|
|
 Preshow #1 |
Goodnight |
| Intro McLane |
Founders |
| Susan McLane |
Tonight 10:00 |
| Discussion |
key: Health / Healthcare |
| Discussion Part #2 |
WEB PROMO |
| More Information |
Hello |
| Web Pointer |
|
|
| Preshow #1 |
Goodnight |
| Intro McLane |
Founders |
| Susan McLane |
Tonight 10:00 |
| Discussion |
key: Health / Healthcare |
| Discussion Part #2 |
WEB PROMO |
| More Information |
Hello |
| Web Pointer |
| Preshow #1 Return to index of stories... |
"IT'S EXHAUSTING. AND IT'S. THERE'S NO RELIEF IN SIGHT. IT'S LIKE RAISING A CHILD IN REVERSE." It's a disease that is soon to touch families and communities all over the Granite State. This is a program about what is happening and where you can turn for help. |
| Intro McLane Return to index of stories... |
Hello, I'm Allison McNair and welcome to this special edition of New Hampshire Outlook. It's estimated that by the year 2050 - here in New Hampshire, 50 to 75-thousand people will be living with Alzheimer's. It's a disease that will devastate families, stress communities and push the limits of our health care system. And no one is immune. We begin with the story of one New Hampshire family. They opened up their lives to us in the hopes of helping others. |
| Susan McLane Return to index of stories... |
I PLAN TO WRITE IN CLINTON'S NAME ON MY REPUBLICAN BALLOT IN THE FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20. Reporter: WHEN THIS SENATOR CAME FORWARD TO SUPPORT BILL CLINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE REPUBLICANS WERE FURIOUS. AFTER ALL, SHE WAS A MEMBER OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. AT ONE POINT SOME WERE SO ANGRY THEY EVEN TRIED TO OUST HER FROM THE PARTY AT THE STATE CONVENTION BUT THEY FAILED. SHE HAS LED AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE IN OUR STATE, ENCOURAGING WOMEN TO RUN FOR POLITICS AND CARING ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT, CARING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH. CARING ABOUT PRO-CHOICE AND REALLY WANTING FAMILIES TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS IN THEIR OWN PRIVATE LIVES, FEELING SO PASSIONATELY ABOUT THAT. I FEEL THAT I AM REPRESENTING THE MAJORITY THAT PERHAPS IS NOT ACTIVE BUT WHO ABORTION HAS TOUCHED IN THEIR LIVES AND WHO FEEL THAT A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE IS A VERY, VERY IMPORTANT RIGHT. Reporter: SUSAN SERVED IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE FOR 25 YEARS. BEFORE BEGINNING HER POLITICAL CAREER SHE HAD A FAMILY. AT AGE 18 SHE MARRIED. THE COUPLE RAISED FIVE CHILDREN ENJOYING EVERYTHING NEW HAMPSHIRE HAS TO OFFER. FROM THE GREAT OUTDOORS TO ITS RICH POLITICAL TRADITIONS. SUSAN RETIRED FROM THE LEGISLATURE IN 1994. SEVEN YEARS LATER HER LIFE BEGAN TO CHANGE. I HAVE ALZHEIMER'S. Reporter: A FACT THAT SHE WAS WILLING TO SHARE WITH OTHERS INCLUDING HER NEPHEW WHO VIDEOTAPED THIS INTERVIEW EARLY ON. I DO NOT TALK VERY WELL BUT I DRIVE PRETTY WELL. Reporter: THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 20,000 PEOPLE LIKE SUSAN LIVING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S. THE DEBILITATING BRAIN DISEASE CAUSES A PATIENT TO LOSE ALL MEMORY. EVENTUALLY ALL THESE HAPPEN THESE THINGS HAPPEN IN DIFFERENT SEQUENCES TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE AT DIFFERENT TIMES. Reporter: MALCOLM McLEAN IS SUSAN'S HUSBAND. THEY HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR 53 YEARS. THE FORMER CONCORD MAYOR HAS WATCHED THE PROGRESSION OF HIS WIFE'S DISEASE AND HAS BEEN WITH HER EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. AT FIRST, MALCOLM WAS IN DENIAL, BUT THAT CHANGED AND HE BEGAN TO READ ABOUT THE DISEASE. I READ ENOUGH TO KNOW ENOUGH AND THEN I STOPPED READING. Reporter: REALLY, WHY? THE END STAGE IS SO DIFFICULT. Reporter: DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT MUCH OR NOT? NO. WHAT I THINK ABOUT IS IF SHE BECOMES INCAPABLE OF SHARING A LIFE THE WAY WE DO, WE HAVE A GROUP OF TEN OF US WHO GET TOGETHER ONCE A MONTH AND SEE AN OLD MOVIE, HAVE DINNER AND COCKTAILS AND THEN THE MOVIE. WE DID THAT LAST FRIDAY NIGHT. IT WAS WONDERFUL. Reporter: THESE DAYS MALCOLM IS NOT JUST SUSAN'S COMPANION BUT HER CAREGIVER TOO. HE'S QUITE EXTRAORDINARY TO BE THERE FOR HER NOW. 24/7. HE GETS UP IN THE NIGHT WITH HER FIVE TIMES. I MEAN, IT'S EXHAUSTING. THERE'S NO RELIEF IN SIGHT. IT'S LIKE RAISING A CHILD IN REVERSE. AND IT'S UNCANNY HOW ACCURATE THAT IS. THE PACE OF CHANGE AND YET THE DIFFERENCES THAT THE DIRECTION IS ONLY ONE DIRECTION. YOU KNOW, AS LONG AS WE'RE HERE, IT'S WONDERFUL. I CAN COPE. IT'S A FULL-TIME JOB. NOBODY CAN REALLY BE A CAREGIVER OTHER THAN A SPOUSE. YOU CAN'T. I MEAN, I'VE SPENT 22 TO 23 HOURS A DAY WITH HER. I'M LUCKY TO GET AWAY IN MY OFFICE AT MY ESTATE ONLY BECAUSE THEY PROVIDE A FACILITY TO ME. I TRY TO GET SUSAN OUT OF THE HOUSE EVERY DAY, TOO, AND WE DRIVE A LOT WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE. EVEN IN THE WINTER IF WE GET A BEAUTIFUL DAY. THE OTHER DAY WE DROVE UP TO LITTLETON FOR LUNCH. THE DAY AFTER THE STORM, THE FIRST STORM, THE BIGGEST ONE. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. YOU DO, DON'T YOU? YOU READ THE BOOK ALL THE TIME. THAT MAKES ME HAPPY. Reporter: AFTER SUSAN WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S, ANNIE BEGAN INTERVIEWING HER MOM. FOR 13 WEEKS ANNIE SAT DOWN WITH HER AND RECORDED THEIR CONVERSATIONS. THE END RESULT: A BOOK CALLED "THE LAST DANCE." I MEAN ONE OF THE SORT OF IRONIES ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S, IT SOUNDS OBVIOUS BUT IT'S NOT, IS THAT IT'S HAPPENING. IT'S MOVING ALONG. IF YOU MISS SIX MONTHS, YOU MISS A LOT IN SOMEONE'S LIFE THAT YOU WON'T GET BACK. I'M SURE PEOPLE WITH CANCER FEEL THIS WAY. YOU'VE GOT TO COPE WITH THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION OR YOU'LL MISS IT. Reporter: SUSAN WAS ABLE TO COMMUNICATE HER FEELINGS ABOUT HAVING ALZHEIMER'S TO ANNIE. I REMEMBER I TOOK HER TO. WE WENT SHOPPING AT J. C. PENNEYS TO GET HER SOME NEW CLOTHES. WE WERE DRIVING ALONG IN THE CAR AND SHE SAID, "I FEEL I COULD DIE TOMORROW." AND I JUST LOOKED AT HER AND I SAID, "WELL, YOU COULD. ARE YOU READY FOR THAT?" AND SHE SAID, "YES, I'VE HAD A GOOD LIFE. I'VE HAD A MEANINGFUL LIFE." I THINK THAT WAS THE MESSAGE FOR ME. SHE LED A VERY MEANINGFUL LIFE. SHE HAD AN AMAZING EXPRESSION. SHE SAID HALF OF THE GRIEF ABOUT DYING IS THE GUILT. SHE SAID I DON'T HAVE ANY GILL. SHE DIDN'T LEAVE ANYTHING UNFINISHED. ONE OF THE THINGS ABOUT ANNIE'S BOOK IS THAT IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALZHEIMER'S EARLY ON BECAUSE EVENTUALLY IT WON'T DO ANY GOOD FOR THEM AND FOR YOU. BUT IN THE EARLY STAGES, THEY'RE RESPONDING. THEY HEAR WHAT YOU'RE SAYING AND THEY RESPOND IN THEIR OWN WAYS. I KNOW WHEN ANNIE'S FIRST DRAFT OF THE BOOK WENT OUT TO THE CHILDREN, OUR SON DONALD CAME EAST RIGHT AWAY TO SPEND TEN DAYS HERE WITH HIS. IT WOULDN'T AS MUCH NOW. ALREADY THERE'S THAT MUCH DETERIORATION. I REALIZED THAT IN OUR LARGE FAMILY EACH PERSON WAS COMING TO TERMS WITH MY MOTHER'S. THE EARLIEST STAGES OF ALZHEIMER'S EACH IN OUR OWN WAY. THERE WAS QUITE A BIT OF DENIAL. IT