Does your loved one have Alzheimer's? Know these things before considering surgery

If your mother, father, or someone close to you has Alzheimer's disease, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and confused when you learn that they need surgery for another health problem. "Will they be able to handle this?", "Will anesthesia make their memory worse?", "What if they become restless after surgery?" You probably have many questions like these on your mind. Let's talk about this calmly, one by one.

What do we need to know before surgery?

Before you decide on surgery, we need to be very clear about a few things. If this is not an emergency surgery, you have plenty of time to make a decision. Don't make decisions alone at this time. Talk to the rest of your family, and especially a few doctors.

Simply put, you need to have a clear understanding of why this surgery is being performed, what the benefits are, what the risks are, and what could happen if you don't have the surgery.

If your loved one can still understand things to some extent, involve them in this decision. It will be a great strength for them too.

Questions you should definitely ask your doctor

Don't forget to ask these questions when you meet with the doctor in charge of the surgery. It will be very helpful to write them down as a list.

During the pre-operative appointment, tell the doctor about your loved one's complete medical history, allergies, and all medications (including vitamins and herbal remedies) they are taking, as some medications can interfere with anesthesia.

Let's learn about anesthesia.

There are 3 main types of anesthesia. It is important to understand these in simple terms.

After surgery... your role

It is very important that you are there when your loved one is brought to the ward after the surgery.

• When he wakes up: As soon as he wakes up, you should talk to him calmly. Say things like, "You're in the hospital, the operation is over, I'm right there with you, there's nothing to worry about, you'll get better soon."
• Relationship with the nursing staff: Build a good relationship with the nurses on the ward. Tell them about your loved one's normal behavior and ways to calm them down (e.g., singing an old song, holding hands). This will be a great help to them when you are not there.
• Be aware of changes: If you notice any unusual changes in their mental or physical condition (e.g., more sleepy than usual, irritable), notify the staff immediately.

Issues to watch out for: Delirium and restlessness

After surgery, people, especially the elderly and those with Alzheimer's disease, may experience a temporary state of confusion, or delirium . This is caused by anesthesia and the stress of the surgery.

What do you do at a time like this?

• Remind yourself again: "Today is...", "It's time...", "You are in the hospital...", "Your operation was...", and calmly remind yourself.
• Distract: Let him listen to a song he likes, let him look at a family photo album, or ask the doctor to give him some of his favorite food.
• Pay attention to pain: It may be that he is restless because of pain. Alzheimer's patients have difficulty expressing that they are in pain. So be aware of signs of pain (face grimacing, moaning) and tell the nurse.
• Walk as fast as possible:As soon as the doctor gives permission, it is a good idea to get him out of bed and walk around a bit. This can prevent many problems such as pressure ulcers, constipation, and delirium.

How do you take care of yourself after you get home?

Before leaving the hospital, ask for a clear list of instructions on how to care for him at home.

• Learn about medications: Find out exactly what new medications you've been prescribed and what their side effects are.
• Signs to watch out for: Learn about problems to expect at home and what danger signs you should see a doctor about immediately (e.g., high fever, pus from the surgical site, severe pain).
• Emergency number: Ask for a phone number that you can call at any time if you have a problem.
• Follow-up appointment: Don't forget to make a follow-up appointment with the doctor.

This journey is challenging. But with the right knowledge, patience, and love, you can overcome this challenge. Always remember that you are not alone.