Embrace Your Destiny: Prepare for Dementia

Pictures before the workshop

Is it true? Just because I have MS, I am subject to Dementia? Sure, I sometimes can't recall names and misplace items. But, that's a huge leap to dementia!  The Alzheimer/ dementia experts say that it's true.

Molly Garnett, Chaplain at Pardee Hospital and Elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church conducted a two part Learning Hour program for caregivers. We  listened in denial as the Alzheimers and Dementia experts explained the issues. Then, as attendees shared personal experiences, the reality became clear. At the end, we acknowledged that dementia is a huge, unrecognized and under serviced issue.

The number of people being diagnosed everyday with either Dementia or Alzheimers was shocking. Added to that umbrella are people like me who have a neurological diseases, like Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson's Disease. But that's not all! The big number also includes stroke victims, loss of hearing and eyesight and other chronic medical conditions. Caregivers, are vulnerable too.     Seniors! Beware

 

Molly's stage for discussion and Zoom 

In discussion in Molly’s Learning Hour program, participants generated a long list of challenges care givers and patients with dementia are feeling. During discussion, feelings  of embarrassment, stupidity, anger, disappointment, confusion, frustration and resolve among others. Friends and family want to help but are afraid of rejection, being intrusive, or doing it wrong

Reluctantly, I have accepted that I have dementia at some level. As with most chronic, debilitating diseases, there is a wide spectrum of impacts. My brother has Parkinsons Disease. I told him recently, “Sorry, but you have dementia too!” Since I’ve been dealing with cognitive and psychological issues for twenty years, it’s easy to reflect on signals and lessons learned. For me, it’s always been about prevention and management. 

Mama with her Nitro buggy

We watched Mama slowly digress from being independent to needing extra care. Her dementia was exacerbated by loss of hearing and macular degeneration disease in her eyes. Her world shrank with each move to higher care of living. Our first clues that dementia was setting in was with electronic devices.  

Mama rarely called but, when she did, I answered  quickly.  “Hello, Mama? Is everything okay? Do you have a problem?”

“Good! I got you! My phone hasn’t been working right. Why can’t they make a phone that works?” Later it was the computer and then her hearing aids. 

Technology frustrates me too. Now, when I feel myself getting upset, I stop.  I text Kevin, my techie and wait until he can help me. I had lots of issues blogging. Kevin helped me develop a systematic process for posting. Then, practice, practice, practice! I challenged myself to do eight posts in a month. I got faster and more confident.  

Physical Therapy continues with Thomas

Science says that the brain is capable of reconnecting nerve pathways and creating new ones. I have noticed it particularly in physical skills. With a lot of work at the gym, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage and others, the brain is stimulated. I am walking farther and faster this year than last.

I do this blog and Toastmasters for the cognitive stimulation and to encourage everyone dealing with MS or any other disease that leads to dementia. By understanding the challenges anyone can be proactive.  

MS issues and dementia issues are both exacerbated by stress. I find that when I plan ahead to minimize stress, I think clearer, make fewer mistakes and get more done.