What happens when we ignore the flashing warning light on our car dashboard?
If you find yourself sitting on the side of the road with smoke pouring out from under the hood, you know this is not going to be an easy fix.
Families and friends often recall there were warnings to alert them that someone was not running at their best. We tend to ignore the signs and keep moving ahead like nothing is amiss.
There may be misplaced items when you visit dad. He isn’t joking and laughing like he used to. In fact he has become a little irritable. It could be normal aging. He could feel bad or it could be the beginning of dementia.
There are signs to watch for that indicate Mild Cognitive Decline
- Problem processing information
- Poor judgment
- Mood changes that are unpredictable
- Frequent loss of things
- Repeating stories or phrases in the same conversation
- Impulsive behavior
- Memory lapses
- Struggles with language
- Difficulty with decision making
- Overwhelmed with complex task
Possible Causes of MCD
- Stress, depression or anxiety
- Thyroid, kidney or liver problems
- Sleep disorders
- Low vitamin B12 levels
- Infections (especially urinary tract infections)
- Vision or hearing problems
- Side effects of medications
Your risk of later developing dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other neurological conditions may be greater if you have MCD. Some people never get worse.
It is critical to watch for the signs and let a neurologist examine them. Do not just ignore the signs.
Since I referenced the car to begin with, I will get on my soapbox for a few minutes. Taking the car keys is not fun! You must recognize that memory loss is not the only issue. Tracking devices can be used. Judging the situation, having slower reflex responses, changes in spatial distance, and not being able to remain focused are the other issues.
Last week I was on a 4 lane road when I noticed everyone getting over. A car was traveling at 5 miles per hour. People were changing lanes and zipping past it. Alarms went off in my head. I passed slowly and observed the driver. She was in her 80’s and looking around frantically. I decided to pull over, let her pass and get behind her. My plan was to call 911 and follow her until someone arrived to assist her.
As I waited for her to near me, she put her blinker on and pulled into a parking lot. She was on her phone when I approached her car. She let her window down and told me she was on the phone. I heard a man’s voice and asked if it was her son. She replied, “yes”. I asked her if I could speak to him. She simply handed me the phone.
After explaining that I observed his mom driving so slow and realizing she must be lost, I offered to assist. I told him my name and that I taught classes about Alzheimer’s disease and led support groups for caregivers. I gave him my number and advised him to check me out through the library where I taught.
He shared that his mom was lost and this had happened a few times in the past. I drove to her destination and had her follow me.
This is why you take the car keys. What I left out in this situation is that she was 2 counties from her home. If she had simply kept driving, she would have been in another state in 15 minutes. It is evident that her judgment is impaired as well. She was super friendly, rolled her window down, and handed me her phone. I am trust worthy and was doing what I could to protect her.
She could have been shot because of road rage. She could have been taken hostage. She could have been robbed. She could have been hit by someone not paying close attention. Our world is not as safe as it used to be.
Do not be afraid to watch for the signs of dementia. If it is dementia, you cannot change it. You can change you to prepare for the future. You are becoming a caregiver. I recently read two statements that have remined on my mind and caused a lot of reflection.
Caregiving doesn’t end your life. It changes it.
Few would respond to this job description
Caregiver -Life changing job
- Long hours (36 hours a day)
- Do all driving, meal prep, cleaning, lawn work and laundry
- Able to handle emotional outburst
- Specialize in finding lost objects
- Never argue your point
- Provide calmness in the midst of chaos
- Be an advocate with doctors, lawyers, insurance agents
- No sick days, holidays or vacation
- Expect NO PAY and EXTRA EXPENSES
You will be responding if you love the one needing care. When you say yes, God shows up. He walks each step with you. You are not alone. You will find that God placed everything inside of you that you will need. You will be challenged and stretched like never before. You will lose your pride. It will be more important to focus on what really matters than to see and be seen on social media. You will make sacrifices. You will make difficult choices. You might even feel isolated, lonely and deserted by family and freinds. Jesus walks through the trials with you.
You are strong enough to notice the signs and seek out help. You are strong enough to handle the diagnosis. You are strong enough to be a caregiver. Don’t bury your head in the sand.
Word for Today
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23-24
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
This is a big request today. Open my eyes to see that the needs around me. Give me ears to hear as you guide me. I admit this brings a little fear but I trust you to be with me.
Amen
Walking Them Home 