Your Most Important Organ ~ Part III

 

Hi Readers, this is Part III of my previous blog posting from April 19, 2025, Your Most Important Organ, an online seminar lecture with renowned brain expert, Dr. Andrew Budson. This topic is related to dementia caregiving.

Dr. Budson’s vita is impressive! Educated at Haverford College and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Budson is Chief of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology at the VA Boston Healthcare System, Associate Director of the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Professor of Neurology at Boston University, and Lecturer in Neurology at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Budson stressed the importance of getting a proper diagnosis, as the term “dementia” is too broad and not specific. And there are over twenty conditions that mimic dementia and they are reversible and treatable! When my husband was diagnosed with dementia, we waited nine months to consult with an expert, Dr. David Geldmacher at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. After imaging and more testing, we finally had a definitive diagnosis and a path forward. From my experience and as an aging expert, I concur with Dr. Budson: Be persistent and advocate for your loved one.

Next, Dr. Budson stressed the importance of managing problem behaviors using the Four R strategy:

1.    Reassure

2.    Reconsider their perspective.

3.    Redirect them.

4.    Relax! Take a deep breath.

I also want to add that from a gerontological perspective, it is more important to be kind than to be right. Do not argue or correct. Remember to diffuse. Music triggers forgotten memories and pictures help people remember better than words.

Finally, review all the medications with the medical team and be prepared to make some changes. There are prescriptions available to manage problem behaviors such as agitation and aggression. While supporting a loved one with memory problems, remember to take care of yourself: You can’t pour from an empty vessel. AgeDoc