What is Alzheimer's?
Warning Signs
Link: Alzheimer's Assoc.
Utah Chapter, Alzheimer's Assoc.
July 19, 2000-- For the past two weeks, medical experts gathered at the World Alzheimer's Conference have discussed the growing epidemic of the disease and the effect on the families of people struggling with it.
In today's Family Now report, News Specialist Ruth Todd introduces us to one family trying to find ways to cope.
Medical experts predict 22 million people worldwide will be affect by Alzheimer's disease by the year 2025.
The numbers are staggering, and as the population ages, will probably only get worse.
Behind every number is a real person with a real family struggling with the realities of Alzheimer's disease.
Former President Ronald Reagan suffers from it.
Actress Rita Hayworth died from it.
And so does Cleo Lyons. The Salt Lake woman isn't famous but her disease is very real, too.
Her family suspects Alzheimer's disease began to affect her brain 12 years ago.
Wendy Galloway/Granddaughter: "I THINK IT WAS ABOUT SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS AGO THAT SHE WAS ACTUALLY DIAGNOSED."
Doctors warn against complacency.
Experts say too many people assume their relative is simply forgetful.
But forgetfulness is an early sign of Alzheimer's.
Along with agitation,
apathy
or paranoia.
For the past three years, Wendy Galloway has taken care of her grandmother.
During the week, Cleo spends her days at the Neighborhood House, a day-treatment facility for adults.
Experts say it's helpful for Alzheimer's patients to stay active.
It helps Cleo to sing.
Typically, Alzheimer's patients can remember songs they learned long ago.
But experts say it's not just the patients that need care, their caregivers need support.
A 1996 study found that one-third of caregivers were near burnout.
Wendy Galloway/Granddaughter: "SOMETIMES SHE'LL HAVE NIGHTMARES OR TRY TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, THINKING IT'S TIME TO GO SOMEWHERE. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. SO I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THAT ALSO. SO I SLEEP WITH ONE EAR OPEN AND ONE EYE OPEN."
But Galloway sees it as a labor of love.
Wendy Galloway/Granddaughter: "SHE LOVED ME SO MUCH AS A LITTLE GIRL. AND IT'S JUST LIKE I'M RETURNING THAT BACK. IT'S LIKE SHE'S THE LITTLE GIRL NOW AND I'M THE MOTHER."
She does get a break.
Cleo's five children take turns watching over their mother every weekend.
This week the White House announced that federal Alzheimer's researcher will get an additional $50-million over the next five years.
Utah Chapter, Alzheimer's Association
1414 E. 4500 South, Suite 2
Salt Lake Cty , UT 84117
Phone: (801) 274-1944
800 #: (800) 371-6694
