Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s

On May 13, 2010, In Alzheimer's disease Research - Clinical Studies, Alzheimer's/Dementia Care, By Steffan Lozinak

The last type of memory issue I will talk about, and the one that I am sure most of the people reading this will have the most experience reading this is with cases of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This may be one of the most difficult types of memory loss to deal with especially for those of which the person can no longer remember. The hardest part, most likely being, the inability to remind them, or build up new memories. This is difficult for so many reasons as it feels like you are losing somebody close to you, and in some ways you are. But just like a person with amnesia, in a case like this it’s important to see that the person once known is still there. However, unlike with amnesia, in this type of memory loss, brain deterioration can actually affect subconscious memories and the lessons learned as well. When this is the case, the person is truly being lost (the term person here being used to refer more so to an identity or ego than the life). It is much like having someone close to you die, except in many ways more difficult because it brings one to see a different side of death. If somebody simply dies, we can create all sorts of theories and ideas as to what happens to them, however in the case of memory loss, it’s plane to see what is happening. It causes sadness and the questioning of the value of ones own memories. It may make them feel unimportant or insignificant. Probably, the same sort of insignificance one feels when gazing at the sky at night, or when learning that our life is but 1 of 6 billion on a planet that is but of literally countless that exist. That one lifetime is but a spec within the timeline of forever. How could one possibly see a positive side to this?

Well, when looking at things that way, it’s not really possible. This is where the idea of the moment comes in handy, and this is why so many people talk about living in the moment. When looking at the long scale of things, either past or future, it is incredibly easy to feel insignificant. In fact, no matter how big or important you are as a person or what you leave behind, chances are in a few thousand years, there will be no MEMORY of you. This is why it is so important to focus on each moment as it happens. Thinking about “self” importance over time, will almost always leave ones “self” lost.

This person losing their memories is still there for you to enjoy the company of. And even if they don’t remember your company the next day, this doesn’t mean that they didn’t enjoy having you at the moment, nor does it mean that they wouldn’t enjoy your time tomorrow. In fact, they will almost always enjoy your time, no matter how many times you tell the same story or joke, it will always be enjoyable, and they will always laugh. It is much like how a child will watch the same movie or TV show over and over and over and over and over…. (you get the idea) and they always love it.

In many ways, just like with the amnesia patient, this sort of memory loss can give a person the opportunity to see why they enjoyed spending time with the person in the first place. The feeling of enjoyment does not come from the creation of new memories. In fact, it is quite the other way around, the new memories stem from the feeling of enjoyment (or other intense feeling, but in this case we’ll use enjoyment). So spend time with them, and enjoy your time spent with this. Don’t focus on the future or the past when doing so, as feeling lost in his case is almost impossible to avoid. Simply enjoy the moment and enjoy their smile at the time it is there. <3’s

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Memories Lost, No Memories Had

On May 13, 2010, In Alzheimer's/Dementia Care, Senior Home Care, By Steffan Lozinak

So I spoke in my last blog about memory and about how it essentially defines us as A person. However what about those who are losing their memories, lost their memory, and those with no memory at all (infants). This is a very touchy subject and holds room for much debate as it encompasses the eternal question of what is self. Who are we really, and what defines a person as a whole. Well I won’t go into all of that quite here and now, as that question would take about 40 pages to yet still be unanswered.

First, we will talk about infants, a person, who is not really a person yet. An infant has no fear and really exists as just a ball of love, instinct, and innocence. This is true, not just for humans, but for infants of any mammalian species, and possibly other species as well. When first born, all that exists are the preliminary factors stemming from the DNA as well as instinctual knowledge, one has to say also stemming from DNA. An infant does not really know anything, and some would claim it’s at this stage that we know everything BY knowing nothing, but again, that discussion is best left for another time. Having no memories means having no attachments, and just being content whenever the body doesn’t hurt. It means that everything around you is a new learning experience and a new adventure. Everything that exists could literally be anything, and once you realize that doors exist, anything could be a door. What lies behind any door could be anything, and therefore anything could be anywhere with anything lying behind it! Everything is amazing, and everything is new. Ths would be the reason why a baby always seems fascinated with wide eyes trying to see all they can. Every site, every experience, every memory created, is a new adventure.

