DRwJL – Dr. Victoria Pelak talks about Posterior Cortical Atrophy & it’s relationship to Alz

August11, 2020 I had the extreme pleasure to have Dr. Victoria Pelak, MD, on my show. She is a Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Divisions of Neuro-ophthalmology and Behavioral Neurology, Director, Neuro-ophthalmology Fellowship, at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr Pelak specializes in vision perception and a syndrome of Alzheimer's which effects how the brain transmits what the eye processes and changes the view, balance and speech of the person afflicted. Dr. Pelak spells out the entirety of this syndrome in a language we can all understand. Below is a tip sheet for anyone living with this syndrome. If you have issues with any of the following, it may not have anything to do with your vision, but rather, your brain function. In this case, see a neurologist, not an eye doctor. images have decreased contrast andSentences, words, letters, get jumbledimages to appear and then disappearvertigoglare being very brightpages could be movingpatients say I can see, but I can’t seemotor issues, stumbling into wallsseeing fragmented images I have attached a tip sheet which can help people with this syndrome. VISUAL DYSFUNCTION IN DEMENTIAHome Safety Tips & RecommendationsUHN Multidisciplinary Memory ClinicUniversity of TorontoRevised July 2012 Alison Lake OT, Maria Martinez MSW and David F. Tang-Wai MDCM FRCPCThere are several types of dementia that impact a persons vision; not because of an eye problem but because of a brain problem. They have a lot of problems seeing shades of the same colour and have increased success when there is a high degree of contrast – such as black on yellow.The types of dementia that have an impact on vision are:• Posterior cortical atrophy• Corticobasal degeneration• Dementia with Lewy bodiesHere are a few tips to optimize a person’s safety and independence in their own home.GENERAL ENVIRONMENT:Ø Simplify the environmento Remove clutter and objects no longer in use; keep pathways clear.o Remove unsafe furniture and accents: i.e. low height stools, chairs or tables.o Options to decrease the potential falls risk from scatter rugs and door mats: -Remove unsafe scatter rugs/mats-Install non-slip under-padding Replace with rugs/mats with a rubber backingSecure all edges with double sided carpet tape (not for outdoor use) o Relocate and secure trailing cords that are in high traffic areas.o Ensure adequate lighting: use night lights, install extra lights fixtures.o Leave lights on prior to nightfall.o Diffuse bright light areas. Reduce glare by covering windows with binds,shades or sheer curtains to block direct bright sunlight. Avoid using bare light bulbs without shades.o Obtain a door alarm and /or safety lock.o Place stickers on large glass windows or large glass doors to prevent people from bumping or walking into to them. Ø Increase contrasto Label room doors; use yellow paper with black writing.o Paint doorframes and light switch plates in a contrasting colour to the wall.o Contrasting colour dot to mark the number/button to release automatic door.o Contrasting colour strips (paint or tape) or tactile cue at top and bottom ofstairs, as well as on the edge of each individual step (both inside and outside). 2o Use contrasting coloured adhesive strips to mark pathways to important areas – bathroom, kitchen, living room, laundry.