Okay, after this post I’ll go back to “fun” topics. Because of the well-deserved attention of Alzheimer’s, there is a tendency for we non-medical individuals to lump all dementia in older people into that category. That is not inherently a problem in the sense that other forms of dementia often have essentially the same impact on family and friends as Alzheimer’s. Treatment, however, can be different and in seeking the appropriate treatment, family and friends need to recognize that medical and non-medical treatments are extremely limited for many types of dementia. While there are standard treatments for Alzheimer’s, for those who have dealt with it, you are aware of the limitations, but they do have tests to be able to verify that the condition is Alzheimer’s. Sadly, once dementia in whatever form it takes or degree of it there is, in general grows progressively worse, sending the individual into a downward spiral.

That’s why I want to discuss “Partial Impairment” which is what many people experience and it is not necessarily a prelude to Alzheimer’s. Before I do, please be aware that I am not medically trained and you can seek information published through medical sources for more details. In a broad brush stroke, Partial Impairment is the situation where severe memory lapses interfere with day-to-day functioning and might cause a problem for an individual continuing to live independently. It can also result in increased “living in the past” where an individual only wants to talk about past experiences and people and is reluctant to deal with current day activities. This condition is intermittent and the individual can go for days or weeks with no problem, then have a day or series of days of “episodes”. The unpredictability can lead to the suspicion of “playing head-games”, and while that might be true, more often it is not. If you can emotionally do so, embrace the situation and allow it to co-exist within reality as much as possible. For example, if the individual persists in calling you by the name of a long-dead relative or friend, correct the person gently and don’t make an issue of it. If the individual wants to speak only of events that are long passed and of no interest to anyone else, try to patiently listen yet again.

Since partial impairment can interfere with health and safety functions, such as not remembering to take medications, not remembering to throw spoiled food away, maybe not remembering to take care of basic personal hygiene, assistance with living whether through at-home care or in a facility will probably be required. Again, this is a step beyond manageable memory lapses and you may need professional assistance in determining if the individual that you care about has taken that downward step. If so, it is usually not a physical danger and the individual can continue in this state for a  number of years. Finding a means to emotionally support yourself becomes just as important as arranging for care of the individual. There is nothing good about these situations and certainly nothing easy. It is, however, a reality of life that you may be faced with.