Teens increasingly helping grandparents with Alzheimer's

Marsha Kay Seff
Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

Being part of what I've dubbed the "bologna sandwich generation" is a double whammy for adult children. I often wonder how the estimated 5.7 million American caregivers sandwiched between their own children and their aging parents stay sane.

Then, there are the adult children who get the triple whammy: caring for children and an aging relative with Alzheimer's or another dementia.

These caregivers manage, according to a recent survey, with the help of their children. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America ICAN (Investigating Caregivers' Attitudes and Needs) survey indicates such an effort is a family affair. Three out of five of the 559 respondents say their children, ages 8 to 21, are involved in looking after the aging relative. Children's responsibilities range from attending doctors' appointments to feeding, dressing and transporting their older family member.

Parents say that even preteens get involved by visiting and entertaining a loved one with Alzheimer's.

Because of the number of teenagers helping out, the Alzheimer's Foundation has stepped up its teens division, which educates and offers resources for youngsters. Among the enhancements is the introduction of afateens.org, a Web site specifically for teens. The group also is offering an AFA Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness College Scholarship, while starting AFA Teens chapters nationwide.

"As Alzheimer's disease progresses, declines in cognition, function and behavior worsen," says Dr. Lesley Blake, clinical associate professor of psychiatry, University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. "Both adult and nonadult caregivers need to be educated about what to expect and, more importantly, what to do in these cases."

Blake points out that proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

"Symptoms - loss of function, decline in cognitive ability and difficult behavior - can be delayed and caregiver burden reduced through medication therapy, which may include combining medications from two FDA-approved Alzheimer's medication classes."

Unfortunately, the survey found that 77 percent of sandwich caregivers were not aware that combination drug therapy can help.

To educate yourself about Alzheimer's, check out alzheimers.signonsandiego.com or call 800-272-3900. You also might want to join a caregiver support group listed on SanDiegoElderCare.com (click on Support/Activities).

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My sister, Bobbe, recently phoned with an experience I'd like to share. Her husband, who was diagnosed with high blood pressure and put on a medication, had been fainting. After two trips to the ER, a heart specialist figured out the problem. It could have had devastating results. The doctor had prescribed 20 mg of a medication. The pharmacist, and even Bobbe, thought the prescription said 200 mg. My brother-in-law had been taking 10 times the prescribed amount.

The moral of this story is that when a doctor orders a new medication, ask the name and dosage and write it down so you don't forget. You can't depend on a busy doctor's handwriting. Then, check the medicine bottle against your notes before leaving the pharmacy.