Expert: Alanna Shaikh - 11/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: My mother has been diagnosed with AD.  She appears to be in stage five. She is now seven hours away in another state. My mother's sisters and brothers are 12 hours away. My sister is her legal guardian and is not permitting her to travel upon the recommendation of the wellness director. I visit my mother frequently, and have not been able to obtain official documentation that prevents her from traveling. Is this restriction of travel common?  Is there research backing this decision?

ANSWER: Dear Loretta,

I don't know of any kind of medical reason for this travel restriction. However, I can also see reasons for concern. Travel and changes in location can be very difficult for people with Alzheimer's. Your mother is unlikely to enjoy the experience, and may find it extremely upsetting. Have you talked to your sister - or the wellness director - about their reasons for not wanting your mother to travel?

Best,
Alanna

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I have and I think your site may have come provided a though provoking answer.  She traveled by plane with my brother two holidays ago, and was gone for two weeks.  Upon her return, they said she was anxious, angry, and then went into depression and wouldn't eat.  It sounds as if she may have developed a urinary tract infection that wasn't diagnosed, because this behavior was totally unexpected especially at that time.

She has no diet restrictions and only takes a low dose of high blood pressure meds in addition to her AD meds.  I was just with her this week, and she loves to travel and go out to eat.  She still recognizes her family. I would love for her to be able to see the rest of the family before she descends into the next stage.


Can you provide me with a site that provides the clinical information I would need to present this theory to my sister and wellness director?

Answer
I can't find any site that specifically talks about the medical impact of travel on Alzheimer's, but a web search will turn up any number of references to people with Alzheimer's traveling happily with caregivers.

Good luck with your efforts to convince your sister. I recommend honoring her for her role as primary caregiver to your mother as you talk to her; she must feel like she knows best because she has the most experience. Respecting that will help keep her from feeling unappreciated.

best,
Alanna