Dementia: Friendly Tips by H.E. Logue, M.D.

Dementia Can be a horror movie at home. Can be a horror movie at home. Can sound like a death sentence. Can sound like a death sentence. But wait… But wait… There is HOPE There is HOPE

My Friendly Postman Bob Post True Story

Why Am I a Psychiatrist? Because millions of people like Mr. Post need the help he never received Because millions of people like Mr. Post need the help he never received

Lessons from Our Youth Out of character behavior indicates a problem… Out of character behavior indicates a problem…

We are born with eyes to see and observe and a brain to understand NOT A brain that understands mathematics or dementia Was I Born to be a Psychiatrist?

Business Principle: Business Principle: The last one hired The last one hired The first one fired The first one fired Dementia Principle (generally) Dementia Principle (generally) Last thing to learn Last thing to learn First thing to forget First thing to forget An Analogy

Ten Warning Signs 1) Short-term memory loss that disrupts daily life 2) Difficulties in planning or solving problems 3) Difficulty completing familiar tasks 4) Confusion with time or place 5) Trouble understanding what one sees and hears 6) New problems with words in speaking or writing 7) Misplacing things and losing ability to retrace steps 8) Decreased or poor judgment 9) Withdrawal from work or social activities 10) Changes in mood and personality

Four A’s of Alzheimer 1) Amnesia 2) Aphasia 3) Apraxia 4) Agnosia

The L’s Of Caring 1) Live in their world 2) Love them as they are 3) Learn to value remaining talents and gifts 4) Let them maintain structure independence 5) Listen, listen, listen 6) Laugh with them 7) Line up respite opportunities 8) Linger over pleasant memories 9) Look past the scribbling to the art

A Few Quick Tips Don’t argue Don’t argue Offer comfort and understanding Offer comfort and understanding Don’t agree to the outrageous Don’t agree to the outrageous Offer favorites Offer favorites Notice things Notice things Watch for senior scams Watch for senior scams

Expectations  To be hurt  To cause hurt  The unexpected  Paranoia  Not being recognized  Tender moments  To agonize over decisions  A maze of legal issues  To be exhausted  Lack of sibling support

Listen to the Experts Doctors Doctors Social Workers Social Workers Attorneys Attorneys Ministers Ministers Hospice Hospice

Treatment Goals Keep goals and expectations reasonable Keep goals and expectations reasonable Myriad of outcomes possible Myriad of outcomes possible Medications have risks Medications have risks No cure or prevention No cure or prevention

NPH: Dementia Reversed Normal pressure hydrocephalus treated Normal pressure hydrocephalus treated

Preventive Measures 1) Good genes 2) Balanced diet 3) Exercise 4) Omega-3s. 5) Ibuprofen.

Unsettling Occurrences  Don’t be caught off-guard

The Rise and Fall of Intellect Maturity Learning Curve vs. Dementia Decline Curve Maturity Learning Curve vs. Dementia Decline Curve