Dr. Val FarmerDr.Val | |||
Rural Mental Health & Family Relationships | |||
Avoiding Pitfalls Of Growing OldNovember 22, 1999 Getting older? Having trouble finding the car keys? That may not be that big of a deal, but other problems are. My colleague, psychiatrist Robert Olson, at MeritCare Health System in Fargo shared with me some of the common problems he sees in his clinical practice with the elderly. Olson believes that seeing a physician is half the battle. Older people usually have respect and appreciation for the medical profession and follow doctors orders after they have been seen. But there still may be problems. Popping too many pills? Its common for people to see different specialists about different health problems. Each physician prescribes a medication, unaware of the other medications the patient may be taking. Many times a patient may have upward of 6 to 8 or even 10 medications he or she takes on a daily basis. Each medicine has side effects. Look out when one medicine interactions with another medicines! This situation often causes depression, confusion, unsteadiness, distressing physical problems and may interfere with the effectiveness of medicines on the remedy they are supposed to address. When going a see a physician, the patient or their family member should gather up all their medications and bring them to their appointment. The prescribing physician can then see the total picture and look for problems. The solution for some perplexing health problems may consist of eliminating or changing medications that are causing difficulties. Getting forgetful? There is normal forgetfulness in aging and then there is the forgetfulness connected with diseases like Alzheimers. It is important to know the difference. With Alzheimers disease, the process of losing ones mental abilities and judgment takes place gradually. Consequently, the family may not comprehend or recognize what is happening. These symptoms become apparent when the older person is away from their usual environment and becomes disoriented and confused, such as at a family reunion or being in a highly stimulating place like a mall. It is important for families to understand the disease and get an early start on knowing how to deal with it as effectively. Family members can play a key role in providing appropriate care. Most larger communities have support groups to assist family members. Olson emphasizes that some memory problems are due to other causes such as Vitamin B-12 deficiency or thyroid problems. These problems are easily tested and treatments are available. Get family members to go to the appointment with their parent or spouse. Getting an accurate history and full description of the difficulties is important. Olson finds that older people tend to minimize their troubles and leave out important information. Too much booze? Excessive alcohol use confounds other health problems and depression. An older persons ability to tolerate alcohol is much less than earlier years. Problem drinking among the elderly is a real and often hidden issue. Driving a problem? Another health/safety concern is getting an older person to stop driving when they begin to lose their visual acuity. More importantly, however, is the loss of judgment and slowed reactions when they are exposed to driving situations with lots of stimulation and confusion. A physician can play a role in helping older patients and family members make decisions about driving. Hows your spark? Depression in older people may not show up by sadness or feeling blue. It is diagnosed more often by sleep or appetite problems, excessive worry about health or financial problems, physical symptoms, weakness, fatigue and social withdrawal or isolation. The usual spark is missing. Olson emphasizes that depression is treatable. It is under-diagnosed in this age group. Heres how to counteract depression and loneliness:
Older people need to take responsibility and counteract loneliness and isolation through their own initiative. Being outgoing and involved with their peers and friends helps to balance life and to stay independent. All that is well and good, but it doesnt help find the car keys. Oh well. |
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