Page 55 - Panama City Living Magazine September-October 2019

has been reestablished, affected individuals will find themselves able to focus again, with symptoms of memory loss disappearing.
If there is concern that your loved one might be affected and unable to live a normal life, and stressful situations are affecting simple tasks, there are tests and cognitive analysis that can help evaluate the symptoms and find solutions. One important step in determining a person’s ability to live independently and self-sufficiently is an assessment of his or her ability to operate a vehicle safely.
DriveABLE, a scientifically developed computer-based test that has been validated through years of university research, is the most accurate cognitive assessment of medically-at-risk drivers on the market. The test is offered at the Brain and Spine Center in two locations in Bay County.
It can be taken in our office, guided by one of our trained office personnel. The test will ask a series of basic questions and check reflexes, and all data is carefully analyzed to assess whether it is safe for a patient to be driving. Most insurances including Medicare cover the test.
Dr. Hoda Elzawahry was born and raised
in Panama City and is a graduate of the Rutherford International Baccalaureate program. She trained in neurology at the University of South Florida in Tampa. She completed a subspecialty in neurophysiology, neuromuscular medicine, and epilepsy at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
She is board-certified in neurology and psychiatry, neurophysiology, epilepsy, headache, and pain medicine.
Make a daily plan but prepare to be flexible, if needed.
Be patient when responding to repetitive questions, behaviors, or statements.
Try not to argue or confront the person with dementia when he or she expresses mistaken ideas or facts. Change the subject or gently remind the person of an inaccuracy. Arguing or trying to convince a person of “the truth” is a natural reaction but it can be frustrating to all and can trigger unwanted behavior and feelings.
Use memory aids such as writing out a list of daily activities, phone numbers, and instructions for usual tasks (e.g., the telephone, microwave, etc.).
Establish calm and consistent nighttime routines to manage behavioral problems, which are often worse at night. Leave a night light on in the person’s bedroom.
Avoid major changes to the home environment (for example, rearranging furniture).
Somehow we have all come out the other side of the disaster and hopefully most of us are a bit stronger for it and closer to one another.
As it is often said of difficult times, life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain.
#850strong
The information provided is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article, including text, graphics, images, and information, is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a medical condition, please call your medical provider or dial 911 and seek professional medical advice. Do not delay medical treatment.
22901 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
(Temporary office) 425 West 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405
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