Alzheimer's disease and the family: a challenge of the new millennium.
I have tried to set a keynote--an emphasis on taking a positive approach to the multiple problems that Alzheimer's presents to the patient, the caregiving family, the health professionals, the health care system and society-at-large. The attempt is to preserve as much function as possible, for as long as possible, and thus to maintain the person in his/her own home, in a familiar environment, the environment in which he/she will be least confused and most productive and calm, for as long as possible; in the environment which is most economical, so that as much as possible of the person's capability and person can still be enjoyed by the family members, despite the presence of this illness. One does not wish to make light of this illness and the tragedy that it represents for many of those whom it afflicts, and particularly for the family members, who are not blessed with the gift of the frequently diminished insight the patient has as the illness progresses. However, pleasure, joy, love, affection, and an appreciation of excitement, reminiscence and beauty, and particularly love and affection and many other life-enhancing qualities are still there to be enjoyed by patient and family member alike. To achieve this, the family member must be well informed, skilled, and, above all, well rested and energetic, if he or she is to be the means of reducing the impact of Alzheimer's on the patient, the family and our society.
Ham
R J
RJ
SUNY Distinguished Chair in Geriatric Medicine, Health Science Center, Syracuse.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs