Ask the Doctor: AD & Aggression; Black Salve; Engery Supplements
Q: I care for my sister, who has Alzheimer’s disease, and she has been yelling and slapping at me when I try to help her shower. Is her aggression a symptom of the disease?
A: Unfortunately, increasing aggression is common as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progresses. Usually, aggressive behavior tends to begin when AD patients start to lose their language skills—when they can’t find the words to explain how they are feeling and what they want (or don’t want), they express their frustration through behavior that can include shouting, agitation, and aggression. It’s also possible your sister’s disease has progressed to the point where she simply can’t comprehend the necessity of bathing.
Since bathing seems to trigger aggression in your sister, think about ways you can make the experience less stressful for her. For example, she may feel vulnerable when undressed, so let her keep a towel around her and turn your back so that she can try washing independently with you nearby in case of a problem. Other strategies that may help are providing her with a shower bench and using a hand-held shower attachment so that the water’s direction can be controlled. Or, try a bath instead; she may find it more pleasant to sit in the tub than to shower.
For more suggestions, go to the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org, where you can find local support groups and online message boards where you and other caregivers can share information. And, find out if respite care is available for your sister; caregiving can be very stressful, and it’s important that you take care of yourself as well as your sister.
Q: A friend told me that a cream called “black salve” can treat my skin cancer. Is this true?
A: No, it is not—in fact, black salve contains corrosive ingredients that can seriously damage the top layers of the skin while leaving cancer intact in the deeper layers, where it continues to progress. Using this product may result in significant scarring of your skin. For safe, effective treatment options, consult your dermatologist.
Q: I’ve been feeling very tired, and I was thinking of trying an energy supplement. What are your thoughts on energy supplements?
A: If you haven’t consulted your doctor about feeling so tired, please do so. Excessive fatigue with no obvious cause (such as insomnia) should be investigated. Your doctor will be able to rule out possible underlying causes for your fatigue, such as an infection or illness. Heart, kidney, and liver diseases can cause fatigue, as can thyroid disorders and cancer.
Regarding energy supplements, there is little scientific evidence that they work, despite the claims you may see on packaging and in advertisements. Any energy supplements that do have an effect on energy levels tend to do so only for short periods of time, and usually it’s because they contain sugar and/or caffeine and other stimulants. Also, keep in mind that supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and research has shown that many supplements contain less or more of the ingredients listed on the label, as well as potentially harmful substances, which makes their safety questionable.
Instead of spending your money on energy supplements, take a look at your diet; fatigue is sometimes related to poor nutrition. A registered dietitian can work with you to formulate an eating plan that includes sources of natural energy, including complex carbohydrates found in whole grains and starchy vegetables such as corn, beans, and winter squash. These foods are broken down slowly, providing a steady supply of energy. Conversely, eating simple carbs and sugars may give you an energy boost because your blood glucose rises rapidly, but it also drops quickly, leaving you feeling tired.
—Editor-in-Chief Orli R. Etigin, MD
The post Ask the Doctor: AD & Aggression; Black Salve; Engery Supplements appeared first on University Health News.
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