Sunday, December 14, 2008

Alzheimer


By : Ulul azmi iswahyudi
NPM : 220111080032
Sign of alzheimer's disease ( 10 warning of sign)
People with alzheimer's experience difficulties communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning. Problems severe enough to have an impact on an individual's work, social activities and family life.

10 warning sign of alzheimer's are :

1. Memory loss. Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.
What's normal? Forgetting names or appointments occasionally.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. Individuals may lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a telephone call or playing a game.
What's normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say.

3. Problem with language. Often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand.
What's normal? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

4. Disorientation to time and place. May bocome lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.
What's normal? Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going.

5. Poor or decresed judgment. Those with alzheimer's may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold.
What's normal? Making questionable or debatable decision from time to time.

6. Problems with abstract thinking. May have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are for and how they should be used.
What's normal? Finding it challenging to balance a checkbook.

7. Misplacing things. May put things in unusual places such as an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
What's normal? Misplacing key or wallet temporarily.

8. Changes in mood or behavior. May slow rapid mood swings-from calm to tears to anger- for no apparent reason.
What's normal? Occasionally feeling sad or moody.

9. Change in personality. May change dramatically, may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.
What's normal? People's personalities do change somewhat with age.

10. Loss of initiate. May become very passive, sitting in front of the tv for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities.
What's normal? Sometimes feeling weary of work or social obligations

Four key principles of elderly care


Published by : Ulul Azmi iswahyudi
NPM : 220111080032


What do you expect at your age ?.............................You are not getting any younger !
It's very important that older, adults, their families, friends and health care provider understand several key concepts to ensure that older receive timely and appropriate health care services and advise.

1. Sudden change comes from sudden problems
An older person that suddenly becomes confused, but was alert and oriented, is having an acute problem such as an infection, medication side effect or even heart attack. These and many acute problem can be treated effectively if diagnosed properly and in timely manner.

2. Gradual decline may not be Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease symptoms develop slowly. However, there are many other problems that develop slowly and may cause gradual decline. Loneliness and social isolation can also cause gradual decline.
................ Medication use in elderly is a major drug problem in America. Many older people see several doctors, each of whom may prescribe different medications. It's not hard to see how medications may pile up and how difficult they may be to ttrack. They should make sure their doctors know about all medication they are taking, are they necessary? what side effect should I watch for? The doctor should also know about alcohol, cigarette and coffe use.

3. Ageist attitudes are harmful
They are unjust generalizations and prejudicial statement that assume all order adults naturally become weak, sick and forgetful. Older people get sick from disease, not "old age".

4. A story to remember.
Think about it. Don't sell older people short. There is always something that can be done to help an older person lead a happier, more functional life, even in extreme old age.
By Robert S. Stall, M.D.