Health Pulse There have been reports of Zika virus in the United States, however, those infected had become infected when visiting other countries and returned home with the virus. Zika is spread primarily with the bite of an infected mosquito. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, however, this transmission apparently is one way, with semen as the carrier. Casual contact such as touching or even kissing does not transmit the Zika virus. Eighty per cent of persons who contract the Zika virus do not show or experience any symptoms, which can be daunting. Apparent symptoms resemble the flu with the complement of a rash, including fever, headache, pain in the joints and sore red eyes. The Zika virus thrives in warm tropical climates and, thus, is not expected to spread throughout Canada. It has been found in more than 20 countries, including the Caribbean, South America and Mexico. The anticipated worstcase scenario, at this point, in the continental United States and Canada is clusters of 10 to 20 infected persons in different regions, brought back by persons who travel and transmitted through sexual contact. Currently, the CDC has determined that the virus lives in the bloodstream of the infected person for one week and in semen for two weeks. Only pregnant women have been warned to avoid travel to Zika-infected regions. When a pregnant woman contracts the Zika virus, there is a risk that it will transfer to her womb and cause microcephaly (small cranial development) in the fetus. Therefore, it has been recommended that families trying to have children should take precautions before, and for one to six months after, potential exposure to the virus by travelling to affected regions. Older persons need only concern themselves with flu-like symptoms and possibly Guillain-Barré Syndrome (neurological paralysis, usually temporary). However, the likelihood of this occurring in Canada is limited. There is no vaccine or drug treatment for the virus and testing is difficult. If you do feel at risk, or if you have any symptoms, consult a physician. As anyone living with dementia will tell you, social inclusion and respect can go a long way toward maintaining a person’s sense of self. While it may be challenging to get others to recognize that a diagnosis doesn’t rob someone of their individuality or their feelings, it can be done. Findings from a Nanos survey show that Canadians are divided regarding whether people can still live well with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, with women having slightly more positive attitudes than men. It comes as no surprise that nearly one in four people with dementia hide their diagnosis, according to a survey by Alzheimer’s Disease International. Forty per cent of people with dementia report not being included in everyday life. The survey also showed that both people with dementia and their caregivers feel marginalized by society, sometimes by their own friends and family members. Pia Kontos, a health-services researcher at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, says that people living with dementia are marginalized in large part because we assume that, as cognitive abilities decline, we lose our sense of self. “Our cognitive abilities alone do not define us; people living with Alzheimer’s can continue to engage with the world inmany other meaningful ways. It’s important that we recognize and fully support such engagement.” Which is why the Alzheimer Society’s goal is to help people understand that it is indeed possible to have dementia and lead a fulfilling life. The first step is to focus on the abilities of people with dementia, and not on their impairments. In other words, understand that there is more to the person than their illness. Recognizing that dementia is a progressive disease which affects everyone differently is also an important step in helping people preserve their individuality, says the society. By focusing on a person’s history and relationships, we can better understand their reaction to the illness, as well as the best way to help them through it. More information is available at www.alzheimer.ca/stillhere. www.newscanada.com Life doesn’t end whenAlzheimer’s begins Do your PSA Test TWICE! A recent Canadian study has revealed that 25 per cent of men who redid their PSA test had normal results the second time around. Prostate Specific Antigen levels can be affected by physical activity, sexual activity and even infections. On average, fewer than half of physicians order second trials when initial testing showed poor results. The test, first or second, should be accompanied by a digital exam and a thorough review of your family history before moving forward with a biopsy, which could spare you a lot of pain. Zika Virus in Older Adults 32 | www.snowbirds.org
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