#Middlebury #ToYourGoodHealth
DEAR DR. ROACH: Our local newspaper just ran the obituary of a 59-year-old woman who died from Alzheimer’s disease. I didn’t know her, but I’ve known at least two other people with that illness. One has passed away; the other is in a memory-care unit. How does Alzheimer’s cause or contribute to death? – A.
ANSWER: Alzheimer’s disease is a common degenerative disease of the brain. It’s unfortunately very likely that in the years ahead, you will know many more people diagnosed, as the risk increases with age. Its exact cause is unknown. We often think of Alzheimer’s as being a disease of memory; however, personality changes, loss of insight, impaired visual skills and language dysfunction are other cardinal findings of the disease, though any of these may show more clearly as the disease progresses.
Alzheimer’s can progress in individuals at very different rates, but the mean survival after diagnosis has been reported as three to eight years. People with Alzheimer’s disease usually become debilitated due to poor nutrition and hydration, which leads to increased risk for infection, one of the most common causes of death in Alzheimer’s.
I don’t mean to suggest that debility is the fault of the caregivers of people with advanced dementia. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease is a difficult and demanding task – physically, mentally and emotionally. But no matter how devoted and skillful the care is, there is no preventing the physical decline that happens as the Alzheimer’s progresses; we can only slow it down. It has been my experience that in patients with advanced dementia, the caregiver becomes the most important part of the team to get information from and give guidance on care and provide support to.
The booklet on Alzheimer’s disease gives a detailed presentation of this common illness. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach – No. 903W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m pushing 90 years old. I developed large, blue veins, similar to the varicose veins my mother had in her legs. What are these called on the hands? I read that Hollywood stars get their hand veins collapsed. I am embarrassed by the vein condition on my hands. – A.M.
ANSWER: “Varix” is the Latin word for a dilated vein, so we call them varicose veins no matter where they are on the body. They run very strongly in families, but it isn’t clear exactly what causes them.
Most varicose veins do not need to be treated, but if they are complicated by bleeding, blood clots or pain, they may require treatment. Varicose veins in the legs also can be a cause of restless leg syndrome. Treatment can be effected by surgery, injecting a medication to close the vein or with a laser. Having an experienced practitioner is important.
Some people do treat them for cosmetic reasons. You don’t have to be a movie star to be concerned about your appearance. It is expensive, though.
Dr. Roach regrets he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com, or write to Good Health, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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