Approaches to Alzheimer’s:
Essay by George P. Scollins, Jr.
As a special education administrator in four different school districts over 25 years, George Scollins has spent much of his career educating and advocating for others. Today, despite a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Mr. Scollins continues his life’s work through our feature article, Approaches to Alzheimer’s: Essay by George P. Scollins, Jr. It is just one way that he and his wife Patricia are helping others who are coping with AD. Mr. Scollins was prompted to write the essay when he saw members of his support group struggling with their symptoms, but often reluctant to seek medical attention. Mr. Scollins urges others to see a physician for a diagnosis and to move on.
In their fight against AD, George and Patricia Scollins have participated in several research studies at the BU ADC. Mr. Scollins is determined that “whatever happens is going to be positive, not negative.” We are honored to share excerpts of Mr. Scollins’ essay in this issue of the Bulletin. For the full essay, please visit our website at www.bu.edu/alzresearch.
Approaches to Alzheimer’s: Essay by George P. Scollins, Jr.
Twenty-one months ago I was diagnosed with AD. Since that time, I have learned a number of approaches that may help others. My major purpose in sharing this information is to communicate effective ways to face the realities of AD.
Approach #1: Do your best to make use of valuable time.
Avoid feeling sorry for yourself. Instead, focus on remaining positive and learning about participating in research studies, especially brain and dementia research studies. A song from the Second World War seems especially germane to a positive approach: “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, but don’t mess with Mr. In-between. To illustrate my last remark, Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark. What did they do when everything seemed so dark? They accentuated the positive, eliminated the negative, latched on to the affirmative but did not mess with Mr. In-between.”
Approach #2: Take care of important financial affairs.
Make use of services of an elder care attorney who is experienced in dementia-related issues. Establish a health care proxy, living will, and power of attorney so your wishes will be acted upon. The earlier you complete these items, the easier it will be for those you have delegated to carry out your wishes.
Approach #3: Keep your mind as alert and active as possible.
There are numerous ways to keep your mind active with regular activities, such as crossword puzzles and memorizing items. The AARP website (www.aarp.org) is among the better sources for these activities, such as “brain aerobics.”
Approach #4: Stay healthy by exercise and proper diet.
Studies have shown that regular exercise, when combined with a healthy diet, is helpful in keeping your mind alert and able. Your doctor should be consulted if you plan to expand your physical activity level. Many health tips stress that what is good for your heart is good for your brain, including your ability to think and remember. Good sleeping habits help the body respond better to mental activities.
Approach #5: Volunteer to participate in Alzheimer’s research.
Boston University and other medical schools are looking for volunteers to participate in studies. Even though participation may not improve your condition, it may help others now and in the future. Positive approaches certainly should take precedence to feeble or absence of effort to confront the realities of your situation.
Approach #6: Remain as active and social as possible.
Maintain contacts with old and new acquaintances. Outreach to others will greatly expand your horizons and outlook. Reaching out to others who have Alzheimer’s may serve you well in viewing your own situation from a different perspective. It will assist others in becoming more positive under trying conditions.
Approach #7: Become as knowledgeable as possible of the status of Alzheimer’s research.
Seek out this information and ask your healthcare professionals to interpret it for you. The amount of research in this area is staggering. One source of information is the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). Meetings are regularly scheduled by local chapters, which are useful to keep abreast of developments. Periodic appointments with your neurologist are crucial in understanding your condition. The tests that accompany these visits provide ongoing assessment of where you are with the disease.
Approach #8: Recognize and accept that changes in your emotional and cognitive state are a reality of living with AD.
One major reality is recognizing that your care partner often has a clearer understanding of your emotional and cognitive status than you do. As a result, you are more aware of changes and their insights help you adjust in a positive manner.
Approach #9: Get help from support groups, family, and friends.
One of the most positive results of writing this essay has been a deeper understanding of myself and the positive responses I have had to the condition. I more deeply appreciate the help provided by my care partner and wife, Patricia, and the value of speaking at programs and to caregivers. As a result, my confidence in living with the condition in a positive manner has been expanded. My appreciation of the support group leaders and the contribution of the support group members are even more significant.
Approach #10: Accentuate the positive.
The most significant aspect of this experience is the way I changed over this period. I find myself crying at heart-rending television programs and movies. Newspaper articles or senseless violence produce a new but similar type of effect. My desire to help others is expanding as is my determination to remain positive despite the realities of Alzheimer’s. However, the lyrics of a bygone song remain deeply embedded in my mind: “You’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative but don’t mess with Mr. In-between.” Remain positive, it does make a difference!
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