WAS HARD TO COMMUNICATE IF PEOPLE DIDN'T WANT TO SEE IT OR DIDN'T WANT TO KNOW OR DIDN'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT. IN CHAPTER 22, 'TIS A GIFT TO BE SIMPLE. THE LEAVES HAVE ALL FALLEN FROM THE TREES, THE FIRST SNOW FLAKES FLUTTER IN THE AIR. SUSIE MAKES HER PAR TRIJ BERRY WREATHS AND PLANS OUR THANKSGIVING DINNER. THE HOLIDAYS WILL SOON BE UPON US ONCE AGAIN. Reporter: EVEN THOUGH HER ABILITY TO SPEAK IS GREATLY LIMITED SUSAN IS STILL ABLE TO COMMUNICATE. THERE'S AN UNDERLYING AFFECTION THAT'S STILL THERE THAT SHOWS UP. IF I SAY, "I LOVE YOU" THAT'S A ROUTINE, SHE SAYS, "I LOVE YOU TOO." Reporter: EVEN WITH ALZHEIMER'S SUSAN'S LIFE STILL HAS MEANING. IT JUST NEVER OCCURRED TO HER TO FEEL EMBARRASSED OR ASHAMED. SHE WAS JUST ALWAYS UP FRONT. WHEN THE NEWSPAPER DID AN ARTICLE ABOUT HER A MONTH OR SO AGO, THE TITLE OF THE ARTICLE WAS IN QUOTES "I HAVE ALZHEIMER'S." Reporter: BUT I MEAN THAT'S EVEN. THAT WAS PURE SUSAN. IT'S REALLY HELPFUL BECAUSE IT TELLS PEOPLE DON'T BE EMBARRASSED, DON'T HIDE IT. YOU KNOW, THE GREAT TRADITION IN MENTAL HEALTH HAS BEEN HOW TO OVERCOME THE WAY PEOPLE WERE TREATED WITH MENTAL PROBLEMS. I SENT CHRISTMAS CARDS TO SOME PEOPLE WHO HAD ALWAYS BEEN CLOSE. I THINK THEY'RE SORT OF AFRAID OF ALZHEIMER'S. PEOPLE HAVE TO LEARN NOT TO SHY AWAY FROM IT. IT'S NOT EMBARRASSING. IT SHOULDN'T BE. IT'S SAD, BUT YOU CAN BE HELPFUL BY SHARING YOUR TIME, YOUR INTERESTS, YOU KNOW, WHAT YOU'RE INTERESTED IN. SUSAN LISTENS TO IT ALL. SHE DOESN'T EXPRESS A LOT OF EMOTION. THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT HARD FOR PEOPLE DEALING WITH HER. THIS IS HER LAST CAUSE, THE BOOK IS CALLED THE LAST DANCE. THIS IS HER LAST CAUSE. EVEN AS SHE'S FAILING, SHE IS TOTALLY MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN LIVES OF PEOPLE. I THINK MY FATHER AND I AND OUR FAMILY FEEL THAT IF WE CAN HELP OTHER FAMILIES TO COPE WITH AGING AND ALZHEIMER'S OR WHATEVER THE UNCERTAINTY IS IN THEIR LIVES THAT WE WANT TO HELP HER TELL THAT STORY. LEARNING TO LET GO MAY BE THE LAST LESSON I LEARN FROM MY MOTHER. PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE. PEACE IN MY HEART IS THE REWARD. DO YOU LIKE THAT? I LOVE IT. I LOVE YOU TOO. |
| Discussion Return to index of stories... |
JOINING ME NOW FROM CONCORD IS SUSAN McLEAN'S DAUGHTER ANNIE. FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR FAMILY'S STORY WITH US. CAN I ASK YOU WHERE DO YOU GET SUPPORT OTHER THAN YOU HELPING YOUR DAD OUT AND YOUR DAD GETTING SOME ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER PEOPLE. WHERE DO YOU FIND THAT SUPPORT? SURE, THANKS, ALI, FOR DOING THIS SHOW. MAINLY THERE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTS THAT HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL TO OUR FAMILY. I PARTICULARLY WANT TO THANK THE CONCORD VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION. MY MOTHER HAS A NURSE THAT COMES OUT TWICE A WEEK TO THE HOUSE, HEIDI, WHO IS TERRIFIC. SHE DOES ALL THE BATHING AND HELPING MY MOM AROUND THE HOUSE. IT'S BEEN A TREMENDOUS SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IT'S GIVEN MY FATHER A BREAK. THE OTHER IMPORTANT PIECE FOR MY FATHER HAS BEEN TO TAKE RESPITE TRIPS AWAY EVERY FEW MONTHS AND WHEN HE'S AWAY, TRAVELING, MY MOTHER HAS GONE TO THE BIRCHS WHICH IS AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY IN CONCORD THAT IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR DIMENSIONAL ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS. THE STAFF THERE HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS SUPPORT