Alzheimer's - Do you want to know?

Alzheimer's - Do you want to know?

An article in a major Texas city near me yesterday ran an article in their newspaper about doctors' decision to tell patients of the concern that the conditions exhibited may be associated with Alzheimer's. The article said that rather than increase stress / anxious behavior, that the patients and possible caregivers were glad to put a name to their conditions. With a name of a problem they would / could seek answers and maybe assistance.

The article was found at http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/health/5620952.html

My grandmother had Alzheimer's. I took care of her after my grandfather passed. They had been married over 60 years and her condition advanced rapidly after he was gone. Unfortunately, he had not warned us at all of her 'problem'.

I do suggest that caregivers go to some type of group sessions for support / information / help. I didn't. I should have.

Yes, I want to know if I'm subject to that type of dementia or any other kind. Old age just has it's own problems, but if it's not the normal, I would want to know so that I can plan accordingly. It may stress me for a little while, but I'd have a chance to take care of some things I wouldn't be able to if I don't know my own name and address.

So would you want to know?

If they had a test (a real, fast, one time test) that said you'd have a heart attack or brain clot that nothing could prevent in, say, five years, wouldn't you plan a little better on your 'things'?

As in other diseases and conditions, there is nothing dignified in losing your whole identity and personality.

I don't want to surprise anyone that may be around to take care of me. I would rather have someone that knows what to expect of my (maybe) unexpected behavior.

So would you want the doctor to tell you that you may be subject or exhibiting traits on that particular problem?

I WAS ROBBED TONIGHT!

Well, my vehicle was, not my body.

Being robbed is a heartsick feeling. There is absolutely nothing you can do.

You didn't intentionally cause an occasion for someone to take from you nor did you willingly invite them to do so.

Scumbags. Azzholes. Druggies. Trash.

Call them whatever you want.

But they took your things!

Police came, took a report. Things taken will probably never be recovered.

I did have employer company property that was stolen, but the security surrounding their things will be useless to the trash that stole it or the trash that bought or accepted the stolen goods.

My truck was locked.

I was parked just out of reach of the security cameras at a well populated restaurant.

Policeman was timely, polite and thorough.

I'm not so calm. I tried for a time to reach company personnel to report the situation and finally got a live body on a late Saturday evening.

Why do people steal? This just is beyond me.

Our area, at the moment, is rich in job opportunities if you want to work. That has not always been the case in my county. The laptop stolen is useless to anyone because of the security surrounding the company's equipment. The compact fax machine is handy but cheap. The clothes - the trash that stole it probably don't have anyone that can use size 4 - 6.

They threw my house robe on the ground by the vehicle. I was pleased with that. I rather fancy it because it's a warm wrap and we're still having cold snaps in southeast Texas.

I hate thieves.

St. Patrick's Day Green Hair

In a previous article, I mentioned that stories of my father who passed before I knew him and his brother would always dye their hair green for St. Paddy's Day.

I never thought to question the story tellers who have now passed away HOW the hair was dyed.

Just this week I was considering doing that little trick myself if it were just a put on / take off play with my hair for a day.

So I did an Internet search.

The end result, without investing a huge amount of time, is that I don't see it being done, by me at least.

The jello rinse doesn't seem to work according to what I read. (And my thought: we, in Texas, have ants year 'round and I don't want to invite them into my house).

There are apparently commercial hair rinses you can buy, but may not come out in one rinse.

You may achieve the results with a dunk in a chlorinated pool if you are a bleached blond, but I gather that's not a given.

There are wigs - at expensive and the lesser costs stores, depending on the price you wish to pay and / or the quality you wish to present to the public.

You can certainly dye it on purpose but that is a commitment.

There are certain stores that sell green hair extensions / clip-on hair pieces.

Bottom line - my hair will stay as it is.

I will proudly wear the green for my Irish heritage and the fun of it all and enjoy every minute of it.

I will buy my green beer where I can find it and not worry about what they have added to it that makes it a green color or try to make my own.

I will eat the traditional St. Paddy's food. (Please read my post under my name for my favorite recipes that I make.)

And I will get ready to celebrate Easter.

But my hair color will not be that of an Easter egg of any color or design any more than it will be green on purpose on March 17th.

My clothing may look out of the ordinary however.............