Here’s An Article All Medical Professionals Need To Read About Dementia
Sandy Halperin, has Dementia. He is a strong advocate for the disease as is his daughter Karen Halperin Cyphers, who has her Ph. D. Karen wrote a great article called “From a daughter’s perspective,” which was published by the Florida Medical Association. In this article Karen’s lists a guide for physicians working with those with Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease. I think it is good information for all of us to know and pass along.
Click on the graphic below to bring you to the full article
Should such a person drive a car? Also what can be done when the person involved refuses to see a doctor for any reason whatsoever.?
Great questions. Each doctor looks at driving a bit different. Many areas have testing for driving. Sometimes people won’t cooperate with going to see an doctor. On question to consider is Have they always been like this or is this the disease? If they have always been like this many would argue that is their right. If you feel this is a dramatic change in their behavior you could call their doctor and talk with them. If you don’t have the correct legal authority for this discussion, they won’t tell you anything private, and many will say they can’t talk to you at all; but they can listen to you if they want too… many won’t though. It’s a spin of the wheel who you get on the phone. I wish I had a specific answer for you but every situation is different. The dynamics of who is involved alone can make a huge difference in the the approach and how it is perceived.
He has always been stubborn, does exactly what he wants etc. Ironically he was a MD himself, now age eighty two. He has memory loss,hearing loss, anger, temper, etc, but no longer visits his Psychiatrist as he fears that he will have to undergo tests. For example he might lose his drivers licence. In any case he claims that doctors don’t know anything!,!
He is still managing to steal clear of anything that might jeopardize his independence, and he is still very cagey.
This is not uncommon and i know can be very frustrating. some families and friends, go around the doctor angle and start communicating with the police in the area. letting them know when the person is out driving. This way it becomes a safety and legal issue, not one of the family doesn’t think you are capable to do A,B,C… but this is a tough call as well because eventually things will have to change. I’m sure you don’t want to see him hurt or for him to harm someone else either.
thank you for your prompt and understanding reply. It is websites and people like you who keep a person like me from going under.
Yes it is true that it might be an issue of having to notify the police or the driving licence bureau. I have struggled with this decision for some time. At eighty two he will soon have to take the driving test by law, so that will deal with that within a short time.
I’m glad you found some comfort in my responses, even though I had not real answer for you. Sometimes just knowing we are not alone is enough to get us by. It’s so nice to have a sense of community because this disease can be so isolating.
Take care. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Lori
Reblogged this on lava kafle kathmandu nepal.