FOR MY MOM AND FOR OUR WHOLE FAMILY. I KNOW WE HAVE TO LET YOU GO OFF TO A HEARING IN THE SENATE SHORTLY, BUT I WANT TO ASK YOU FINALLY IF YOU WERE TO TELL SOMEONE WHAT THE EARLY SYMPTOMS WERE THAT KIND OF ALERTED YOU OR YOUR MOM OR YOUR DAD THAT SOMETHING WAS GOING ON, WHAT WERE THEY? IN THE VERY EARLIEST STAGES, IT WAS MY MOTHER HAVING DIFFICULTY REMEMBERING PEOPLE, WHICH FOR US WAS A LITTLE TRICKY TO RECOGNIZE BECAUSE SHE DEALT WITH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN HER LIFE. A LOT OF POLITICIANS FORGET NAMES. SHE HAD A WONDERFUL TRICK WHERE SHE WOULD KISS PEOPLE WHEN SHE DIDN'T REMEMBER THEIR NAME AND THEN THEY DIDN'T REALIZE THAT SHE DIDN'T REMEMBER THEM. BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY HERE IN THE STATEHOUSE, A LEGISLATOR FROM CONCORD WHO SAT ME DOWN AND SAID SHE WAS WORRIED ABOUT MY MOM. I REALIZED THAT I WAS WORRIED AS WELL. FOR US, THERE WERE A COUPLE OF INCIDENCES WHERE SHE STARTED TO MAKE SORT OF INAPPROPRIATE REMARKS. SHE LOST HER DISCRETION, IF YOU WILL. WHICH FOR A PUBLIC PERSON WAS CHALLENGING. SHE BEGAN TO BECOME CONFUSED ABOUT TIMES AND DATES, TRYING TO MAKE A PLAN WITH HER BECAME MORE DIFFICULT. SHE COULDN'T KEEP TRACK OF WHAT DAY WE WERE ON OR WHAT DAY WE WOULD BE COMING TO VISIT. WE HAVE A BIG FAMILY SO THAT WAS UNDERSTANDABLE IN THE EARLY STAGES BUT IT BECAME MORE OBVIOUS. THEN EVENTUALLY I SAT DOWN WITH HER AND ASKED HER IF SHE WANTED TO GO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT HER MEMORY LOSS ISSUES. SHE WAS SO APPRECIATIVE TO BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT IT AND TO BE ABLE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SHE UNDERSTOOD THIS WAS HAPPENING AS WELL. WELL, I WANT TO THANK YOU SO MUCH. PLEASE THANK YOUR MOM AND DAD AS WELL FOR SHARING HER STORY. THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TO SHARE THE STORY. WE'RE JUST THE MOUTH PIECE FOR MY MOTHER NOW BUT THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR HER. IF SHE CAN HELP OTHER FAMILIES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE DEAL WITH AGING AND ALZHEIMER'S ISSUES, THEN THIS WILL BE HER LAST DANCE. SHE WILL HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD AND WE THANK YOU. AND JOINING ME NOW IN THE STUDIO WE HAVE DR. ROBERT SANTULLI OF DARTMOUTH HITCHCOCK MEDICAL CENTER. HIS SPECIALTY IS JEER YAT RICK PSYCHIATRY AND MEMORY DISORDERS. HE IS ALSO THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT. WELCOME TO YOU, DOCTOR. THANK YOU. ALSO JOINING US SHERRY HARDEN HERE. SHE'S A PUBLIC POLICY SPECIALIST WITH THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION OF VERMONT AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. GOOD TO SEE YOU, SHERRY. AND AS WELL FROM THE EASTER SEALS SOCIETY WE HAVE ARLENE KERSHAW. SHE IS THE DIRECTOR OF SENIOR SERVICES FOR EASTER SEALS NEW HAMPSHIRE. THANK YOU FOR COMING. THANK YOU. DOCTOR, WE HEARD FROM ANNIE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS EARLY SIGNS THAT SUSAN McLEAN WAS HAVING DIFFICULTIES. IS THAT TYPICAL? WHAT ELSE DO WE NEED TO LOOK FOR? I THINK WHAT SHE DESCRIBED IS VERY TYPICAL. IT CERTAINLY CAN VARY FROM PERSON TO PERSON BUT ONE OF THE MOST TYPICAL THINGS THAT SHE DESCRIBED WAS HOW GRADUALLY IT CAME ON. AND HOW INITIALLY SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HER MOTHER WAS DOING AS A RESULT OF HER MEMORY LOSS WERE SORT OF WRITTEN OFF AND EXPLAINED AWAY RATHER THAN RECOGNIZED AS PART OF THE PROBLEM, PART OF THE DISEASE. THAT LEADS TO A LOT OF THE LOST TIME FROM THE TIME SYMPTOMS BEGIN UNTIL THE TIME OF DIAGNOSIS. ONE OF THE THINGS WE'RE LEARNING AS WE PURSUE THIS FIELD AND IN OUR RESEARCH IN PARTICULAR IN DARTMOUTH IS WHEN PEOPLE DO HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THEIR MEMORY, IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO TAKE THOSE SERIOUSLY AND NOT JUST WRITE IT OFF AS, WELL, THEY'RE GETTING ON IN YEARS OR I HAVE THOSE TROUBLES TOO. BUT TO REALLY RESPOND TO THEM AND TO LOOK AT THAT BECAUSE VERY OFTEN THAT'S THE MOST SUBTLE AND EARLIEST INDICATOR THAT THERE ARE SOME DIFFICULTIES. