Dr. Aresco:


CONSCIOUS DREAMING Class with Genevieve Slomski, Ph.D.


Learn how to bring healing, intuitive guidance, and creativity from the dream world into your everyday waking life.


Starts September 26th - 6 sessions: 6:00pm-7:30pm $39 West Hartford Residents, $49 Non-residents


For further information, call (860) 561-6900, or go to www.whlifelearn.org.


DONʼT LET FEAR KEEP YOU FROM BETTER HEALTH...


Experience Anxiety-free Sedation Dentistry.


Oral health is directly related to your overall body health. However, many people avoid dental visits due to fear.


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NEW PATIENT VISIT


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Make an appointment Call (860)640-4465


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South Windsor Smiles Kevin H. Norige, D.M.D.


30 Natural Nutmeg - September 2018 My experience with Alzheimer’s was limited. Before my family


moved to Arizona so that I could go to medical school, my mother in law Josie was beginning to show the signs of her cognitive decline. It was considered senior moments at that time but I was certain it was more than that. When I saw her gazing at her oldest grandson as if he was a total stranger I knew something was wrong. He didn’t miss it either. “Gram, it’s me, Carl.” She laughed and said I know it’s you! I could tell a moment earlier she had no idea who that young man in front of her was. We moved to Arizona and her decline was shared in conversations with family. She was such a sweet little lady and it was sad to hear that she was fading away. One visit home, we went to see her in the nursing home and she lit up when we came in to visit. She introduced her son Jim (it was actually George) to her friends and simply referred to me as “you.” “Oh, how good to see you!” “So happy you have come to visit me.” In a way I’m glad that I only remember her as happy funny Josie and not her declining years into the world of not knowing where she was or who anyone was.


James Osborne: Caretaker View: The role of being a caregiver to someone with


Alzheimer’s or dementia can be emotionally and physically drain- ing. Caregiving is an act of compassion, love and understanding. In the case of caregiving someone with Alzheimer’s, it can be especial- ly difficult to remain compassionate and patient. We must remem- ber that the loved one has a condition outside of their control. They are not being mean or difficult. When they repeat themselves or ask the same question for the17th time in the last 10 minutes, it is be- cause they have limitations. We as caregivers must understand that they live only in this moment and we must deal with each moment as if it is the first time we have been presented with their concern. We are tasked with helping them have order and understanding of their daily routines. We should speak slowly, calmly, treat them with respect, speak simply with short direct sentences. We should keep the environment calm, quiet and consistent. Changes to the physical environment can be extremely disorienting, scary and/or threaten- ing. Rely on routine. Instead of focusing on what they cannot ac- complish, find ways to help them be successful in performing daily and personal tasks. Assist them in making simple decisions (either this or that), rather than facing complex or involved decisions.


It is important caregivers have their own supports; such as a ther- apist, family members, close friends, spiritual supports or a support group. Developing a mindfulness practice of meditation, prayer or gratitude journaling may prove helpful, along with developing a sense of humor or at least a sense of the absurd. Finding respite supports are critical. Caregivers do not have to work in isolation or handle the burdens of care all by themselves 24/7. Caregivers also benefit from healthy diets, exercise and rest – and a good nights sleep.


Prevention is still the best medicine for the caregiver as well. In the first visit with any patient, all doctors ask the same question. What is your family medical history? This is a survey question to de- termine what the patient might be facing in their own future health. Prevention before the onset of disease is the key to self health care.


Alzheimer’s the program for brain health and prevention. Dr Ann Aresco and James Osborne, MS, LPC BCPC are directors of the Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treat- ment program at: ProNatural Physicians Group, 120 Webster Square Rd, Berlin CT


860.829.0707 ProNaturalPhysicians.com ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net See ad on page 29.


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