviously taken a huge personal toll. Deborah Conley has two words for anyone facing similar circumstances: Alzheimer’s Association. The Midlands chapter has support groups, tons of information, and can gently guide the adult child or spouse. They even have a 24/7 hotline: 800-272-3900. For anyone dealing with Alzheimer’s, that number could become a lifeline.
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