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS UNTYPICAL ABOUT WHAT SHE DESCRIBED WAS HER GREAT WILLINGNESS TO GO AND GET HELP FOR THIS VERY OFTEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE EARLY SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE ARE QUITE RELUCTANT TO GO AND BE EXAMINED. IT WAS GOOD OF HER TO WANT TO DO THAT BUT SOMETIMES THAT CAN BE A REAL CHALLENGE TO GET THE INDIVIDUAL THEMSELVES TO AGREE TO THAT EVALUATION. HAVE YOU FOUND THAT PEOPLE TEND NOT TO WANT TO FIND OUT OR ARE THEY. THEY WOULDN'T SAY, YES, I'M READY TO SEE WHAT'S WRONG. NOT ONLY THEM BUT THEIR FAMILIES. THE OTHER THING I HAVE TO GIVE CREDIT TO THE McLEAN FAMILY FOR IS THEIR WILLINGNESS TO SURROUND THEIR MOTHER WITH A KIND OF SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION OF WHAT IS GOING ON. I THINK THAT THE FAMILY ELEMENT OF THIS DISEASE IS VERY EVIDENT IN THE HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER'S FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY. AND THEY'RE WILLING TO TAKE THE JOURNEY WITH HER AND TO STAND BY HER IN THIS JOURNEY RATHER THAN THROWING THEIR HANDS UP AND SAYING I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. SHERRY, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE THAT HAS BEEN WATCHING THE PROGRAM AND SAYS, GEE, I WONDER IF THAT'S THE CASE WITH MY SPOUSE OR MY MOM OR DAD OR UNCLE OR NEIGHBOR. WHERE DO THEY GO FOR HELP IN FIGURING THAT OUT? WELL, THE FIRST. WE RECOMMEND THE FAMILIES THAT THE FIRST PLACE THEY GO IS TO THEIR FAMILY PHYSICIAN. TO DISCUSS THE SYMPTOMS AND PERHAPS EVEN HAVE A MEETING WITH THEIR FAMILY PHYSICIAN WITHOUT THEIR LOVED ONE PRESENT TO TALK ABOUT THE CONCERNS THAT THE FAMILY HAS. ONCE THAT IS ACCOMPLISHED, THEN THERE ARE FOUR DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE THAT WE RECOMMEND TO FAMILIES THAT THEY SELF-REFER TO. THEY CAN CALL ON THEIR OWN ONE OF THE GOING. DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS IN THEIR AREA TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SPECIALIST WHO CAN GO THROUGH TESTS TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE NO OR BEGANIC REASONS FOR THE MEMORY LOSS FIRST OF ALL, NO PHYSICAL REASONS. ONCE THAT IS DETERMINED THEN TO GO ON TO DIAGNOSE AND PERHAPS ASSESS THE DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. HOW IS THAT DIAGNOSIS MADE, DOCTOR? HOW DO THEY DETERMINE, YES, IT'S ALZHEIMER'S. WELL IT'S PRIMARILY A CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS. RIGHT NOW THERE ARE NO TESTS THAT EITHER PROVE SOMEONE HAS ALZHEIMER'S OR PROVES THEY DON'T. I KNOW YOU'RE DOING RESEARCH. