The Sufferer

Many, but not all, people facing the onset of Alzheimer’s are aware that something is wrong. The diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s can come as somewhat of a relief, as they now know what is causing the problem.

Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways and each person will find their own approach to managing with the changes which occur.

There are some good reasons to tell the person with dementia about the diagnosis:

• Early intervention can enhance quality of life.
• Knowing about the condition can allow for planning for the future.
• Access to information, support and new treatments are helped when the person knows about their condition.
• Knowing about the condition allows for an honest and open discussion of the experience of dementia between family and friends.

Social - Friends and Family

Alzheimer’s can have a very significant and sudden impact on the family and friends of the sufferer

Work

Being diagnosed with dementia means that there are a number of matters to consider in planning for the future. If you are still working you will need to consider how dementia affects your working life and start thinking about future changes, which may be needed.

You may have already noticed the effects of dementia on your work. Some of the changes might include:

• Difficulty communicating your thoughts to colleagues or clients,
• Trouble concentrating for as long as you used to,
• Forgetting important meetings or appointments,
• Difficulty managing several tasks on the go at one time,
• Having problems with larger groups and possibly preferring to work alone,
• Losing confidence in your work abilities, and / or,
• Feeling uncertain about making important decisions

If you are having problems at work they are quite likely a result of the changes of dementia. The changes are not something you have control of, but you can take control of how you manage the situation. Sometimes simple strategies or changes in the environment can help you at work. Some people initially renegotiate their working hours and duties to reduce workplace pressures. Like anyone with a serious illness you are entitled to special consideration in the workplace.

The key to making employment decisions is to take early control, plan and be realistic and try to keep things in perspective.

Sometimes simple strategies or changes in the environment can help you at work.

From the start, you should seek guidance and support. Apart from your family and trusted friends, this support can come from:

• Your doctor or medical specialist,
• Your trade union or professional body,
• An Alzheimer’s Association in your area (see section 15.2 below),
• Legal and financial advisors,
• A counselor, and / or,
• Anti-discrimination advocates,

These people can help you think things through, and support you to make decisions needed for the future.

Leaving Work

At some point it is possible or even likely that you will decide to leave work. Try not to make a spur of the moment decision. Make sure that you are fully aware of all your benefits and entitlements. This can be a very complex area, so ensure that you get good financial advice.

Depending on your situation this might include guidance from:

• A financial counselor
• A solicitor
• Your trade union or professional body
• An Alzheimer’s Association in your area (see section 15.2 below),

Before you make any final decisions about leaving work find out about :

• Your superannuation policy and entitlements
• Any sick leave or long service leave entitlements
• Disability or sickness benefits
• Any income protection insurance or other insurances that may have a
• disability component
• Any government benefits for which you might be eligible after leaving work

In is important that your take time to carefully discuss things and make an informed decision. After all, this is about your future and the future of your family. There are people who will help you with your journey.

Take your time, discuss your options, and make an informed decision.

Driving a Car

Alzheimer’s can affect driving ability in a number of ways including :

• Finding your way around
• Remembering which way to turn
• Judging distance from other cars and objects
• Judging speed of other cars
• Reaction time
• Hand-eye coordination

The issues of driving ability and safety can be very difficult ones, both practically and emotionally, for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and their families.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s does not necessarily mean that a person must cease driving immediately. However, any changes in a person’s ability to drive will indicate a need for this to be considered.

Most of us are unaware of just how complicated a process driving is. We simply take the activity for granted. Alzheimer’s can cause loss of memory, limited concentration, loss of sight, and a range of other problems. This will eventually affect a person’s ability to drive safely.

Some people may recognize their declining abilities, others may not.

Doctors will often recommend that a person should stop driving or they may refuse to approve a driver’s license renewal, particularly if they have been alerted to any problems.

If there is any doubt about the abilities of the person, it is possible to have an objective assessment of a person’s driving. This test will assess an individual’s driving ability and whether it is appropriate that they continue to do so.

If you have any concerns about a person’s driving, the best way to proceed is to talk to them openly about the situation, consult with their doctor, and consider the need for an assessment. If the person refuses to heed the advice, then you should may contact the traffic authority in your area, and they will be able to advise you of further steps that can be taken.

It is important to remember that any decision that results in a person’s loss of license is made solely for safety reasons - the driver’s safety and the safety of others.

Eventually, Alzheimer’s will affect a person’s ability to drive. Some people decide to voluntarily relinquish their license. Doctors will sometimes recommend a person stop driving.

Some people find giving up driving one of the hardest things to do. Your car may be an important part of your independence and without it your life may change. As a result, you may feel angry, frustrated or upset about this change. Talking about these feelings, or asking a trusted family member, friend or counselor for information, may help.

If the decision is made that a person can no longer drive then it is essential to explore other means of transport. These can include:

• public transport - buses, trains, trams, and so on.
• utilizing friends or family for rides
• walking
• taxis

Remember, there are benefits in no longer driving. The alternatives may be less stressful than driving, the costs of the alternative transport is usually less than running a car, and the scenery can be enjoyed along the way.

B Bitamins are essential for mental health. Deficiencies may

manifest themsleves as cognitive impairment or psychosis. B1

(thiamin) deficiency is associated with a psychotic disorder,

and B3 (niacin) deficiency is associated with dementia, memory

deficits and delirium. Studies indicate that abnormally low

levels of vitamin B 12 are also associated with Alzheimers

Disease.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid present in large
amounts in brain tissue and the component of all cell membranes.
Suggested dosage is 300 mg. three times a day with meals. Zinc
prevents zinc depletion which has been linked to a number of
brain disorders. Ginkgo Biloba ia an herb that has been well
documented to improve cerebral blood flow, and exhibits
antioxidant activity on nerves. It may also reduce age-related
decline of neurotransmitters and receptors. Ginko may also slow
the progression of Alzheimers by improving blood flow and reduce
blood vessel inflammation.