Take Steps Now to Address Dementia Concerns
NEXT AVENUE July 18, 2023
Because potential caregivers ought to know what type of help is available for dementia patients and their caregivers alike
THE RANDOMNESS AND SEVERITY of dementia terrifies me. Although I exercise, eat right and stay mentally active, I could lose brain function suddenly after an accident or stroke or slowly over decades. The Alzheimer's Association reports that one-third of older adults will die with Alzheimer's or other dementias, and almost 11% of Americans over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's.
What's more, these numbers are significantly increasing. The number of Americans with Alzheimer's will more than double, from six to thirteen million, by 2050.
I didn't plan to discuss dementia during my recent mammogram, but the topic came up while I was secured in position. As the cool metal frame twisted my pancaked breast farther than imaginable, I focused on taking short, shallow breaths. This was not the place to move, much less pass out from lack of oxygen.
"I can't imagine how hard this would be for someone with dementia," I commented toward the nurse's navy clogs. She said, "I had a dementia patient here last week. She acted like a four-year-old; all she wanted to do was play. She had trouble standing still and following directions."
