DEMENTIA

Depression and chronic drug abuse may also lead to dementia. There is also a genetic predisposition in some cases of Alzheimer’s: a child whose biological mother or father carries a genetic mutation for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, has a 50/50 chance of developing this form of Alzheimer’s. The term dementia is used to describe a group of symptoms that negatively impact on memory. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a progressive neurological disorder that gradually causes memory and cognitive problems.

Elderly Pharmacy customer: Good morning. Do you speak English?

PTA: Yes, I do. How may I help you?

I know I came here to get something that I needed. Just a moment. Been a bit stiff in the joints, it’s the cold weather that does it. I need something that I can rub in. You know, that stuff on the telly. What’s it called?

I think I might know what you mean! Did you mean this diclofenac gel? It’s really good for those aches and pains in the joints.

Yes! Exactly! How do I use it?

You can apply a thin film three times a day on the affected area.

Right! Eh! How many times?

Three times a day. On the affected area.

What’s this? Why did you give this to me?

You said you needed it for joint stiffness.

Did I? I think I might need something else, but I can’t remember what.

Do you often have problems remembering things?

To be honest, yes I do. It seems to be getting more difficult from day to day.

Do you live alone?

No, not at all! My daughter got me to move in with her and her husband after my wife died. It was hard for me, but it is nice to be near my two grandchildren.

Have you been to visit a doctor since you moved here?

Doctor? Ah! Yes! Now that reminds me of something! Hang on, that was it! Yes, here it is! My GP gave me this prescription for heartburn tablets. There you go!

Good! I’ll get that for you. Do you mind if I call your GP? The practice is just around the corner from here. I just need to clear something.

No, not at all. Go ahead. I’ll wait here.

So, I’ve just spoken with your doctor and he told me that he also gave you a prescription for donepezil. It is a type of medication to help you with your memory problems. Do you have the prescription with you?

Prescription? Just a moment. Here it is! I had it in the other pocket.

I’ll just get it for you. You need to take it once a day. Your GP has also contacted your daughter, so she will make sure that you take it.

That was nice of him. You are a very nice lady as well. Thank you very much for being so helpful.

You are welcome. Goodbye!

Cherrio!

Den Artikel finden Sie auch in die PTA IN DER APOTHEKE 12/17 ab Seite 132.

Catherine Croghan, Lecturer in English and native speaker