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Page 14, Viewpointe                                                  August 2020
      Ask The Therapist



      Dementia - Risk, Treatment &                       these disorders, i.e. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Vascular   depression is present, one must consult with a Therapist
      Care                                               and  other  genetically  caused  diseases  are  progressive   and Psychiatrist.

                                                                                                             When anyone receives a diagnosis of dementia, whether
                                                         and not reversible. Therefore, the urgency to get an
      By Elaine S. Rubinson,                             accurate diagnosis is vital. These tests should include a   it’s progressive or reversible, it can be devastating. The
      L.M.H.C.                                           complete review of the patient’s medical history as well   individual and family must be prepared as possible to
                                                         as cognitive and neuropsychological tests to evaluate and   address the many details needed to deal with a condition
         Last month I responded                          measure thinking and memory, reasoning and judgment,   that’s unpredictable and ever changing. Initially, visits with
      to an inquiry from a man                           language skills and attention. Other exams should include a   the Doctors and testing labs are time consuming. After
      who’s wife was exhibiting                          neurological evaluation to test movement, senses, balance,   the diagnosis a course of treatment must be determined.
      symptoms of early onset                            reflexes and other conditions. Brain Scans, laboratory tests   During the time when a reversible condition is addressed
      dementia. I presented the                          and a Psychiatric evaluation are also necessary to complete   and treated, symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss,
      various causes of dementia                         the exam. Once the work up has been completed, a course   impaired judgment, language difficulties and problems
      and showed that it is a                            of treatment can be determined.                   with simple daily activities will still be present. Joining a
      symptom rather than a                              Reversible Dementia                               support group where cognitive and expressive therapies are
      disease  and is  present  in                          When a progressive disease is ruled out, it is found   offered is very helpful. Seeing an individual Therapist and
      many disorders. Some of                            that some causes of dementia or dementia-like symptoms   an Occupational Therapist is advised to learn how to cope
                                                         may be reversed. These include infections and immune   with this hopefully transient condition. It’s also advised to
                                                         disorders causing a high fever. People with brain infections
                                                                                                           continue participating and maintaining as active a lifestyle
       Hadassah                                          like meningitis, encephalitis, untreated syphilis, Lyme   as often as possible, such as exercise, volunteering and
                                                         disease also may develop thinking difficulties. Conditions
                                                                                                           spending time with family and friends.
                                                         such as multiple sclerosis and leukemia that have      The  above  advice  is  just  as  indicated  for  someone
       Geula-Atid Chapter and                            compromised immune systems also can cause dementia.   diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and  Vascular diseases.
                                                         Other disorders at risk to develop dementia-like symptoms
                                                                                                           However, the need for a more supervised program will
       L’Dor V’Dor Group                                 may be metabolic abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies,   depend on the stages and progression of the condition.
                                                         medication reactions, poisoning, alcohol and drug abuse   Most individuals do well attending a day program where
                                                         and anoxia, a condition when organ tissues are not getting   activities and social support is offered to stimulate
          Hadassah, the                                  sufficient oxygen.                                cognition and memory, prevent isolation and possibly
       Women’s Zionist                                   Risk factors for dementia that cannot be changed  slow mental decline. Daily memory jogging tasks like
       Organization                                         Because some genetically caused diseases cannot be   keeping a calendar, and structuring bedtime, mealtime
       of  Am e ri c a ,                                 reversed and prevention may not be possible, some risk   and television watching is helpful to decrease stress and
       inspires a passion                                factors can not be changed. Let’s examine the risk factors   disorientation. There has been a plethora of discussion
       and commitment                                    that can’t be changed, i.e. age. After age 65, although the   about dietary supplements and other alternative medicines
       to its partnership with the land and people of Israel. It   risk of Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia and several other   for dementia. However, more studies are indicated to prove
       enhances the health of people worldwide through its   dementias greatly increases, dementia isn’t a normal part   their effectiveness.
       support of care and research at the Hadassah Medical   of aging. Other probabilities of developing the symptom      When discussing dementia, as in the case of most
       Organization in Jerusalem. Hadassah empowers its   include family history of dementia. a genetic mutation, or   serious conditions, one should not forget the Caregiver.
       members and supporters, as well as youth in Israel and   Down syndrome.                             Often the primary caregiver is a spouse or other family
       America, through opportunities for personal growth,   Risk factors for dementia that can be changed  member. Providing care is physically and emotionally
       education, advocacy and Jewish continuity.        Alcohol abuse                                     demanding. Their needs and support are also vital and will
          Did you know??? Hadassah supports three Youth   Atherosclerosis                                  be the subject of a future article.
       Villages in Israel. These are home to immigrants and   High Blood pressure.                            There are no sure ways to prevent dementia, but there
       at-risk children in Israel. Druze, Bedouins, Arabs and   Cholesterol                                are steps you can take that might help. More research is
       Israel youth live and learn together.             Depression                                        needed, but changing to and living a healthy lifestyle has
                                                         Diabetes                                          proven beneficial. Doing mentally stimulating activities
                          JOIN US!                       High estrogen levels                              and memory training may delay dementia and help decrease
                   Call: Susan 561 208-1632              Homo cysteine blood levels                        its effects. Staying physically and socially active helps to
                                                         Obesity                                           reduce symptoms, and eliminating destructive habits, such
                      JOIN our BOARD!                    Smoking                                           as smoking, unhealthy eating and stressful situations works
                   Call: Marge 904 347-6383                 Following a thorough examination and diagnosis, most   to reduce the risk of not only dementia, but other illnesses.
                                                         of the above conditions may be controlled by changes in
                    UPCOMING EVENTS                      life style and diet, medication and sessions with appropriate      Elaine S Rubinson L.M.H.C. is a Florida Supreme Court
                                                         Professionals. In the case of addictive personalities, a   Certified Family and Elder Law Mediator. She is also a
         Summer Dinner – you’ll get the e-mail…maybe a   Substance Abuse Therapist or Smoking Cessation Coach   Licensed Psychotherapist with a practice in Boca Raton. If
                Tuesday night with little to do???       is advised. When excessive and unhealthy eating is the   you have a question, please contact her at elainerubinson@
        We’ll meet at a local restaurant for food and stories!!!  cause, a meeting with a Dietician is indicated. And, when   mediationinsight.com. 
        Sunday Boat Ride – have a pina collada while sailing
                  the ocean blue, Oct. 25, 2020,
           Hadassah, the Womens’ Zionist Organization of
                          America

