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Show Alzheimer's Disease 'Silent epMemic9 fotarth largest killer 1 rt n 3 . f ' . I ( & X I v ' 4 1 ""':t J vv? j - jf ,' v V ) - y?- t y . -si- . i n ;.f . J 4 ) I : . ' ;$ , I 'I ' I J II 1 I f ; I i i good theories are now. being investigated. The aluminum intoxication hypothesis is bolstered by experiments in which the injection of aluminum salts into animals has led to the proliferation of brain changes similar to the lesions of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the brains of affected individuals have been found to contain aluminum at levels up to 30 times those of normal, age-matched controls. Genetic theories are more difficult to confirm. If whole families develop Alzheimer's disease, then it may be not because they share the same genetic makeup, but because they have been exposed to the same environmental pathogen, perhaps a virus or aluminum. Howard doesn't enjoy watching football games, or anything that requires concentration. He simply cannot comprehend the action anymore. He would like more projects to do and sometimes he says to himself, "I don't have a disease." Howard's small dog, "Two-Bits", that he bought at an auction, senses that something is wrong with his master and protectively and constantly follows at Howard's heels. Editor's Note: This is the first of a two part series on Alzheimer's Disease which now is the fourth major killer of adults in the United States. Is Anybody There? Does Anybody Care? He sat on the couch appearing very normal. He is not an "old" man, and he speaks easily and freely about his illness. He is desirous to be helpful, and I also heard a quiet, unspoken cry for help, as his frustration appeared in the form of swinging, clasped hands. Howard Deitlaf and his wife, Ora, live at 70 S. 200 East in Pleasant Grove. Two years ago he was diagnosed as having Alzheimer's Disease, the "silent ' epidemic" that is the fourth largest killer in the United States. It is a progressive disorder of the brain i affecting memory, thought and ! language. i November is nation awareness i month for Alzheimer's Disease. As the disease progresses, simple forgetfulness increases to more noticeable memory loss and other ', changes occur in thought, personality, and behavior, which can render the victim incapable of taking care of himself and communicating his needs to others. "It is the worst of all diseases, not just for what it does to the victim, but for its devastating effect on family and friends," states Iewis Thomas, M.D. This disease affects more than 1.5 million Americans, middle-aged or older, 15 percent over age 65. As the population ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer's is expected to more than triple in the next 50 years. Mr. Dietlaf is an easy-going fellow, cheerful and friendly. He holds no bettemess about his condition but bravely tries to keep busy and helpful as he grows steadily worse. It bothers him that he repeats himself, not remembering what he has told his wife. It is often easier to remember things that happened years ago than the present moment. Frustration creeps upon him as he forgets, and it takes real effort to think. Howard worked, holding a job up to two years ago. Now he keeps busy by fixing things up around the house and in his garden. He also gathers aluminum cans about town. Both he and his wife worry that he will become disoriented and forget the way home. He will soon be wearing an identification bracelet, and would appreciate anyone's help if he loses his way. Ora has worked for the last eight years at the Utah State Training School. She has had to learn extra patience in stopping whatever she is doing to help her husband. She takes him to Dr. Kirk Anderson in Provo every six months. Her daughter, who is still at home, copes well with her father's illness, and is good to help out. Their son does not seem to comprehend his father's illness, or perhaps finds it hard to accept. The children who live away from them and visit less frequently, see the deterioration in their father more clearly than those who are with him constantly. It is very upsetting to them. Ora says it is an expensive disease with medication costing 50 cents to $1.50 per pill. She has some insurance but it doesn't cover everything. Howard also takes a mild tranquilizer which is a mood relaxer, he becomes upset when he can't function as before. Up to a year ago the only they could diagnose the disease was with an autopsy, now they can take some fluid from the brain to determine if a person does indeed have the disease. No one knows yet what causes Alzheimer's disease, but a lot of Howard Dietlaf and his wife, Ora, pose for the camera. Mr. Dietlaf bravely faces the ef fects of Alzheimer's disease the fourth leading cause of death in the nation. |