Dear Counsellor:

My husband has Alzheimer's and has become very resistant to the changes I've had to make. He needs to be supervised daily and so I am confined to the house.

He is forgetful and has a bad temper. He doesn't think anything is wrong with him. I need some help.

- Maxine

Dear Maxine,

Alzheimer's disorder is a very common condition among the elderly. As we grow older, the risk of getting Alzheimer's increases. Don't feel alone, as there are many individuals having the same problem.

Alzheimer's affects people's memories and their behaviours. Some people have aggression or sleep problems and some have hallucinations. Close supervision of such individuals is needed as they may wander away from home.

Help is necessary as one person cannot look after the patient with Alzheimer's. Do you have grown children or close relatives? Ask for help from your family members. You need to take breaks from the caregiving. Getting a full-time helper will be useful. With help, you will be able to leave home sometimes.

Take your husband to the psychiatrist and tell the doctor about his behaviour. There is a variety of medication to treat the various symptoms. Find out if there is an Alzheimer's support group in your community. Support groups are very helpful and you will receive tips and tactics to help you cope.

It is the norm for your husband to feel that nothing is wrong with him. He may want to drive his car but he may get lost or have an accident. It is really strenuous to take care of a patient with Alzheimer's.

Dear Counsellor:

I am six months pregnant and have been depressed for the past three months. I am concerned that my baby may be affected by the medication.

- Sharon

Dear Sharon:

Depression is a common medical disorder which does affect pregnant women. You may have been depressed previously and it has now become severe.

Did you want to become pregnant? Many women have unplanned pregnancy and this causes them to be depressed. Severe depression has to be treated with medication. However, we usually withhold medication in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. If the mother is severely depressed, she should be given medication.

Depression is treated with medication and counselling. Sometimes, the depression gets worse in the period after delivery of the baby. You, therefore, need to be referred to the psychiatrist for joint management with your doctor.

Depressed mothers often don't stimulate their babies and the babies become quiet and withdrawn or anxious. Babies need eye contact, massages, hugs and conversation. Depressed mothers are withdrawn, lack energy, become tearful easily and have sad faces. They don't make eye contact or speak often to the babies. Help from relatives and friends is needed.

For advice on personal and family health issues, call Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.