FTD

FTD or Fronto-temporal lobe dementia is different from Alzheimer's disease in that memory is intact for a while but other frontal and temporal lobe functions are impaired. The temporal lobe is responsible for understanding and using language so that is impaired. Visual hallucinations are not uncommon in the early stages of FTD as are tremors that mimic Parkinson's. These are called Parkinsonian symptoms, often mistaken for Parkinsons. Some have received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease until things change. The frontal lobe, responsible for giving us social awareness, regulating impulsivity and mood, is also involved in FTD. The person may have mood fluctuations, impulsivity, and personality shifts. This is a hard disease on both the person affected and the caregivers. Caregivers, often overwhelmed with the changes that have occurred in their family member, need stability and this disease manifests itself in unstable ways. If you are dealing with FTD get as much information as you can. Join a FTD specific support group. Use the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 caregiver line. Google your state's Alzheimer's Association and get the number. The people who man the lines are well trained and available when you need them.

Care for the Caregiver...YOU

Summer is here even though it doesn't look like it in New England; mid-60s and raining. I'm home with a nasty cold, laryngitis, ear infectiions, so my orienting at my new position in psychiatric nursing is on hold until I can hear adequately to do my job. I wonder how our body knows we are stretched to our limit? It does, though, and gets sick, laying us up to rest. I think that is what this sickness is all about. Caregivers, whether informal family caregivers, or professional caregivers (social workers, nurses, homecare aides, doctors), need to tend to their need for rest. If we don't pay attention, the body makes us take a rest. What happens to you when you are forced to rest? Can you give in and let nature heal you, or do you, like so many of the caregivers we coach here at StilMee, keep plowing along, not asking for help, and not able to give the attention to caregiving that they want.
This summer take stock of yourself. Do you take time for yourself to refresh and revive your energy? I used to say to myself, "I think I need an Abby fix." referring to delicious time with my granddaughter. An hour or so with an innocent child who expected nothing but smiles and hugs, made me feel whole again.
Whether it be visiting with family members or friends who are light-hearted and can laugh, reading a good book, listening to music, sitting outdoors doing nothing but gazing at the sky, or exercising at a local gym, you MUST take time away from your caregiver duties and refresh yourself. I've learned that when I'm sick, I stay out of work, trusting the place won't fold if I'm not there. As I give over the reins of StilMee to the coaches, I find the company runs well, I can see what strength and knowledge the coaches have without me, and my body heals. I hope you've learned this lesson too. It has taken me a long time but I learned. Practice taking care of yourself. It will pay off generously.
BEv