ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, February 13, 1996 TAG: 9602130063
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Health Notes
SOURCE: SANDRA BROWN KELLY
Former President Ronald Reagan had a birthday last week, and a party to celebrate it, but the event probably was largely unnoticed by him.
Reagan has Alzheimer's disease, which causes the mind to deteriorate. Supposedly, Reagan still recognizes his family members. But, eventually, he won't.
That's what happens to people who suffer from this degenerative disease. It is a painful deterioration for family members as well as the victim.
If you saw the poignant movie "Going to Galveston" recently on TNT, there was a scene that said it all. A middle-aged man brought his mother to a home for Alzheimer's patients and said to the home's operator: ``When I leave, I won't be back."
The son explained that he could no longer deal with seeing his mother, once a strong-willed business woman, disappear as a person.
As it turned out, this son did come to grips with his mother's disease, but the American Health Assistance Foundation recognizes how difficult this is for families and has prepared literature to help them through the process.
One of its publications, "Through Tara's Eyes," is a $5 booklet that uses one year in the relationship between Tara and her grandmother to explain to children what can happen when a grandparent gets this disease.
When the two go out for Tara's birthday lunch, Grandma forgets Tara's age and almost forgets how to return home. Next, the grandmother is forced to accompany the family on a beach vacation because they don't want to leave her alone. Then, signs go up in the house indicating which room is the bathroom and which is grandmother's bedroom.
By Tara's next birthday, her grandmother no longer recognizes her all the time.
The story helps young people prepare for such a situation. Anyone interested in ordering the booklet from the foundation in Rockville, Md., should call (800) 437-2423 to arrange shipment and payment. The booklet is free to school teachers and guidance counselors.
The AHAF's other materials look at the legal and financial aspects of the disease, offer tips on selecting a nursing home for an Alzheimer's patient, and provide a guide for caregivers.
Child CPR training
A workshop, "Childhood Emergencies: Preventing Accidents Before They Happen," will be held on three evenings in March and will include instruction leading to certification in child CPR.
The classes cost $39 for a couple and $29 for an individual and will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on March 5, 12 and 19 at Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley.
Preregistration is required. Call 981-7641, or (800) 422-8482.
Sandra Kelly can be reached at 981-3393, or by E-mail at rtimes1infi.net
LENGTH: Medium: 57 linesby CNB