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GET TO THIS. UP AT DARTMOUTH. YOU'RE LOOKING AT THE BRAIN. WE'RE GOING TO PUT UP SOME SLIDES, IF WE COULD OR VIDEO OF WHAT YOU TAKE A LOOK AT TO SEE IF MAYBE SOMEONE HAS A PROBLEM. IF YOU COULD EXPLAIN, THAT WOULD BE GREAT. SURE. PART OF THE WORK-UP THOUGH BEFORE EVEN LOOKING AT SOME OF THESE IMAGES IS TO GET THE HISTORY FROM THE PERSON. WE WILL STRESS THAT. FROM THEIR FAMILY MEMBER. WHAT WE'RE DOING IN OUR RESEARCH IS USING A TECHNIQUE CALLED FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING. WHAT'S INTERESTING ABOUT THIS IS UNLIKE ORDINARY CAT SCANS OR MRIs, WHICH PEOPLE ARE USUALLY FAMILIAR WITH WHICH BASICALLY JUST TAKES A SNAPSHOT OF THE BRAIN OR WHATEVER PART OF THE BODY, WHAT WE'RE ACTUALLY LOOKING AT IS THE BRAIN AT WORK. THAT'S THE FUNCTIONAL PART. WHILE THE BRAIN IS FUNCTIONING. AND THIS PARTICULAR IMAGE, FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU LOOK ON THE PICTURES ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THIS IS A STUDY WE'RE DOING COMPARING PEOPLE WITH MILD ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE-- THAT'S ON THE BOTTOM, A.D.-- AND NORMAL CONTROLS. WE'RE LOOKING AT THE LEFT SIDE OF THEIR BRAIN PARTICULAR AREA THAT'S INVOLVED IN MEMORY AND IN LANGUAGE AND AS THE RED AND YELLOW AREAS RELATE TO THE AMOUNT OF ACTIVITY, THE AMOUNT OF MET BOT I CAN ACTIVITY GOING ON AND KIND OF CONTRARY TO WHAT ONE MIGHT EXPECT AND CONTRARY TO WHAT WE EXPECTED PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S HAVE A LARGER AREA OF BRAIN RECRUITMENT OR ACTIVATION. IT'S AS IF THEY'RE WORKING HARDER, USING MORE OF THEIR BRAIN TO TRY TO RECALL BUT DOING LESS WELL AT IT. EXCUSE ME. I DIDN'T MEAN TO INTERRUPT. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? WOULD THAT HELP, IF I WERE TO COME TO YOU WITH EARLY SYMPTOMS IF YOU COULD SEE THAT, WOULD IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MY ALZHEIMER'S? EVENTUALLY. THIS IS STILL ON A RESEARCH LEVEL. EVENTUALLY TECHNIQUES LIKE THIS, FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC IMAGING OR CAT SCANNING WILL BECOME PART OF THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS SO THAT WE CAN LOOK AT THE BRAIN WHILE IT'S WORKING, WHILE IT'S TRYING TO REMEMBER THINGS OR BEING ASKED TO DO OTHER COGNITIVE TESTS. IS THIS BEING DONE ELSEWHERE IN THE COUNTRY? THERE ARE A FEW PLACES THAT ARE LOOKING AT PET SCANS AND FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC IMAGING. THE KIND OF THING WE'RE DOING IS FAIRLY UNIQUE HERE. WE'RE REALLY ON THE CUTTING EDGE IN THIS AREA OF RESEARCH. YOU MENTIONED THE FOUR DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. PEOPLE CAN CERTAINLY GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET THAT INFORMATION. IT'S GOT TO COST MONEY. HOW, IF YOU DON'T HAVE INSURANCE OR DOES INSURANCE COVER IT? HOW DO PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF THAT? INSURANCE WILL COVER IF AN INDIVIDUAL HAS HEALTH INSURANCE, THE INSURANCE WILL COVER THOSE VISITS. ONE OF THE MAIN ISSUES I TALK ABOUT WITH FAMILIES WHEN THERE IS A CONCERN ABOUT FINANCES IS TO DISCUSS THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE FAMILY WITH THE PEOPLE IN THE DIAGNOSTIC CENTER AND THE PAYMENT SKED YOU'LLS. SCHEDULES OR THE HELP THAT CAN BE OFFERED IN FINANCING THE TESTS ARE AVAILABLE TO MOST FAMILIES IN THE AREA. SO NOT TO LET THAT BE A BARRIER TO ACCESSING THE HELP IN THE FIRST PLACE. ARLENE, THE DIAGNOSIS HAS BEEN MADE. RIGHT. |
| Discussion Part #2 Return to index of stories... |