Now a person who has lost their memories, let’s say through a bump on the head, has NOT truly lost all their memories. They may no longer be able to remember who you are, who they are, what anything is, but they still have many many subconscious memories holding tight. They still know what a door is, they still know what a word is, and they still no how to speak. They still have “instinctual” fears built in from these subconscious memories. (This idea brings a new realm of thinking to where it is instincts come from eh?) Does this mean that the person lost them self? Are they still who they were before the memory loss? Well in these type scenarios, the answer would be both yes and no. All of the emotional lessons that person has taken into account are still in place. Though the person may not remember from where these lessons and ideas came from, the ideas are still very firmly intact. (Again, deeper thought on the idea of instincts). This means that the life in which that person lived is still very much ingrained within them. All that was that person is still there, even if they do not remember how exactly they go to that point. In many ways, this sort of experience could be a good way for those around the person to get to know who that person really is. With memories gone, their will be no false impressions or implications made. If that person was pretending to be someone else in order to impress you, this will no longer be the case as they no longer know who you are to impress. Memory loss of this type can be the ultimate test to a relationship in many way. The biggest one being, how well did you really know the person in the first place?

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Memory

On May 13, 2010, In Alzheimer's/Dementia Care, By Steffan Lozinak

Our memories really are what define us as a person. Now when I say this, I am not saying that without are memories, we cease to exist, nor am I saying that are memories are necessary to be a person. However, what I am saying is that a set of memories creates and distinguishes one person from another. It is those set of memories, be them conscious or subconscious, that define all that person fears, loves, and essentially is. Now one could argue that there exists an instinctual set of ideas that we are born with, and in fact there does, but we could even call those memories of the spirit or DNA that go into defining our species upon birth.
Every memory in life, every experience we undergo, effects who we are… No matter how insignificant the experience may seem. Every person you meet, see, pass on the street becomes a part of you even if you only glimpse at them for a second. This is true, for even if you choose to not react at all to their presence, this is still a subconscious choice that will either enforce or break apart some previous ideals and beliefs you may process.

One can think of a memory as a fraction of ourselves, a lesson that continues to teach, or a feeling we enjoy learning from. Every time we remember an environment, situation, or emotion…. That experience reenters our existence and becomes even more a part of our self.

To think of this in another way, you can think of each memory as a person. Some people pass right by, only affecting you for a second, but SOME, stick around for a really long time. You may not see that person every day, however, every time you see that person you are re-experiencing their company, and they become a greater part of you. A memory is like a person that is still in your life, and even though we may not think about it everyday, every time we do think about it, that memory continued to effect us. Sometimes in a way we may deem positive, sometimes in a way we may deem harmful.

Remembering a traumatic experience is something that is very difficult to deal with. However, that memory does not always have to be negative, as one can look at it as a way they learned and grew. Only when we feel we are unable to handle the memory, or the experience, is when it begins to tear us apart. For those in which that is the case, bear in mind that the simple fact that it has become a memory is proof enough alone that you WERE able to handle the experience (as joyful or not as it may have been), and therefore, you can handle the memory and you can let is pass. With all this said what about those with no memories, or those who are losing their memory? I will talk about this in my next blog :) .

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SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge.  Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities.  We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses.  Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com

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Different Ways of Thinking

On April 20, 2010, In Senior Home Care, By Steffan Lozinak

In these blogs I post I frequently talk about learning, wisdom, and growing up.  Well one thing that is certain is, as we age the way we view things tends to change.  Our thought patterns start to shift and morph into a way of thinking that may be completely foreign to the ways of thinking that we grew up with.  In fact, the way we view the world changes many times throughout a our lifetimes, and oftentimes shifts without us even noticing.

