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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
Are You Watching
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
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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