African-Americans have always been a very tight-knit community devoted to mothers. We have overcame the brutality of slavery as a family largely because we had mothers and grandmothers who were truly dedicated to loving and nurturing our children.
As our mamas begin to age and live longer, we often find ourselves in the position of taking care of them and we expect to be blessed to do so. We are not surprised if our parents grow old and senile and the form of being senile is not a disease. (It's a blessing!) Senility has always been present in our communities and today it may be under a new name, Alzheimers or Dementia, but it is important to share that Dementia and Alzheimers are more progressive brain disorders needing treatment.
What is Dementia?
According to the website, "You Can Be The One" at
http://www.youcanbetheone.com/seeingSigns/... the words are often used interchangeably, but Dementia describes the progressive inability of cognitive functions. It is another form of a brain disorder which affects memory, vision, speaking, thinking, and reasoning. Dementia is also considered to be an early onset of a more serious brain disorder known as "Alzheimers." It is important to note, however, that not all cases of true Dementia lead to true Alzheimers. A person who is forgetful may be considered "senile" without having Dementia or Alzheimers and only a licensed professional healthcare provider such as a geriatric doctor specializing in the aging population can make the determination.
There are three types of Dementia:
Lewy Body Dementia – This is when abnormal protein pockets form in the brain. The symptoms are: confusion, rigid muscles, slowed movements, and tremors and these are also associated with Alzheimers and Parkinsons' Disease. These symptoms are also treatable with medications, diet, and brain stimulus exercises. Many experts believe Dementia can be arrested,' but not cured.
Vascular dementia – In some cases of a stroke, arteries that feed the brain can become narrow or blocked. In this case, the symptoms of Dementia can appear instantly and reocurring. The progession of these symptoms are slow and are very close to those of Alzheimers so careful screening is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Usually, an overnight stay of at least 24 hours as a geriatric inpatient is necessary. A specialized neuropsychiatry tests is necessary and includes group and family psychotherapy. Again, treatment is available and necessary and includes psychotropic medications, electroconvulsive therapy, and activity therapy. This type of Dementia can actually coincide with a diagnosis of Alzheimers, too, so if you notice the symptoms in your loved one, you should seek prompt medical care. See, Geriatric Care at
www.sheppardpratt.org. The third type of Dementia is known as Frontotemporal Dementia. This affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and this type of Dementia causes changes in one's personality or behavior. It is interesting to note that this form of Dementia is linked to geneology and usually surfaces between the ages of 40 and 70. This does not mean that if your parents or mama has Dementia, that you will inherit it, too. You should be aware of the symptoms and always remember that prevention of mental illness is just as important as preventing other illnesses. Discuss ways to stay on top of your mental health with your doctor if it is determined that your mother has this type of Dementia or any brain disorder. Having Bipolar, by the way, does not necessarily mean you will develop Dementia or Alzheimers. There is no scientific evidence this will happen. See, Alzheimers.org
Now let's take a look at what is really Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is when nerve cells and vital chemicals in the brain are lost forever over time. This affects approximately 5 million Americans today. There is no known cure for this extreme brain disorder. It is a progressive brain disorder by nature that seriously affects memory and other mental processes. Because the chemicals in the brain affected by Alzheimers also control memory, a person's ability to think cognitively is disrupted. They will typically repeat the same things over and over and regress to child-like behavior, wanting their own parents, etc. They will need assistance with day-to-day living from getting dressed, to toileting, to eating or preparing meals. They may wander and forget how to return home or where they are.
There are many symptoms associated with Alzheimers, but the main ones are being forgetful of loved ones' names and days of the week or recent experiences. These symptoms typically begin showing up around age 65 and it is considered very rare if persons younger than this will be diagnosed with true Alzheimer's.
What to do if you suspect your mother may be showing any of these symptoms?
Show her how much you love her by making an appointment for a mental health screening. Discuss everything with your mother as she can understand it and be a blessing to your mother by planning to spend a night with her in the hospital to make her screening process go as smoothly as possible.
Be very attentive to the information being given to you because these two brain disorders closely mimic each other. Ask questions no matter how silly they may seem. Understand that if your mother is prescribed medication, she should take it as prescribed for the best outcome. Incorporate a healthy diet and exercise routine for your mother as well and always, always be patient and compassionate.
How to sit down and talk to your mother about her failing mental health?
We are a very prideful people by nature. We are also the least race group in America to seek mental healthcare and we live furiously in denial that something could be "wrong" with our minds or behaviors. As loved ones, we usually will not bring up the subject because we really do not know how to without starting a world war in the family. This sounds like people with Bipolar, right? Well, it is a mental illness and we must, must part with shame and choose treatments so we can live our best lives.
Having said that, when you decide to talk with your mother, decide who is the best person in the family to express her mental health concerns with her. According to more information in the article, "You Can Be The One" at
http://www.youcanbetheone.com/seeingSigns/... this lessens the shame your mother may feel. Also, take notes about behaviors you have been noticing for the doctor, too.
Do NOT talk to your mother using 'baby talk." Speak to her as an adult-to-adult using a compassionate tone.
Do Not scare your mother by confirming she has Alzheimers before you have made any trips to the doctor.
Many doctors will use a cognitive test on seniors such as asking them to draw certain diagrams such as a clock with the hands set at 8:20. Understand that as simple as these tests are, they will be quite challenging to an individual struggling with symptoms of Alzheimers. Be sure to take that diagram with you when your mother sees the doctor along with yur notes and questions.
Do NOT humiliate or scold your mother or otherwise laugh at her inability to respond to any simple directions. Understand that under this setting, also, your mother may crack jokes. This is to stall time for her to try to find the right way to answer the question or draw the diagram. Pay close attention to this and make mental note of it.
No matter what the ultimate determination is about your mother, remain faithful in spirit and enjoy your mother. Celebrate small moments and remember you are not alone. There are many, many support groups and resources available for you to utilize in your community. Many times we don't notice this in our own communities, but if you begin taking notice, you will see them. Do not be stubborn and too prideful or ashamed to reach out for help. Expect that you may need to at some time in the future place your mother in an adult daycare program, a nursing home, or hire home care services. Do not, NOT feel guilty about making that decision.
Also, expect that some family members may not be ready to accept your mother's aging condition. Each of us must do so on our own time. Do not argue and try to force your way on family members. Look for support from extended family and friends and support groups without being mean-spirited. If someone only has a couple of hours and you always do the night shift, embrace those couple of hours to do something special for yourself. Take a walk or walk around the mall or visit friends. If you can, split chores or delegate tasks among other family members, but it is not the end of the world if yu cannot get family support. There is community support available and you can begin with your church, NAMI, or other local Alzheimer's organizations.
Remember, nobody can replace the peace and joy you will have knowing you took care of your mother and enjoyed time with her and those memories are indeed priceless.
It also helps to keep a journal. The most important advice I can suggest is to remember that prevention is the key to any mental health condition so take care of yourself, too!
For more information about Dementia and Alzheimer's,
Visit Shepphard Pratt Hospital at
www.sheppard.org Visit Seeing Alzheimer's Signs at
www.youcanbetheone.com Visit Alzheimer's at
www.alz.org Visit National Alliance on Mental Illness at
www.nami.org Visit Ariafya Mental Wellness at
www.ariafya.com HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!
Posted By: agnes levine
Thursday, May 7th 2009 at 8:30PM
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