Treating dementia: when it's not Alzheimer's

Dr. Tim Johnson explores Phil's Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). Hydrocephalus involves the expansion of the brain- from the inside out. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) does not drain properly from the brain. Instead, it collects inside the brain and pushes against the brain's grey matter. In particular, it disturbs areas that control bladder function, gait (walking), and thinking.

After a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's, they sought the help of Dr. Mark Luciano (Cleveland Clinic). He saw the common symptoms and the treatment possibilities. Unlike other types of dementia and neuromuscular diseases, hydrocephalus is treatable with a surgical shunt.

Phil's health team was not sure if he would improve with a shunt operation. But of course, they had to try. And it was a success.

Watch this video about how Phil and his family learned that he had a treatable type of dementia, and with the proper diagnosis and treatment, he is now recovering:

Coping with chronic illness, Alzheimer's drug

This video points out how we often find helpful treatments in unlikely places. In this case, an anti-histamine provides some relief from the rapid decline with Alzheimer's disease. Pay close attention to the last comments by the news reporter, then read on after watching:



Coping with any chronic illness implies emotional challenges for the ill individual and their family. Losing hope is but one piece of the emotional puzzle. Let's look more in-depth at chronic illness, and how coping and emotions are affected.

Physical.
When one is diagnosed with any type of chronic illness, several psychological responses naturally occur. Mourning, or grief, are commonly felt. They are related to these losses:
* Loss of Health, considering that they might never return to the healthier state they once enjoyed
* Loss of a "normal" Lifestyle, realizing the need to adapt permanently
* Loss of fun, activities that might be restricted or completely denied, forever
* Mourning resilience and feeling omnipotent, coping with mortality and disease

New physical limitations may also affect one's mood, sleep, and happiness. If you lead an active, fit lifestyle, participating in sports and recreational hobbies, you may suddenly be unable to engage in your favorite activities.
Then, inactivity can lead to changes in mood and energy, sleep, and productivity. Then these changes can affect one's personality, emotions, and ability to cope. (A snowball effect begins)

Social factors.
When one is diagnosed with a disease, they must cope with how their social life is impacted. They may feel resentful, bitter, and frustrated by how they are impacted.
Their social interactions may become limited or completely restricted due to their illness. They might not be able to play sports with their team, or go for trips with clubs or groups.
The ill individual may be compromised by treatments. They might feel that social outings have become too troublesome, so they avoid them.
With a recent diagnosis, you might feel awkward around others. Perhaps you do not want to explain your illness, your symptoms, your treatments, your "sick story" to others.

Then there is always the possibility that your chronic illness barely affects your everyday activities. Or some days you are symptom-free, while other days you are a wreck. These are all different dynamics that have their own unique influence on one's emotions and coping.

Coping and support.
Regardless of what type of illness you have, it is important to get support.

Don't feel like you must cope alone.

Take comfort in friends and family, support groups, healthcare providers, psychotherapists and counselors, and other individuals with the same condition.