               STAY HEALTHY ... STAY WELL 



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        Your Speed?


           Please obey all posted speed                                      Jeffrey S. Fromowitz, M.D., F.A.A.D.
        limit signs throughout Boca Pointe
        for the safety of our residents. As                             Board Certified Dermatologist         Fellow American Society of Dermatologic Surgery
        a reminder, the speed limits are as                   Fellow American Society of Mohs Micrographic Surgery  Fellow American Society of Laser Medicine Surgery
        follows:                                                   Fellow American Academy of Dermatology        Diplomate American Board of Dermatology
           Boca Pointe Drive 30mph
           Via de Sonrisa del Norte 25mph                   • General Dermatology                                     • Chemical Peels
           Promenade Drive 20mph
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                                                                          All new patients receive a FREE Gift after your first visit!!

                                                                                        *Certain restrictions apply. New patients only
                                         Barbara Panton                                        Barbara Panton
                        Experience…                                            Experience…   Dermatology of Boca
                  Listing - Selling - Consulting                         Listing - Selling - Consulting
                                                                                  4601 North Federal Highway • Boca Raton, FL 33431
                 954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com                      954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com
                                                                                              561-362-8000
             2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062           2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062


                                                           Dermatology of Boca 14.pmd  1                               1/19/2012, 9:22 AM





                                         Barbara Panton                                        Barbara Panton
                        Experience…                                            Experience…
                  Listing - Selling - Consulting                         Listing - Selling - Consulting

                 954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com                      954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com
             2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062           2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062









                                         Barbara Panton                                        Barbara Panton
                        Experience…                                            Experience…
                  Listing - Selling - Consulting                         Listing - Selling - Consulting

                 954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com                      954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com
             2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062           2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062









                                         Barbara Panton                                        Barbara Panton
                        Experience…                                            Experience…
                  Listing - Selling - Consulting                         Listing - Selling - Consulting
                 954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com                      954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com
             2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062           2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062









                                         Barbara Panton                                        Barbara Panton
                        Experience…                                            Experience…
                  Listing - Selling - Consulting                         Listing - Selling - Consulting

                 954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com                      954-980-5675   /   BAPLL@aol.com
             2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062           2112 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach FL 33062
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