Posted 12/15/18
Anxiety goes hand-in-hand with Alzheimer’s patients as long as they meet one of two conditions: they are at least subconsciously aware of their inability to make clear and mentally-pleasing decisions and they are not drugged like Jerry Garcia. Last night mom was brought to a different facility for a while to help her with her brain-bandit-induced anxiety because she qualifies.
She was and is, obviously enough, quite anxious at a new facility where she knows nobody…nothing. I guess if you want to diagnose someone and treat them, that would help you understand the extent of the problem, but it screams “overreaction alert” if one is not careful. It reminds me of 15 years ago when I was told my my PCP that I needed to reduce the stress in my life…then gave me a bill for $500 for tests that I didn’t have the money to cover. I wondered at the time if he was out of carrier rattlesnakes or wasp swarms to bring me my bill…
Just a heads up in case you don’t know her story: mom is physically a very young 74-year-old. She is strong, energetic, enthusiastic, still artistic and naturally curious. Her problem is this stupid stinkin’ disease. As I have posted many, many times, the brain seeks a rested state where it can slowly “learn” while it lays in wait to react swiftly to stimuli that requires a quick response. That is why we love the familiar…because our brain, the rudder of our self-awareness ship, loves it. Mom has a strong motive (anxiety) and ability to do many things, including walking through unlocked doors…an unfortunate fact that wreaks havoc with Alzheimer’s wings. Her intent isn’t nefarious…she wants to find rest in the form of normalcy. Peace just might be found on the other side of that door. 🙁
Mom will be tested even more thoroughly than ever, and my fear is her ability to accurately answer questions will be so hindered that a true anxiety treatment plan will be very hard to come by…but I guess we will see this week. I will meet the doctor team Monday to chart the course.
Thank you all for joining us in this journey while you fight your own dragons. I love and appreciate all of the kind words and the prayer.
#EndALZ
(Note: There will be a lot of reruns on the pictures as the facility takes your phone/camera. We went quite a while with no new pix. 🙁 )
