The Millstone Times December 2021

Monroe Township News | As We Age

We provide Adult Day Services For Special Needs Adults (21 years old +) Mild Cognitive Impairment is not so “MILD” This term MCI standing for Mild Cognitive Impairment is a very common ailment of older adults (age 50 and over). What is MCI? Very simply defined it is a condition where a individuals memory is impaired greater for what can be expected for their age. When loved ones tell you the forgetfulness is serious it likely is MCI. Since so many millions of Americans have MCI, how do you know if it actually due to a serious neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease? At my Memory Enhancement Center we are conducting the latest breakthrough tests both in clinical practice (We do take Medicare for all tests conducted) as well as in clinical research testing programs. I and my team are part of the Alzheimer’s research community with the responsibility of evaluating volunteers suffering from this MCI/Alzheimer’s disease to consider clinical trials as an alternative to accepting their fate in the face of a condition we know to be fatal. Without a known truly effective (by this it means a drug that can slow progression or stop or reverse the disease), treatment not as yet available pursuing an FDA approved clinical trial investigating a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease would seem to be a reasonable course of action for an individual. Why is it then, that out of 100 people diagnosed with this disease on average, only two are enrolled in a research program? One must first consider that the course of this disease after an early initial diagnosis can run its course over a period of ten years. Also, the pathology is sometimes present in the brain an additional ten years before the first symptoms appears. When confronted with a disease process of this length there is a tendency upon many individuals to accept a lessening of cognitive abilities as a normal occurrence and willi gness to replace it with compensating support from their family and friends. This becomes a virtual trap for both the patient a d the caregiver. Although both parties to this arrangement are quite comfortable at first, this relationship will eventually disintegrate as the months turn into years. In a research environment, I have seen the bonds between husband and wife and child and parent strengthen over time. The very act of doing “something” rather than accepting one’s fate can be both emotionally and physically therapeutic. In the never ending effort of finding that “golden bullet” that might positively modify this disease process, it lacks the humanitarian approach that is needed to populate these critical research programs. There is no charge at anytime to individuals or to their insurance who are seeking to get an expert opinion as to the cause of their memory loss. After undergoing memory tests, I decide that further testing is warranted, examinati ns such as an MRI and PET scan of the brain will be suggested. These two are covered by most insurance carriers including Medicare. If the results are considered normal for the age of the patient with MCI or suspected Alzheimer’ Dementia then there will be no need for Alzheimer’s Disease programs or treatments. If the results are suggestive of MCI due to early Alzheimer’s Disease as the cause of MCI or if the tests are consistent with Alzheimer’s Dementia we will offer a very comprehensive treatment plan. This might include starting or continuing on the four FDA approved Alzheimer’s Disease medications or if the tests are normal coming off these “unnecessary” medications. I look forward to continue serving the community as I have been for 29 years. For questions call us at 732-263-0101. Joel S Ross MD Call UsToday For ATour or Info! (732) 845-3332 • Free Door-to-DoorTransportation • Health Evaluations • Bi-Lingual staff • Music & PetTherapy • Educational Programs to assist & encourage independance with activities of daily living • Social Activities • Fabulous food and menu options • Recreation, Exercise,Trips to Museums, Stores, Crafts and more... Serving Monmouth, Middlesex & Ocean Residents 20 1-A Jackson Street Freehold, New Jersey We Offer Something Special Nowhere Else Found In CNJ ForYour Loved One! Active Day Adult Services Medicaid/HMO/DDD

You have always been there for your mom, and now GoldenYears Care is here for you

Medicaid/J.A.C.C. Covered Service

Call UsToday For ATour or Info! (732) 851-6640 www.GoldenYearsCareNJ.com • Medical AppointmentTransportation • Around-the-clock attention • Physical & OccupationalTherapy In House • Free Door-to-DoorTransportation • Delicious Food Options (Spanish, Russian, Italian & more) • Onsite & Offsite Activities: (Ping Pong, Zumba, Shopping Excursions, Museums, Crafts,Trips to the Shore and much more) • Onsite Hairdresser Serving Monmouth, Middlesex & Ocean Residents Conveniently off Rt 33 and NJTurnpike Exit 8 108Woodward Rd. Manalapan, New Jersey If your loved one needs care during the day, trust GoldenYears Care to put them in good hands!

34 The Millstone Times

December 2021

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator