Alzheimer’s & Smoking
May 5, 2006 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Since my mother and aunt didn’t smoke, we didn’t have this situation to worry about…whether smoking had affected their memories or was a fire danger in their homes. If they had, I know we would have been concerned about their inability to be safe while smoking…and whether they would have started a fire with the cigarette or when lighting it.
I do know that with cooking, we became very concerned that Mother would start a fire, either by placing something flammable on the burner or by leaving a pot or frying pan on it with the heat going. She did scorch a couple of pans before we realized this was a very real danger.
We began unplugging the stove (it was electric) whenever we weren’t there and did all of the cooking, even heating water for tea, when we visited. Mother couldn’t understand why others could get her stove to work, but she couldn’t. Family and friends, who helped when I couldn’t be with Mother, were instructed to unplug the stove after they’d finished cooking.
What would we have done if Mother smoked? How do you handle a family member’s smoking and Alzheimer’s? I’m sure your input would be appreciated by caregivers who face this situation.
My grandfather suffered from short-term memory loss toward the end of his life. (I don’t think a diagnosis was ever made regarding the cause.) He lived alone, and we were a thousand miles away; but on our last visit to see him, I remember the pile of cigarette ashes and butts on the corner of the end table. He had forgotten – or chosen – not to use an ashtray, so they just piled up. I was barely ten at the time, but looking back I’m amazed he didn’t burn the house down.
Thanks for sharing this insight about your grandfather. Since my mother didn’t smoke, I didn’t have to consider that danger. As you say,though, it’s amazing your grandfather’s house didn’t burn down.
Mary Emma