Alzheimer`s Disease/TIA and alzheimers

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Expert: - 12/9/2011


Question
My father has had Alzheimer for a number of years that has gotten much worse in the past 9 months. He recently had a TIA and was taken to the ER. He seems to have recovered from this one event with no lasting effects. Are TIA common in Alzheimer's patients? Should he be taken to the ER if he has another TIA attack (my mom was told he could have more in the future)? Thank You

Answer
Hello Lori:  I'm sorry to hear about your father's current medical issues.  I'm sure it's distressing for the entire family.  TIAs are not necessarily common in Alzheimer's disease because they are a separate medical event.  He is probably having TIAs because of blood vessel, or blood flow problems in his brain which can be caused by many different things such as high cholesterol/triglycerides, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and a very sedentary lifestyle to name a few.  Generally, if a person is having strokes or TIAs, they will continue to have them and there is no way to tell how severe they will be or how often they will occur.  Whether or not to have him taken to the ER with every event is a decision the family must make.  If he is in the later stages of his AD, I would suggest you talk about getting him on hospice.  If he's on hospice and has a TIA, the nurses will discuss with you if they feel it would be a good idea to take him to the ER.  Going to the ER is not an easy thing for any elder with AD, as I'm sure you're aware.  Once on hospice, they don't go to the ER unless it's for something they can fix such as the relief of pain.  Letting nature take its course is a difficult decision only you and your family can make after talking with the healthcare provider.  Your goal should be to keep him as safe and comfortable as possible with dignity, and as long as he's not in pain or emotionally distressed by events around him, he's in an okay place.  I wish you and your family luck as you travel with your father on this journey.  Cindy

Alzheimer`s Disease

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Cindy Keith, RN, BS, Certified Dementia Practitioner

Expertise

As a nurse and dementia consultant, I can answer most questions on all types of dementia. If I cannot answer your question, I will attempt to find someone who can. My passion is to help caregivers of people with dementia, which in turn helps all those wonderful elders with dementia live better lives. When caregivers are better educated, they are able to better care for themselves and their loved ones, so education is key to decreased stress levels and healthier, happier families.

Experience

I have worked as a nurse in various disciplines of nursing for over 20 years, most of which was with the elderly. I was a health care coordinator in a dementia dedicated assisted living facility for 4 years before I started my own business (M.I.N.D. in Memory Care) as a dementia consultant six years ago. As a dementia consultant, I help families nationwide through phone conference calls as they struggle to care for their loved ones with dementia.

Organizations
Alzheimer's Foundation of America Geriatric Interest Network Sigma Theta Tau International

Publications
Published "Love, Laughter, & Mayhem - Caregiver Survival Manual For Living With A Person With Dementia" which is a collection of stories about people with dementia I have known, loved and worked with. Every story has a lesson to teach and this book gently teaches family caregivers lessons about how to better care for their loved one, as well as themselves during their caregiving journey. Published "Love, Laughter, & Mayhem In Eldercare Facilities: The Master Key For Dementia Training" Created "Bringing Nurturing To Memory Care" staff dementia training video Created Ebook: "Hair Stylist's Helpful Tips For Working With People With Alzheimer's & Other Dementias"

Education/Credentials
Registered Nurse with Bachelor's degree in Nursing; Certified Dementia Practitioner; Author of 2 books and an ebook

Awards and Honors
Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society of Nursing

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