Do you know someone suffering from a memory disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease?
Most likely the answer is yes because, according to the latest research, roughly 7 million Americans currently have some form of dementia, and three-fourths of those cases are Alzheimer’s.
Dr. David S. Geldmacher, director of the division of memory disorders and behavioral neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), shared this statistic and other information during a special seminar hosted by First Baptist Church Trussville in August.
While Geldmacher touched on the science behind it all, genetic realities and overall treatment options, he also emphasized the importance of caring for the caregiver.
A respite ministry can significantly help those caring for family members with a memory disorder, Geldmacher said. “A respite program (offers) a community where they can turn to for support, advice and interaction.”
Caregiving realities for Alzheimer’s
A Birmingham-area Baptist leader who falls into this type of caregiver category, David George, knows firsthand how respite offerings make a difference.
He shares often how members of his church “saved his life” with a few simple but vital helps and how a weekday respite program at a nearby church also gave him much-needed breaks from time to time.
Geldmacher is George’s wife Allyson’s neurologist, so George was on hand to share a brief testimony and assist with introductions. To read more of George’s story, check out The Alabama Baptist article here or listen to the two audio files included here:
Bottom line, George shared as he wrapped up his introduction of Geldmacher, “Let your church help, find a support group now and prepare ahead of time.”
Bob Smith, minister to seasoned adults at FBC Trussville, said he hoped the seminar would be beneficial. “We’ve tried to offer [resources and helps for you to have] before the crisis hits your family.”
That crisis equates to $270 billion per year in dollar value for Americans, Geldmacher noted as he described the social burden of memory disorders.
Social impact related to dementia, especially Alzheimer’s
“Unpaid caregivers accounted for more than 17.7 billion hours of informal care in 2018,” he said. “More than 80% were spouses, and 58% were daughters.
“Women bear the vast majority of care,” he said, noting daughters-in-law fall third in line behind spouses and daughters for who generally serves as the caregiver.
And in the most conservative situations, the majority of families expect to face $10,000 a year of out-of-pocket costs in care of an individual with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, Geldmacher said.
Tips for slowing down brain diseases
While no cure currently exists and technically no offerings for preventing memory disorders are available, researchers continue looking for answers and have determined that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can possibly be slowed down with a healthy lifestyle.
Getting good sleep (and enough sleep) is extremely important, Geldmacher said, noting sleep is aided by regular physical exercise, which is the most important thing anyone can do. He suggests 20 to 30 minutes of persistent moderate activity five to seven days per week.
Other helps include a healthy diet (five servings of brightly colored fruits and vegetables daily, foods high in fiber but low in red meat and animal fat) and minimal alcohol intake.
Mental stimulation and social engagement also make a difference, he noted. Games, puzzles, hobbies, crafts, frequent conversations, clubs, reading groups, etc., are examples.
“We need to do something to keep our brain functioning. The more we use the brain circuit the stronger that brain circuit becomes.”
What about medicines and supplements?
Also, “taking medicines for conditions is important for helping,” Geldmacher added.
With two decades of studies on the standard medicines in this area, researchers contend they do help brain cells work better, he explained.
“Medicines don’t improve memory, but they do delay the worsening of memory and do help maintain independence. They don’t reverse anything … but medicines help with caregiver distress because it reduces the time spent in face-to-face caregiving tasks … and helps stabilize the situation,” he said.
Choosing to use the various supplements marketed toward improving memory disorders isn’t necessarily harmful in any way, but he hasn’t found any science behind the claims being made, Geldmacher added.
How churches, others can help
Keeping family members with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia safe is key as well as remembering that attempting to use logic with them won’t work, he noted.
They need a sense of familiarity and connectedness and for someone to point them toward what to do next.
“A respite ministry is a great way of doing that. I recommend it very highly.”
To watch Geldmacher’s full presentation, visit FBC Trussville’s site here.
To learn more about UAB’s Brain Health Advocacy Mission and learn more about protecting brain health, call 205-934-2334 or visit the BHAM section of uab.edu/medicine here.
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