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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1996-07-17, Page 15THIS WEEK AT Toll Frce 1-800-395-8819 Second Section - ul 17,1996 • Learning to deal with Alzheimers By Chris Skalkos T -A Reporter EXETER - On Sunday, two brothers returned to their home in Ajax Ontario, but their arrival was only a quick stop among many as they continued their trek across the country. On May 1, Ross and Greg Neil set out from Victoria British Columbia to bicycle across Canada, not for fun or adventure, but for Alzheimer Disease. After watching their mother struggle with the effects of the disease for three years, the Neil brothers - Ross, 25, Greg 19, - decided to embark on the four month cross-country tour to raise the general public's understanding of Alzheimer Disease. They want to dispel the many myths surrounding it and share the pain, stress and daily challenges caregivers endure watching a loved one lose their fight with the disease. Alzheimer Disease does not just affect the elderly and it is not a normal part of aging. It is a disease that can affect a whole family as caregivers struggle to understand and deal with it. Although Alzheimei Disease is associated with old age because a majority of those affected are over the age of 65, it can, and does, develop at a younger age. When a person is affected, the process is alwayb a progressive and degenerative one in which formerly self- reliant men and women become dependent upon others. Affecting the brain, a person's ability to understand, think, remember and communicate becomes difficult. Confusion and memory loss increases and problems - understanding what is said or making oneself understood escalates. Coordination and other physical abilities degenerate until the person becomes completely dependent. However, Alzheimer Disease ha§ been described as having two victims: the person suffering from the disease and their family members who must endure with long periods of emotional, financial and physical stress while coping with the disease. Joy Kerslake from Elimville knows how true this can be. Kerslake has watched her mother, Florence Seldon, struggle with disease for the past five years. She said her mother started developing Alzheimer Disease five years ago but many of the signs went unnoticed because of the silent nature of the disease. Forgetting about a pot cooling on the stove is not uncornmon, moodiness or btnbtle changes in her behavior Was attributed to stress and wonting long hours at her job. Once her mother couldn't find her mail box at the post office, but this was also dismissed as t temporary state of confusion. "At the time I didn't realize what was going on and its easy to make excuses for these things, but now that I look back I recognize them as early signs," said Kerslake. It wasn't until two years later when she sought medical attention for her mother's chest pains that a doctor noticed her control mood and emotion is gradually lost, and reactions to situations may be extreme or inappropriate. frightened behavior, and after further testing, diagnosed her as having Alzheimer Disease. If one of the most difficult aspects of Alzheimer Disease is recognizing symptoms, the other is coming to terms with the change in behavior of those affected. An individual with Alzheimer Disease has less expression, is loos lively and is more withdrawn. The ability to For example Kerslake said her mother becomes easily angered and frustrated at her but at the same time may be pleasant to someone else. "Their minds are different, they are a totally CANADA different person," said Kerslake: "Some days they are coherent and some days you can't understand them." To further complicate her condition, Seldon has suffered a series of small strokes which can also cause some of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer Disease. RealUzjti she couldn't keep up with her mother's needs, Kerslake moved her to the Exeter Villa for round- ONSALLI. ISTF"C E the-clock care. Unable to reason with her mother or explain to her why she needed to be there, Kerslake admitted at first she felt guilty even though she knew she couldn't provide the attention her mother needed at home. Frequently individuals with Alzheimer Disease become suspicious of people around them and as the disease develops, they have little or no recognition of familiar people or surroundings. Kerslake visits her mother everyday but said she never knows what to expect upon each visit. She recalls how her mother once asked "how the baby is" referring to her 12 year-old daughter, or the time her brother visited and she didn't recognize him. Kerslake said her brother' found that difficult to deal with and is preparing for the visit when that will happen to her. "The time hasn't come when she doesn't recognize me but I know it's going to happen." Since her mother was diagnosed, Kerslake has read a great deal about Alzheimer Disease but said no amount of research can prepare you for the reality of watching a family member succumb to the disease. '"Nott have to experience it to really understand it...it's a very mind-bogglingdisease for a family to deal with," she said. A surprising number of people don't know very much about Alzheimer Disease, yet, over 300,000 Canadians are afflicted with it, and with the aging of the "baby boom" population, these numbers are escalating. The odds of being touched by the disease, either directly or indirectly, are growing. By the time Ross and Greg Neil reach the end of their journey (Cape Spear, Newfoundland) next month, perhaps more Canadians will understand Alzheimer Disease and, more importantly, know how to deal with it. Alzheimer Disease Facts ra• Alzheimer disease is a degenerative brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells. E' There Is no known cause or cure for Alzheimer Disease. Canadlans spend $3.9 billion a year on persons with Alzheimer Disease and related dementias. cr Alzheimer Disease can strike adults at any age, but occurs most commonly in people over 65. cr Over 114 million Canadians currently suffer from Alzheimer Disease and related dementias. Autopsy is the only definitive method of diagnosis, therefore many cases of the disease go unreported. ,A demographic shift is occurring in Canada. As the "baby boom" generation ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer Disease will sky -rocket. vs' By the year 2030, it is estimated over 3/4 million Canadians will have Alzheimer Disease. This figure does not include the countless family members who must cope with the effects of the disease. ►ar There are two forms of Alzheimer Disease: Familial Autosomal Dominant (FAD), which can strike at any age and Sporadic, which usually occurs after the age of 65. will be receiving SOFT RED WINTER WHEAT & FUNDULEA RED WHEAT Hensall Exeter 262-3002 235-1150 1-800-265-5190 Seaforth 522-1000 ■ Hensall Co-op the fastest wheat and barley receiving elevator in the area ■ Locally owned by farmers ■ Friendly fast efficient service ■ Fair Grades ■ Honest weights ALSO HANDLING • White Wi>; heat • White Beans • Coloured Beans Soybeans Londesboro 523-4470 Ildel t of 1 666-1300 4 4