Don Hayen is a 73 year old retired physician who was diagnosed in April, 2005 with early Alzheimer's disease. He lives near San Diego.
Jan Hayen is Don's younger brother and a Methodist minister living near Kansas City.
12/18/2006 2:01 PM
Joel wrote:
Don’t be so quick to blame every mistake on dementia -- after all, if you’re like most of us you’ve been making mistakes since you were born. However, you may as well prepare yourself for the day when you’re told, “It’s too dangerous for you to drive anymore.” Remember too, that by that time you may no longer be the best judge of your own abilities. No one wants to tell someone they can no longer drive, so let them know that you’re expecting it. And let them know that you’re also expecting that other arrangements will be made for your transportation. When our parents and grandparents, spouses and friends can no longer drive safely, it is our responsibility not only to protect them from accidents but also to make sure that they can still get around and not become physically and socially isolated. We should be making it easier for ourselves to get along without cars in our old age, and easier to give up driving voluntarily. Reply to this
12/7/2006 4:18 PM
Joel wrote:
What I have been told and read is that Alzheimer’s cannot be diagnosed DEFINITIVELY without a brain autopsy. All of the other dementias can be diagnosed without an autopsy, so once you’ve eliminated them through other tests, you’re left with an APPARENT diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Of course, now we’re hearing that the majority of people with vascular dementia also have Alzheimer’s. What’s important is to talk to your doctor and start the diagnostic process. Reply to this
I have not been keeping up with your blog and was distressed and saddened by this latest news. I know you understand all too well what your daughter is going through, and just knowing that you understand these things will be a great support and comfort to her.
Don’t be so quick to blame every mistake on dementia -- after all, if you’re like most of us you’ve been making mistakes since you were born. However, you may as well prepare yourself for the day when you’re told, “It’s too dangerous for you to drive anymore.” Remember too, that by that time you may no longer be the best judge of your own abilities. No one wants to tell someone they can no longer drive, so let them know that you’re expecting it. And let them know that you’re also expecting that other arrangements will be made for your transportation. When our parents and grandparents, spouses and friends can no longer drive safely, it is our responsibility not only to protect them from accidents but also to make sure that they can still get around and not become physically and socially isolated. We should be making it easier for ourselves to get along without cars in our old age, and easier to give up driving voluntarily.
Reply to this
What I have been told and read is that Alzheimer’s cannot be diagnosed DEFINITIVELY without a brain autopsy. All of the other dementias can be diagnosed without an autopsy, so once you’ve eliminated them through other tests, you’re left with an APPARENT diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Of course, now we’re hearing that the majority of people with vascular dementia also have Alzheimer’s. What’s important is to talk to your doctor and start the diagnostic process.
Reply to this
Don,
I have not been keeping up with your blog and was distressed and saddened by this latest news. I know you understand all too well what your daughter is going through, and just knowing that you understand these things will be a great support and comfort to her.
Joel
Reply to this