Neuro Note #2: What Are You Doing for the Test of Your Life?


    In order to further my understanding about Huntington’s disease, I listened to a podcast from “This American Life” titled “What Are You Doing for the Test of Your Life". The podcast opens with a woman named Kelly who is waiting on a genetic test that will let her know if she has the gene for Huntington’s disease. The podcast goes on to explain that Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. Kelly is the youngest of 6 sisters. Their mother had Huntington’s which gives each of them a 50% chance of also getting diagnosed with the disease. Two of her sisters are currently showing signs.

     Kelly recorded her experience of getting tested on an audio diary in which she shares on the podcast.  She first interviews her sister who is showing signs. Her sister, Kathy, is in her 40’s and talks about how she finds herself not remembering how to do things, not being able to get to the bathroom fast enough, and also struggling to find the words to articulate what she needs. She explains that she hasn’t gotten tested because of insurance and fear that she would feel she had wasted parts of her life.  Kelly discusses with Kathy her memories of their mother. Her Mom was starting to show symptoms when she was pregnant with Kelly and went to a nursing home when she was 15. She remembers being embarrassed and mean to her mother especially when her friends said “she was nuts”. She also remembers seeing her at the nursing home with her mother’s muscles atrophied and overall looking like an “empty shell”.  

    The podcast ends with Kelly finding out her test results with her niece, Kayla, Kathy’s daughter. Kayla is 21 years old and has tested positive for Huntington’s. Kelly does eventually discover that she did not inherit the gene and it’s an emotional moment for both of them. Although happy for Kelly, Kayla leaves the room crying because she knows she is now alone in this Diagnosis.

    This podcast not only furthered my understanding Huntington’s disease, but also really drew me into the emotions of being a teenager with a mother with the disease and also the process of getting tested as an adult. It also really impacted me hearing Kelly’s niece and her reaction when Kelly found out she did not inherit the gene. Overall, this story drew me into how devastating this disease is to all family members involved and the complexities of hearing your results.



It Says So Right Here [Advertisement]. (2013, October 25). Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://www.thisamericanlife.org/509/it-says-so-right-here
It Says So Right Here [Advertisement]. (2013, October 25). Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://www.thisamericanlife.org/509/it-says-so-right-here
It Says So Right Here [Advertisement]. (2013, October 25). Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://www.thisamericanlife.org/509/it-says-so-right-here
It Says So Right Here [Advertisement]. (2013, October 25). Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://www.thisamericanlife.org/509/it-says-so-right-here
It Says So Right Here [Advertisement]. (2013, October 25). Retrieved April 18, 2018, from                          https://www.thisamericanlife.org/509/it-says-so-right-here

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lecture Reflection: Aging Adults and Sexual Health

When thinking about aging adults, it is not uncommon for society as a whole to assume that sex and sexuality is not an important part of an older adult’s day to day life. However, our guest lecturer today proved that assumption to be a myth. Based on statistics she shared, sex and sexual health is an important and integral part of an older adult’s life. Some key takeaway points include physical issues adults will face as they age and how it changes their sexual responses. This includes but is not limited to hardening of arteries and high blood pressure which affects blood flow. Also, cancer treatments along with other medications can cause fatigue, depression, and loss of libido. And finally, arthritis, weakened muscles, and limited range of motion can limit positioning. How and why would an occupational therapist address sexual health in the aging adult population? First, sex is an occupation that statistics show is very meaningful to older adults. There are many things occu
Read more

Reflection: Mock Interview

When preparing for the mock interview, I first reviewed my resume and refreshed my memory on my various experiences, achievements, and goals. From there I practiced answering common interview questions and choosing what questions I would ask post interview. Participating in the interview was helpful especially gaining practice in a low stakes setting and receiving constructive feedback. Something that I can improve on is making eye contact. The interviewer shared with me that initially I appeared to be looking “past her” but eventually began making eye contact as the interview progressed. Eye contact and body position is something I will continue to work on and stay more aware of. Although this wasn't mentioned, I also need to continue to stay aware of the rate of which I speak. I have a tendency to talk fast and have to work to slow down when I am answering interview questions.  According to the interviewer, my answers to her questions were “spot on”. That was really enc
Read more

Lecture Reflection: Aging Adults and Nutrition

      One thing that initially drew me to the field of occupational therapy is the holistic approach to patient care. I love how the practitioner considers the whole person and their needs to participate in the things they find most meaningful. Last week we had guest speaker lecture on the importance of nutrition for the aging adult population. One thing that stood out to me was the statistics presented about how many aging adults are living in poverty and as risk for being undernourishment. The speaker also lectured about the importance of nutrition for wound healing and overall recovery.      Occupational Therapy can support the work of nutritionists and help their clients in a variety of ways that promote nutritional intake. One such intervention includes working with clients to be independent with meal preparation. This could look like working  to improve their balance and strength for cooking tasks. You could also host a cooking class at a local community center for older adults
Read more