William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-02-01 / 2. szám
Our Health Corner and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediatly. Sometimes, they may forget where they are or how they got there. Typical age related change: Momentary lapses where one forgets what time it is or what day it is, but, again, the lapses are only momentary. 5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spacial Relationships. Some people with Alzheimer's actually have difficulty reading, judging distance or determining colors. For example, a person with Alzheimer's might walk past a mirror and not realize that they are the person in the mirror. They may think there is someone else in the room. Typical age related change: Vision changes related to cataracts. 6. New Problems with Speaking or Writing Words. People with Alzheimer's might experience trouble holding or joining a conversation. An example is stopping in the middle of a conversation and having no idea how to continue. They might also struggle with vocabulary, often having trouble finding the right word to express what they are thinking, or call things by the wrong name. Typical age related change: Occasionally having difficulty finding the right word or name 7. Misplacing Things. People with Alzheimer's might put things in unusual places and then have difficulty retracing their steps to find those items. This tends to occur more frequently over time, and they often accuse others of stealing items they simply can't find. Typical age related change: Misplacing things from time to time, such as your glasses or the remote control, and finding them later right where you left them. 8. Decreased or Poor Judgement. People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may show poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers or making television purchases. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. Typical age related change: Making a bad decision once in a while. Buying a "lemon." 9. Withdrawl from Society. Men and women with Alzheimer's might start to remove themselves from social activities, projects at work or hobbies. Avid sports fans might no longer be able to follow their favorite team. Social butterflies may grow reclusive. Typical age related change: Sometimes being just too tired to fulfill family or social obligations. 10. Changes in Mood or Personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change quickly. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. Typical age related change: Spending your whole life developing specific ways to complete specific tasks and becoming irritable when that routine is disrupted. After looking at this list, I think I am pretty typical of someone my age, for now. I pray most of you are also. But, if you see some of these changes happening to people you know and love, have them talk to their physician. There have been great improvements in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Life is a precious gift for us to enjoy. For me, it is spending time with family and friends and my dogs and traveling. I want to remember each and every day for a long, long time to come. Till next month.... Be Healthy - Be Happy - stay Fit! egészségére! Debbie FJüüJaj Units To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, including risk factors, myths and treatment, log onto: O http://www.alz.org (The website of the Alzheimer’s Association) O http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers (Information on Alzheimer’s disease from the National Institute on Aging) William Penn Life 0 February 2012 0 11
