Question

Describe a plan for educating the parent and teacher of a child recently diagnosed with Picks disease.

Please include references.

Answer 1

Psychotherapy may be helpful but can cause disorientation and confusion for some individuals.

To reduce disorientation, reality orientation can be used to reinforce environmental and other cues.

As symptoms become worse, assistance with personal hygiene and self-care will become essential. Eventually, 24-hour care will be required.

Individuals with Pick’s disease should seek legal advice early following diagnosis of the disease. Setting up an advance care directive, power of attorney and other legal actions will make it easier to navigate decisions that need to be made as the disease progresses.

Pick’s disease can be particularly challenging for care providers, especially family and friends. The personality changes can be so extreme that loved ones don’t recognize the individual as the person they once knew. As the disease progresses, it becomes more and more difficult for a person with Pick’s disease to complete even the most fundamental care for themselves

Instructions for parents  

Here are some suggestions for caregivers:

Have your loved one follow a heart-healthy diet
Stay active with friends and interests
Keep your loved one active in regular daily routines
Make sure that your loved one always has identification with contact information and a notice that he/she has a neurological disorder
Complete legal documents while your loved one can make informed choices (Power of Attorney, Living Will, etc.)
Plan transition from work if he or she is still working
Make sure to apply for Social Security Disability and any Veterans benefits your loved one may be eligible for
Share information with friends and family
Keep a log or journal of significant changes in symptoms
Keep copies of diagnostic evaluations and medications and keep paperwork organized for appointments with healthcare providers
Find a support group so that you do not feel alone