A special guide for elders, caregivers
By Linda A. Johnson
Associated Press
For the many people wondering whether changes like sleep disruption and memory lapses are typical parts of aging, drugmaker Merck & Co. has some answers.
It is normal for elderly people to get sleepy and wake up earlier than they did before, according to Merck's new how-to guide on aging. And while becoming disoriented or disruptive could mean the start of Alzheimer's disease, most older people tend to retell the same stories and have a tougher time recalling words or names.
"That's very different than forgetting the vital things in life, like forgetting to turn the stove off or not remembering how to find your way home," said Dr. Mark H. Beers, a geriatric specialist and editor in chief of the Whitehouse Station-based pharmaceutical company's guide.
"The Merck Manual of Health & Aging," aimed at both older folks with declining health and the loved ones who care for them, hit store shelves and Internet book sites this month, with a $29.95 list price.
Its topics range from specific medical conditions and their treatments, to dealing with our complex health-care system and coping with major changes in life.
The book also offers information on preventive health measures, Medicare and other insurance programs, living wills and other legal issues. It even deals with intimacy and sex-related problems for seniors. For caregivers, it includes sections on how to deal with stress and where they can get help.
The book follows several highly regarded Merck manuals for doctors, veterinarians and chemists, and the popular consumer guide, "The Merck Manual of Medical Information — Second Home Edition." The books are money losers, partly because they eventually get posted on Merck's Web site.
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"There's a tremendous need for it just because we have an exploding aging population and an exploding number of caregivers," said Dr. Joanne Schwartzberg, director of the American Medical Association's aging and community health department.
Schwartzberg said such information is particularly needed because patients are discharged from hospitals very quickly these days, often without adequate education about how to handle their illnesses at home.
Already, there are roughly 1,000 relevant books, videos and Internet sites listed on the Web site of the National Alliance for Caregivers, said its president and chief executive officer, Gail Hunt.
The alliance and seniors group AARP in April published a report on a joint survey that found 33.9 million Americans are caring for people aged 50 and over. Two-thirds said they need more information on hands-on care, finding time for themselves and handling the stress.
The survey also found 35 percent of caregivers said their health was only fair or poor, about four times the percentage in the general population.
"They know it's taking a toll on them, but they are doing it because this is what family does," Elinor Ginzler, manager for independent living and long-term care at AARP.
