ALZHEIMER’S: THE PATIENT CAREGIVER

BY SHAWN RALEIGH AKA GHETTO POLITICIAN

We all have that special elder in the family that we can count on. We could always look to get some sound wisdom advise or just a good laugh from. We cherish and love them dearly. We learn so much from them as a child on throughout our adult life. Can you imagine going to visit one day and somehow they are not the same. Something is very different. So different that the smile and warm greeting you have been getting your entire life has become a blank stare filled with quietness. And when you finally hear from them it may be questions like "What's your name? or Where am I?" At that moment you realize that not only has their life changed but yours has as well. The wisdom the laughter the great advice has all vanished. It seems so unreal however it became the reality for people from all nationalities or ethnic groups. And that reality is called Alzheimer’s disease and related Dementia.

Alzheimer’s! What is Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s is the most common and progressive form of a cognitive disease called dementia. This condition relates to the brain involving conscious and intellectual activities such as thinking reasoning or remembering. It is a very complicated condition.

It all began when a protein called Amyloid-Beta is formed from the breakdown of a larger protein called Amyloid Precursor or protein clumps together forming plaque between neurons, causing cell function in the brain to improperly operate.

The risk factors for Alzheimer's is higher once a person reaches the age of 65. With women making up nearly 2/3 of individuals living with this condition. Reason being is that women lose more mitochondria than men do as they age. African-Americans have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s and related Dementia at 13.8%, followed by Hispanics 12.2%, Non-Hispanics/ Whites 10.3%, American-Indian/Alaskan Natives 9.1, & Asian/Pacific Islanders at 8.4. Although in most cases it seems that Alzheimer’s just abruptly appears undetected. Well according to Sylvia Dennis, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Service Center located in Clayton County, Ga, there are early onset symptoms that can be recognized. Some are as follows: forgetting recent info, trouble following instructions, behavioral and personality changes, trouble communicating, hiding or hoarding items, visual and decision difficulty, decline in personal hygiene and skipping meals. She recommends that if you notice any of the aforementioned please immediately make arrangements for your loved one to be evaluated. The sooner you can catch it the better you can prepare for it.

There are actually two sides to living with Alzheimer’s. You have the patient and then there are those who care for the patient. Caregiver is the most common term used for those who assist the patients. Often times in the beginning stages it's a child or a grandchild of the patient who steps up and dedicates themselves to caring for their loved one. However it's not long before they become overwhelmed juggling their day to day activities and trying to be the caregiver. The situation can and oftentimes does become frustrating. And they realize that they actually need help helping their loved one. Fret not because there are resources available.

Sylvia Dennis understands firsthand just how complex and complicated Alzheimer’s can be. Her journey to becoming Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Service Center has been a personal and passionate one. Her mother was diagnosed in 2002. And in 2003 she took on full responsibility of caring for her. The more she didn't understand about what this condition was all about, the more she searched and researched for understanding. It became a passion that lead her out in the community. She participated in walks in neighboring counties in support of Alzheimer’s. And eventually began to organize her own walks. Participation wasn't as great but it never stopped her drive and passion to being a difference maker. As Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Service Center in Clayton County she wants all who has been or currently facing this situation to know that you are not alone in the battle. She and her staff are well trained to assist you in making sure your loved one gets love and care as you yourself would give them when in their care at their facility. They are not just employees but are a understandable dependable and reliable resource in servicing the patient and the caregiver.