Driving Lessons
I write in response to the Caregiving story about driving (April/May 2024). For years after my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he went to the YMCA regularly, rode his bicycle for miles, and jogged slowly. He also continued to drive his Jeep Wrangler. Then he began falling off his bike as he'd come to a stop and couldn't get his feet off the pedals fast enough, and tripping while jogging because his foot dragged. When he failed to stop his car in time and hit the police car in front of him at a stoplight, he realized it was time to give up the keys. I was so grateful he was able to make that decision on his own. Until his death in 2016, he continued to have a very positive attitude. —Carol Stutts, Rehoboth Beach, DE
My father is 80 and has mild cognitive impairment. My family and I have been trying to get him to stop driving for at least three years. None of the suggestions in the article have worked. The Automobile Association of America (AAA) used to offer programs for seniors, but according to staff at two different offices of the Southern California AAA, they no longer offer anything but 30-minute online classes, which my father passed with flying colors because he wasn't behind the wheel. This normally placid man gets angry when we bring up the topic, steals back the keys when we hide them, and refuses to listen to us or his doctor. What other resources are there, and where can we find them? I've given up trying because no one suggests anything practical. —Vicki Mejia-Gewe, Los Angeles
THE EDITOR RESPONDS: It can be difficult to convince someone to stop driving. In our article, Gary Kennedy, MD, director of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY, suggested either selling the car, asking a neighbor or friend to store it, or moving it out of sight.
Intuitive Swimming
Reading the story on Dan Buettner (February/March 2024) inspired me to share my experiences teaching swimming. For more than a decade, I have empowered a range of people to teach themselves how to swim. I do this by encouraging them to trust the intelligence of their bodies. I'm now 67, and the mantra I live by is “Athletes decline with age. Artists improve.” Approaching challenges—both big and small—with curiosity and a beginner's mind can strengthen brain health. —Shane Eversfield, Ithaca, NY
A Cautionary Tale
Following extensive testing, my wife was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease at the beginning of this year. Before deciding to try lecanemab (Leqembi), we did extensive research, discussed the pros and cons with my wife's neurologist, and secured coverage from our insurance company. We understood that the infusions were not a cure and came with risks. After undergoing an MRI, she had her first infusion. Before the seventh infusion, another MRI revealed several microhemorrhages, and the treatment was halted. The risk was too great, and the drug had not slowed progression. For those considering this drug, I urge you to do your research, listen to your doctor, understand the risks and benefits, and involve the patient and all family members in the decision. The infusions were every two weeks for two hours, so they were not convenient. My wife and I and our adult children are glad we tried it, despite the risks. My kids and I agreed that if we were to develop the disease in the future, we would try lecanemab or whatever was the best treatment at that time. —Sidney Sumrall, Sumrall, MS
Hearing Difficulties
I wonder if you plan to do a story on hearing loss. I am 85 years old and have 60 percent hearing in my left ear and 25 percent in my right ear when I wear hearing aids. I can't hear the television, and having conversations on the telephone is difficult. My computer is my sole means of communication. Over-the-counter hearing aids don't work for me, and my insurance company covers only a fraction of the cost of audiologist-prescribed hearing aids. I've become isolated, and my balance has been affected by my hearing problems. —Winifred J. Childers, Locust Grove, OK
THE EDITOR RESPONDS: As you note, hearing loss has social and physical effects. For more information, please read Hearing Aids May Lower the Risk of Cognitive Decline.
Special Requests
I would like to see more articles on hydrocephalus. I was diagnosed with the condition more than two years ago. Since then, I've had two separate shunts installed. After the second was installed and adjusted, I experienced mild improvement in my cognitive abilities. I have trouble walking, mild cognitive impairment, incontinence, and neuropathy. I'm in physical therapy to strengthen my legs so I can walk better. —Larry Rennert, Long Beach, CA
Eleven years ago, I had electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat my severe and chronic depression. It provided no relief, but it left me with significant long- and short-term memory loss. I'm wondering if you could do an article on the risks and benefits of ECT and how to prepare for the treatment—and how to deal with any subsequent memory loss. I have so much grief and many daily challenges (both personal and professional) due to my memory loss. Without our memories, we are like ships adrift. —Rachael O'Connor, Naples, NY
I'm interested in an article on iatrogenic botulism. I was diagnosed with this rare neuromuscular junction condition in August 2023 after receiving clinical botulinum toxin injections for migraine. The spread of toxin left me staggeringly weak, fatigued, and unable to drive or work. The symptoms abated after three or four months once the toxin broke down. Most people are unaware of the dangers of these injections despite a black-box warning on the label. —Nina Miller, Portland, ME
THE EDITOR RESPONDS: Thank you for sharing your experiences of hydrocephalus, electroconvulsive therapy, and iatrogenic botulism, respectively. We have a story about hydrocephalus planned for 2024. We will keep the topics of ECT and iatrogenic botulism in mind for the future.
Healing Arts
I never knew I could create works of art until I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I started painting when I was forced to leave work due to some complications of the disease. I really needed a way to get out of my head, and since I've always loved any form of art (although I never practiced before), I decided to try it. Putting paint to canvas has helped me greatly —Débora Flores, SAN JUAN, PR
