Determining the cause of memory problems is important to help the doctor, patient, and family choose the best plan of care.
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’ s or related conditions such as vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or Lewy body dementia, medicines may help for a while, especially in the early stages of the disease. Treatments( including medicines and non-medicine changes like getting enough exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night) can also ease serious behavioral symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and depression. Support groups and education are important and can help patients and caregivers.
Problems With Family
Even strong and supportive families can have problems, especially under the stress of illness. Although family problems can be awkward to discuss, talking about them can help your doctor help you. Your doctor may be able to suggest steps to improve the situation for you and your family.
Some people find it easier to put their thoughts into writing. Confidential messages can be sent through the patient portal. You may want to say,
Sometimes when we are stressed and tired, my family and I get into arguments and start yelling at each other. This makes me uncomfortable. What can I do?
Your doctor may be able to provide resources or referrals to other services that can help you and your family.
Elder Abuse
Mistreatment of older adults can take the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or abandonment, psychological abuse, and financial exploitation. Mistreatment can be by family members, strangers, health care providers, caregivers, or friends, and it could happen anywhere, including at home, a family member’ s house, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home.
Some types of mistreatment may not just be medical but criminal. If you feel that someone you know is being mistreated, you can seek help for them through Adult Protective Services, government agencies that focus on aging, and community-level organizations that provide services to older adults.
Having these difficult but necessary conversations is key to your good health. You might find that using booklets from NIA or other organizations can help you feel more comfortable bringing up difficult subjects when talking with your doctor. See the section called For More Information on the next page to find such booklets.
Summary
Difficult but Necessary Conversations
• Don’ t hesitate to discuss difficult subjects even if they don’ t seem directly related to a medical condition.
• You and your doctor can make better decisions together if the doctor knows about all your concerns, including non-medical issues.
• If the doctor can’ t help solve your non-medical problems, he or she may be able to refer you to other resources that can help.
• Use brochures or booklets as props to introduce topics you may feel awkward discussing.
• If you feel the doctor doesn’ t take your concerns seriously, it might be time to think about changing doctors.
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