Long on Shortz
As a nurse practitioner working with stroke patients on a daily basis, I thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning about Will Shortz's recovery process (October/November 2024). I would like to point out that baby aspirin is not used to keep blood pressure down (as indicated in the second-to-last paragraph). It is an antiplatelet medication used to reduce the risk of blood clot formation. I would hate for anyone to think a baby aspirin is anti-hypertensive medication (as it is available over the counter) and mistakenly take it for the wrong reason. Even baby aspirin needs to be appropriately recommended by a medical provider. —Lynne Nichols, RN, Portland, ME
I appreciated the story about Will Shortz and his recovery from stroke. I couldn't help but wonder if he had seen a speech-language pathologist at some point. Speech-language pathologists are typically part of any stroke rehabilitation team, providing valuable therapy to patients who have lost their ability to speak or understand. It's concerning for speech-language pathologists like me to hear someone say they had physical therapy for their speech. —Janice Woolsey, Northridge, CA
THE EDITOR RESPONDS: Thank you for your letters. It is correct that baby aspirin is recommended to reduce the risk of blood clots forming, not to lower blood pressure. Will Shortz takes baby aspirin for that reason, a statin to reduce cholesterol, and blood pressure medication. We apologize for the error. Shortz did have speech therapy in the first few months after his stroke.
Dementia Caregivers
In response to the story about caring for someone with dementia (“Advice for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Dementia”, October/November 2024), I wanted to share my experience. I was my late husband's caregiver for 10 years after his diagnosis of dementia. In May 2021, he began exhibiting alarming symptoms such as weakness in one arm and slurred speech. He also found blood in his urine. I was concerned that he was having both a recurrence of bladder cancer, which he had had previously, and a stroke. It took a while for medical personnel to believe me, but he was eventually hospitalized and underwent surgery for bladder cancer. The doctors also confirmed that he had indeed had a stroke. After meeting with the neurologist, I decided to take my husband off life support. He died on our 20th wedding anniversary. After his death, I joined grief support groups and read bereavement literature everywhere I could find it. I also subscribed to Journeys, the grief newsletter of the Hospice Foundation of America. It's been three years, and I am just now starting to feel like myself again. —Margie Soffer-Wood, ST. Louis
My wife was diagnosed with dementia 13 years ago. Along the way, we have learned a few things that have helped. We knew that physical and mental activity were important, so we've incorporated exercise like golf, tennis, swimming, biking, walking, and gardening. Socially, we have sung in a choir, danced, and done word puzzles. We've also changed our diet based on recommendations from my wife's neurologist. I've reached out for professional help, I've expanded my knowledge of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and I've volunteered at Memory Matters. My wife and I also maintain a positive attitude. I follow the AARP's three golden rules of caring for someone with dementia. I don't ask questions. I listen to my wife, and I don't attempt to contradict her. When my wife is sundowning (becoming agitated, delusional, looking for nonexistent people or things, more than usually confused), I pull out photo albums that we can look at together, start coloring with her, go for a short walk, set the table, or call one of our children to talk with her. As she enters the later stages of the disease, my wife no longer sings in the choir or plays golf. To keep my wife engaged, I encourage her to continue setting the table, loading the dishes into the dishwasher, and folding washed clothes. For my part, I do what I can to become a better, more patient caregiver. I've even learned to cook, and much to my surprise I enjoy it! —Earle And Nancy Everett, Hilton Head, SC
Art as Therapy
I'm responding to the story about art therapy (How Art Therapy May Help Ease Depression in Those with Neurologic Disorders, October/November 2024). I have been a photographer most of my life and have thousands of images. At 93, I can hardly lift my Hasselblads or Linhofs anymore, but I can pull up the images and enjoy them. Each photograph helps me recall long-ago skiing, hiking, camping, and picnicking trips. Reviewing these works hones my critical views of nature and art. Sharing these pictures with friends and family increases my social interaction. Lastly, contributing images to my neighborhood and city keeps me engaged with my community. —Rodger Ewy, Boulder
