HowTo Talk To Your Parent About Alzheimer’s Disease (NAPSA)—No one wants to *Keep a record of things you’ve believe a parent might be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). noticed about their memory or behavior so you have specific mean for you and your loved one can make approaching the topic and the physician. Assist them in scheduling an Fear of what a diagnosis may examples to discuss with them with them incredibly challenging. While some with AD mayiniti- ate their own diagnosis and care, for mostit will be a loved one who approaches the individual about changes in memory or independent functioning and alerts their physician. As families gather for the holiday season and you spend more time with your parents, you may begin to notice subtle changes in their daily functioning or behavior that are not normal signs of aging. It’s essential you speak with your parent about seeking medical attention as soon as you begin to notice any changes with memory, thinking and judg- mentskills, or mood and behavior, as these changes should be evaluated by a physician. Warning Signs of AD* The warning signs of AD are more than memory loss. Know what to look for and whatto tell a doctor. Be familiar with the symptoms and watch for changes over time in one or more of the following: Memoryloss Difficulty performing familiar tasks ik d For adult children, it can bediffi- cult to discuss the topic of AD. helping your loved one function independently as long as possible. “Early diagnosis lessens anxi- eties about unknown problems, allows time to make choices that maximize quality of life, provides a better chance of benefiting from treatment, and allows more time to plan for the future,” said Jef- frey Applebaum, M.D., University of California, Davis Medical Group. “While it may be difficult to come to terms with the situation, getting through the awk- wardness of confronting a parent about their mental health is crucial to successful treatment.” Howto Talk to Your Parent About AD Here are tips to help you speak with your parent and encourage them to meet with a physician for an initial evaluation: eLet your parent know you love appointment with their family practitioner or in seeking a referral for a neurologist or other specialist.** Offer to accompany your parent during the tests or offer transportation to the doctor.** Carol Dearing, whose parents, Charlotte and Robert Findley, suffer from AD said, “We recognized symptoms in my motherearly. It was difficult to approach her, but seeking medical attention early has allowed her to function better than she would have if we had not taken action.” Carol worked with Dr. Apple- baum, her parents’ physician, to find the best treatment options. Charlotte and Robert were taking an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and when Namenda (memantine available in HCl) became the U.S., Dr. Applebaum prescribed the two medications in combination. After taking Namenda, her father’s cognitive decline seemed to slow and her mother regained the ability to perform some activities of daily living such as communicating her feelings and personal grooming. Carol considers Namenda a ray of hope and Problems with language Disorientation to time and place Poor or decreased judgment Problems with abstract thinking * Misplacing things Changes in mood or behavior Changes in personality AD signs and symptoms prior to approaching your parent to gain a knew.*** those affected and give physicians whatto expect. Begin the conversation by speaking in general health terms or by prescription in the U.S. Ask your physician about Namenda, go to www.Namenda.com, or call Loss of initiative While recent advancements in AD research provide new hope for and caregivers greater resources to help treat and manage the condition, early diagnosis is key to them and are there to support them. Inform yourself by researching better understanding of AD and about memory rather than putting your parent on the defensive about the term Alzheimer’s disease. says that the medication has allowed her family to have back some of the mother they once Namendais indicated for moderate to severe AD andis available 1-877-2-NAMENDA(1-877-2626363) or the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900. ee ee ee enn en ee ee ee ee ee eee Wee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee eee Namendais contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to memantine HCl or to any excipients used in the formulation. The most common adverse events reported with Namendavs. placebo (>5% and greater than placebo) were dizziness, confusion, headache, and constipation. In patients with severe renal impairment, the use of Namenda has not been systematically evaluated and is not recommended. *Alzheimer’s Association. Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. Accessed August 30, 2004, at http://www.alz.org/AboutAD/Warning.asp **Some steps adapted from the Alzheimer’s Association, Steps to Getting a Diagnosis at www.alz.org/Resources/Fact Sheets/Brochure_StepstoDiagnosis.pdf *** Individual patient response may vary.
