Thursday, February 12, 2009
Caring and sharing with the Alzheimer's Association
The person diagnosed should be involved in planning as much as possible from the beginning.
Jeanna Duerscherl | The Roanoke Times
Dr. Aubrey Knight of Carilion Clinic is leading a seminar series on Alzheimer's designed for health care professionals and families. A session titled "Diagnosing Alzheimer's and Then What?" will be held Feb. 19.
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As a caregiver for 25 years, Dr. Aubrey Knight, section chief of geriatrics at Carilion Clinic, has treated many patients for Alzheimer's disease. And although his family has been almost completely spared from the debilitating disease, he still can't deny the way it has changed him.
"I have seen husbands and wives demonstrate to me what 'for better or for worse' really means in demonstrating love when there often doesn't seem to be any return in that love. I am a better husband for it," explained Knight. "I have seen sons and daughters put their lives on hold to care for and support a parent. I am a better son for it."
On Feb. 19, Knight will host a seminar titled "Diagnosing Alzheimer's and Then What?"
This seminar is one of six in a series organized by the Alzheimer's Association of Central and Western Virginia Chapter and all will be held at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Knight noted that these seminars are meant for medical professionals at a basic level. But he added that this event is free, will not be too technical and is open to the public. He encouraged anyone with questions to attend.
He plans to address "what we can do as providers, short of using medication, to prevent it, or as they become more affected by it."
And for the regular person seeking advice?
Knight advises anyone just diagnosed with Alzheimer's to begin talking. "The most important thing to do early is to have open conversations about medical, financial and care plans," he said.
And to ask questions. Knight suggested that the person diagnosed be involved as much as possible from the beginning.
The Alzheimer's Association is a volunteer organization with a chapter in Western Virginia. The group not only strives to raise money for Alzheimer's research, but also offers support to Alzheimer's patients, caregivers and their loved ones.
Knight said about one in eight people over age 65 who lives in Roanoke has Alzheimer's.
According to the Web site of the Alzheimer's Association of Central and Western Virginia Chapter, 42,000 people suffer from Alzheimer's in the region. This number is likely to rise in the next two years by 30 percent, making Alzheimer's a much bigger concern for many across the region.
Knight said there is still little information about prevention.
"Alzheimer's disease is multifactorial, with a genetic predisposition in some with other risk factors that play a role as well," he said. "There is mounting evidence that some of the same risk factors for later development of stroke exist for dementia."
Knight urged those concerned to pay close attention to their diet and treatment of hypertension. This could actually prevent or delay further development of Alzheimer's disease.
