Neuro Note #2 - Multiple Sclerosis

For this neuro note, I wanted to learn more about multiple sclerosis because I feel like I just don't know a lot about it. I had always thought of it as a disease that impacted everyone severely and was debilitating until I met one of my best friend's college friends who has MS. I would've never been able to tell she had it if she hadn't told me. She said she just has some vision trouble and pain sometimes. This was the start of my interest in learning more about multiple sclerosis.

To further my learning, I watched "Breea's Story," a youtube video about an 18-year-old girl who was diagnosed with severe onset of multiple sclerosis. She suddenly became blind in her left eye, could not talk or swallow, and had paralysis on her left side. After months of therapy, treatments, and encouragement, she made major improvements and gained her independence and a lot of her strength back. She was very determined and overcame huge obstacles to get her life back.

From this video I learned how severe multiple sclerosis can be but also the improvements that can be made with the right support and determination. I highly recommend watching this video because it gives insight on the struggles of multiple sclerosis but also is very inspiring because it shows how Breea overcame those struggles.


References:

[breeareneebeatsms]. (2012, September 8). Multiple Sclerosis - Breea's Story. Youtube. https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5819044671474784522#editor/target=post;postID=5619129910520304250

Neuro Note #1 - Dementia

For my first Neuro Note, I wanted to dive deeper into dementia. I chose this because of its relevance as we just turned in a diagnosis snapshot about dementia last week. I also haven't known anyone personally with dementia, so I wanted to learn more and become more comfortable by familiarizing myself with these types of life-altering diagnoses. They are saddening, but as OTs we could be dealing with these diagnoses often, so it's important to know the best ways to interact with these clients.

To further my learning, I chose to read the article "Playing Along with A Dementia Patient's Realities" by Carol Bradley Bursack. In this article, Bursack talks about her father's experience with dementia. After undergoing surgery to remove some fluid in his brain, Bursack's father awoke in a severe stage of dementia. She discusses how she was the only member of their family to play into her father's delusions rather than trying to bring him back to reality. For example, she created fake degrees and awards he believed he had earned and hung them in his room. She later learned that this is actually a technique used with patients with dementia called "validation therapy." She compares this to that of when a child dreams of what they will be when they grow up and they pretend to be a "firefighting hero or a prima ballerina," which I think is a perfect illustration.

My perspective was changed when I read this article and learned about validation therapy. Personally, I fully support it. Dementia is a debilitating disease with no cure and a poor prognosis. I think time with loved ones with dementia can be much better spent without arguing and redirecting. One with dementia will never be able to come back to "reality;" in fact, this new mindset IS their reality. So instead of trying to reason with that person which could in turn make them feel degraded or disrespected, much better memories can be made during the time they have left here if we just go with the flow (as long as it's safe to do so).

I recommend reading this article because it gives insight into a different way to interact with people who have dementia. Always attempting to redirect someone with dementia can be frustrating for both that patient and their family. Simply validating that person in their "new reality" is a harmless alternative that can make them feel comfortable and at peace.

Direct link for the article: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/playing-along-with-dementia-realities-121365.htm

Reference List:

Bursack, C. B. (2008). Playing Along with A Dementia Patient's Realities. Aging Care. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/playing-along-with-dementia-realities-121365.htm