One way this change takes place is evident in when we go from being a restless child with ample energy that cannot  sit still and enjoy just one thing for more than 10 minutes to becoming a much calmer “adult” that takes  joy in watching a sunset or sitting at the beach and just listening to the waves roll in.  We could claim that it’s just our energy being depleted as we grow, or we could think that we are just spending more of our energy enjoying what’s around us, as opposed to looking for things to enjoy (the exploring restless youth).

Different ways of viewing the world don’t just come with age and learning, but can be seen just from person to person.  Yes, it doesn’t take Einstein to come to the revelation that different people see the world differently, however it’s exactly how differently we view the same things that is truly fascinating.  For example, let us take a “normal” person and compare how they perceive a scene to how a person with ADHD perceives that scene to how a person with Autism perceives that same scene.  It’s amazing how each of these people will tell a completely different story about what they saw.  In fact, the stories may be so different that they might argue with each other about it, but none of these peoples perceptions are wrong… just different.

It’s funny to think about how obsessive we people are with the idea of “normal” and perceiving something correctly when truth be told, normal is just a sociologically derived term that really doesn’t exist.  There is no such thing as “normal”, and however someone perceives something is A correct way to perceive it.  Think of how many different ways people perceive a piece of artwork.  Sure the artist may have had an intended meaning, but that doesn’t mean the other meanings aren’t hidden in there…. After all, how well does the artist know their subconscious??  Just ask Freud what he thinks!!

It is certainly understandable as to why people try so hard to be “normal” and can react so differently when someone is or does things differently, and that is because we seek to be understood.  We seek to have someone to talk to who “gets us”… but it’s important not to lose ourselves in the process.  So the next time you see someone who does things in a “weird” or funny way, instead of being afraid by their differences, just honor and appreciate their way of doing things.  Maybe even seek to understand why.  It might turn out they weren’t so different after all.

This means the next time your grandpa just want s to sit and watch the sunset, and you can’t understand why… Go ahead and try, maybe ask him what he likes about it!

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A Shift Towards Consumer Directed Health Care

On April 18, 2010, In Senior Home Care, By Steffan Lozinak

A study of the commonwealth fund shows that there appears to be an international shift towards self directed care focusing mostly on the elderly.  This is not surprising in the least if you really think about it.  The government is oftentimes the one paying the bills through Medicare, so of course they are going to want to get the best service for the lowest price available.  Doing this does not mean blindly trusting the physicians, but means getting educated and making smart decisions.

  • In the United States, Medicaid “Cash and Counseling” programs — underway for over a decade — allow home-bound, disabled patients to manage their own budgets and choose services that meet their needs.
  • In Germany and Austria, a cash payment is made to people eligible for long-term care — with few strings attached and little oversight on how the money is used.
  • In England and the Netherlands, the disabled and the elderly manage budgets in a manner similar to Cash and Counseling in the United States.
  • Also in this country, Florida and Texas have SDC programs for patients with serious mental illness and the Veterans Administration has an SDC program operating in 20 states for long-term care and mental illness.

(Source: http://healthaffairs.org/blog/2010/04/09/an-international-trend-toward-self-directed-care/)

Another major focus of the SDC (Self directed care) movement is people with chronic issues.  This again should come as no surprise as these people have the most time to get educated about their disorder and the treatments.  They also are the ones that will be spending the largest amount of money treating their diseases.  By allowing the patients to make more of their own decisions, all costs across the board get lowered.  Hospital costs, insurance costs, doctor fees, medical costs, and prescription costs, which saves both the patient and the governments money.  Also, since the customer is not acting under any source of interest aside from getting the best care for themselves, they can insure the quality of what they receive.   This is definitely a step in the right direction.

About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge.  Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities.  We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses.  Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com

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