Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson Dear Counsellor:
My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She gets confused and disoriented at times. Her memory is poor and she has difficulty attending to her personal hygiene and needs.
- Rhonda
Dear Rhonda:
Dementia is a common condition diagnosed in the elderly. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia and the incidence among the elderly is increasing. There are several causes for confusion and disorientation in the elderly, an your mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you should get a recent medical evaluation because she may have additional problems.
Medication, supportive care
Alzheimer's disease is treated with medication and supportive care. Caring for the elderly who are incapacitated can be challenging and it is good to seek the help of a professional caregiver. These caregivers will help your mother to attend to her personal needs. Supervision can be provided by yourself and you can relieve the caregiver at times.
Your mother needs to be under the care of a family doctor as she may have other medical conditions and this can worsen her physical and mental state. Sometimes, she might get depressed and this will need to be treated. The elderly sometimes find themselves isolated, not having visitors, while having close friends and family who are dying. It is good to encourage friends and family to visit and cheer up your mother.
Hurricane damage
Dear Counsellor:
I am not sleeping at nights since the hurricane. I was very afraid and terrified during Hurricane Dean. I now find that I'm easily startled and get palpitations sometimes.
- Carol
Dear Carol:
Many individuals will have similar symptoms like yours after Hurricane Dean. You seem to have developed acute stress disorder. Sleep problems can last for some time and you may need some medication to help you to sleep.
Hurricanes bring lots of stress. The symptoms can last for some time. I hope you did not lose your roof or suffer structural damage. Some people are worried about their houses and the effect of the hurricane.
During the passage of a hurricane, people get worried about the effect of the hurricane on their property. The worry and concern cause individuals to develop depression, anxiety problems and sleep disorders. Each year, our mind and body adjust to the hurricane conditions and effects. Humans are adaptable and with the annual hurricane seasons, the resilient Jamaican will bounce back easily. Some individuals, however, will need counselling and medication to deal with their symptoms.
Phone Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson 978-8602 or 791-1778, or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.