IF THIS HAPPENS TO, SAY, MY PARENT, WHERE DO I GET HELP? HOW DO I FIND OUT WHERE I CAN GET SOME ASSISTANCE HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. THAT'S A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION. ONE THING I WANTED TO ADD IS SOME OF THE PLACES HAVE MEMORY SCREENINGS WHICH IS ANOTHER WAY TO KIND OF GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR. IT'S NON-THREATENING, VERY SIMPLE, SOMETIMES WE CAN USE THAT AS A TOOL FOR THE FAMILY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP WHICH IS TO GO ON TO A MORE DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL EXAM. ONCE YOU'RE DETERMINED OR THE FAMILY DETERMINES THAT YOU HAVE SOME ISSUES, IT REALLY BECOMES A FAMILY PROBLEM. DIFFER FAMILIES HAVE DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS. CERTAINLY CALLING THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION IS HELPFUL BUT YOU'VE GOT TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES FOR YOU IN THE COMMUNITY. THERE'S SOMETHING CALLED ADULT DAY WHICH IS A PROGRAM THAT COULD HELP YOU BY GOING ON A DAILY BASIS OR A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK. YOU WOULD LEAVE YOUR LOVE ONE OR WHOEVER YOU'RE CARING THERE. IS THAT EXPENSIVE THOUGH? IT'S A VERY REASONABLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE OTHER ALTERNATIVES. NURSING HOME IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVE PLUS OFTENTIMES THE ONE THAT THE FAMILY DOESN'T WANT. ASSISTED LIVING CAN BE ANOTHER OPTION. BUT THAT ALSO IS EXPENSIVE. YOU CAN GET PEOPLE TO COME INTO YOUR HOME AS THE McLEAN FAMILY DID. LIKE A VISITING NURSE. THAT'S ALSO EXPENSIVE. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS A COST ASSOCIATED TO TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE UNLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY, IS GOING TO DO IT YOURSELF WHICH IS A 24/7. VERY IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT THE FAMILY AND GIVE THEM THE BREAKS THEY NEED SO THEY CAN SUSTAIN THEMSELVES IN TERMS OF TAKING CARE OF THEIR LOVED ONE. SO ADULT DAY IN MANCHESTER OR IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, I SHOULD SAY, IS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 40 TO 55 DOLLARS A DAY. IS IT WIDELY AVAILABLE AT THIS POINT? I THINK IT'S RELATIVELY WILDLY AVAILABLE. IT REALLY ISN'T THE ONLY ANSWER. IT'S ONLY PART OF THE PUZZLE. THERE ARE FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS. THERE'S THE RESPITE GRANT THAT THE STATE HAS TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO GET RESPITE. THERE ARE OTHER ALTERNATIVES BUT THE FAMILY MUST COME TO TERMS WITH THIS AND MUST DO SOMETHING BECAUSE TO DO NOTHING IS PROBABLY THE WORST CASE SCENARIO BECAUSE THE FAMILY WILL GET SO FRUSTRATED THAT THEY'LL FREE THAT THEIR OPTIONS END WHEN IN FACT IF YOU KEEP THE FAMILY SUPPORTED AND KEEP THE LOVED ONE AT HOME WITH THE PROPER SUPPORTS THEY REALLY CAN LIVE AT HOME FOR QUITE A LONG TIME. WOULDN'T YOU AGREE? YES. ABSOLUTELY. WE ARE ALREADY AT A POINT WHERE YOU HAVE TO ASK YOU FOR FINAL THOUGHTS. WE'LL LET FOLKS KNOW THAT ALL THIS INFORMATION WILL BE UP ON OUR WEB SITE SO THEY CAN CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION. WE'LL START WITH YOU, DOCTOR. WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU WANT TO TELL PEOPLE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S. WHAT I WOULD SAY IS IT'S IMPORTANT IF PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED THAT THERE'S A PROBLEM AS TO NOT PUT IT OFF TO SEEK HELP RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF HELP AVAILABLE NOT ONLY IN THE HIGH-TECH MEDICAL END BUT THE KIND OF THING THAT ARLENE WAS TALKING ABOUT IN TERMS OF ADULT DAY AND OTHER PROGRAMS THAT CAN REALLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SOMEONE. DON'T DELAY. THERE'S PLENTY OUT THERE THAT IS AVAILABLE IN THIS STATUS AND MORE HERE THAN IN MANY OTHER PLACES. SHERRY OR ARLENE, ANYONE ELSE? I HAVE A MESSAGE THAT I LIKE TO CARRY TO FAMILIES, AND THAT IS A MESSAGE OF SUSTAINING HOPE THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS. THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT JOURNEY. FOR THE PERSON WITH ALZHEIMER'S AND A DIFFICULT JOURNEY FOR THE FAMILY AS WELL. BUT THAT THE LOVED ONE THAT THEY KNOW IS ALWAYS THERE AND THOUGH THEY CAN'T RESPOND IN A WAY THIS. THAT WE CAN UNDERSTAND THEY DO KNOW THEY'RE SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO LOVE THEM. THAT REALLY DOES HELP THEM CONTINUE THROUGH THE JOURNEY OF THE DISEASE. I WANT TO TALK ABOUT STIGMA. I'D LIKE US TO GET TO THE POINT IN OUR SOCIETY, THEY CAN'T HELP THIS. THIS IS A DISEASE. THERE SHOULD BE NO STIGMA ATTACHED TO IT. BUT UNFORTUNATELY THERE STILL IS ESPECIALLY IN SOME ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS LIKE THE LATIN AMERICAN GROUP OR LATINO POPULATION. WE REALLY NEED TO COME TO THE POINT WHERE THIS IS A DISEASE. WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF IT AS A DISEASE. THE THREE OF YOU HAVE HELPED US GET TO THAT POINT OR AT LEAST A LITTLE BIT CLOSER HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US ON NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK. |
| More Information Return to index of stories... |
Help is just a phone call away. The Alzheimer's Association of Vermont & New Hampshire can be reached at 800-536-8864. You can find out information about upcoming community events and memory screenings. |
| Web Pointer Return to index of stories... |
You can also connect with us online at nhptv.org and get more information on our guests, interviews and resources. Join our online discussion or start your own. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
We'll see you next time. I'm Allison McNair. Thanks for watching. |
| Founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Stratford Foundation |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. The Democratic presidential candidates are back in the granite state. We'll be out on the campaign trail. Join us tonight at 10:00 on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: Health / Healthcare Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 01/21/04 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, it's a disease that is soon to touch families and communities all over the Granite State. This is a program about what is happening and where you can turn for help. It's estimated that by the year 2050 - here in New Hampshire, 50 to 75-thousand people will be living with Alzheimer's. It's a disease that will devastates families, stress communities and push the limits of our health care system. And no one is immune. We begin with the story of one New Hampshire family. They opened up their lives to us in the hopes of helping others.Joining me in studio are Dr. Robert Santulli, of Dartmouth Hitchock Medical Center. His specialty is geriatric psychiatry and memory disorders. Dr. Santulli is also President of the Alzheimer's Association of New Hampshire and Vermont. Dr. Santulli. Also joining us are Sherri Harden, a Public Policy Specialist with the Alzheimer's Assoc of VT & NH and Arlene Kershaw. Arlene is the Director of Senior Services for Easter Seals, New Hampshire. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Allison McNair NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Ann McLane Kuster\Susan's Daughter, Malcolm McLane\Susan's Husband, Dr. Robert Santulli\Dartmouth - Hitchock Medical Center, Pres. Alzheimer's Assoc VT & NH, Sherri Harden\Public Policy Specialist, Alzheimer's Assoc of VT & NH, Arlene Kershaw\Director Senior Services, Easter Seals New Hampshire |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to this special edition of NH Outlook. |