Dementia is a scary word. Alzheimer’s Disease frightens us. But folks should definitely go to a physician with concerns regarding memory, thinking skills or changes in behavior. A number of tests may be done to discover or eliminate causes.

Once a diagnosis of some sort of dementia has been given, the patient may live up to 20 years more, although eight is the average, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Therefore, the sooner the diagnosis is made, the better, so plans for the future can be put into place.

Alzheimer’s Disease is progressive. Nerve cell degeneration begins with those involving learning and memory, and eventually spreads to those controlling all aspects of thinking, judgment and behavior. Although there is no cure, there are various medications and actions that can forestall the latter stages of the disease.

Options for the dementia patient will vary according to functional level.

Safety is a prime concern. Can Mom stay by herself and be safe? Does she leave water running, or the stove on? Is she eating well? When driving, does she forget where she’s going?

After years of being in charge of finances, the patient may now be unable to balance a checkbook. It may be best to give up driving and take the bus.

Regarding a driver’s license, the state cannot test someone based solely on age. If a person is concerned about someone’s driving ability, they may acquire a form called a Recommendation for Re-examination from the driver licensing office. Anyone can fill out this form, according to Jim Williams, office supervisor in Bremerton.

If submitted by a physician or police officer, the driver will automatically be called in to take the driving test. If submitted by someone else, it will be carefully studied to determine what should be done. (It is important to know it is not confidential, and the driver may or may not see that form and know who submitted it.)

Driving privileges may be revoked if one fails the test, but there are possibilities of re-takes, including with the examiner explaining what was done wrong on the spot. All efforts to allow someone to continue driving are followed.

A person may be convinced by a concerned and caring family member to voluntarily relinquish a driver’s license, which may be replaced by a state-issued identification card.

Some dementia patients stay for a time in the home of an adult child. Baby-boomers today are called the sandwich generation. They are caught between the demands of their own families with children at home or in school, and their elders.

If the needs of the parent are not too great, and the abilities and time availability of the adult child can meet those needs, this is one option. However, it is not the only option.

It is possible that the parent might stay at home for a while longer if he or she is not in danger, and someone is nearby to check in regularly, or if in-home care may be secured.

When it is time to find another place for a parent to live, there are many considerations.

Staffing levels and credentials are important. Do they specialize in dementia, so that they are up-to-date on the latest information? Are there medical personnel on staff to administer any medications? Do they make the family physician and the extended family part of the decision-making team?

Finding care for one with dementia is likely more expensive than for those without this ailment, according to Barb Pearson, administrator at Bremerton’s Claremont East. The reason that may be so is that the person may require a secure area, and eventually, help with all daily functions, including dressing, eating, elimination, bathing and grooming.

As soon as a family knows the diagnosis, they may begin to plan for the future.