Information for Pick's Disease Caregivers

Caring for Someone with Pick's Disease

One of the first steps you may want to take after receiving this diagnosis is to set up a power of attorney for health care and financial decisions. This allows another person take care of important decision making if the person with Pick's disease isn't able to. A power of attorney must be set up while the person with the disease is still capable of deciding who should do this for them. You may also want to discuss treatment preferences and end-of-life issues at this time.

People with Pick's disease may require special attention and caregiving.^[1] Individuals may need help with personal hygiene and even the most basic self-care. They may need round-the-clock care either at home or in a long-term care facility. At times, people with Pick's disease may behave like young children, acting impulsively or exhibiting tantrum-like behavior. Try to remember that such behaviors are part of the disease and not the individual's chosen behaviors.

Structuring the day's activities is often helpful, particularly for patients who have become apathetic or withdrawn. Because Pick's patients can become impulsive, safety measures such as putting dangerous items out of reach should be implemented in the home. Driving privileges need not be immediately ruled out, but should be continuously evaluated by both caregivers and physicians and eliminated at the appropriate time.

If you are taking care of someone with Pick's disease, consider taking advantage of community services.^[1] Setting aside at least part of the week for yourself can be very helpful.^[6] Available community services might include visiting nurse or aide services and adult day programs. Caring for someone with Pick's disease can be challenging. If you're doing this, you may want to join a support group. One group you may want to contact is The Association for Frontotemporal Dementias at 1-866-507-7222. You can find local support services through Eldercare Locator, which is a service provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.