I've been seeing a lot of coverage lately about the inspector general who was fired recently and wondered what others have seen about it. Nope, not the politics. Not going there.
The discussion of confusion, etc. It certainly doesn't bode well for "getting the info to the public" about dementia, AD, etc. Lots of comments like "my (insert elderly relative) does have dementia, and it doesn't look like he does, I'm insulted"; or "it's age discrimination" or "I saw him in an interview with (insert tv journalist/media person here) and he sounded real intelligent" and so on. Or, "he is pretty old, maybe it's just old age".
One tv host even gave the person a Mini Mental exam on the air to "prove" he wasn't "insane".
I could see the research dollars drying up with each comment, interview, etc. All the myths we've heard being repeated and taught to the public.
"The White House first tried to portray Walpin as senile because of his age (77) and now is saying it was an act of political courage because Walpin didn’t get along with the board and IG’s are supposed to get along with the people they work with. There are so many things wrong with that statement. In almost no workplace does everyone get along but the sign of being professional is to work through it, not illegally fire people. Walpin had also been looking into the board for activities that were unethical. This was supposed to be an act of political courage? A White House Lawyer said the firing might raise questions and because they did it anyway it was courageous. This is politics of the worse kind and it’s supposed to be ok because Obama has proclaimed himself ethical and no one challenges him on it? I don’t care what letter you have behind you name this kind of ethics has no place in leadership. Just a few days ago the fourth ranking Republican John Ensign came out and admitted he had an affair with a member of his staff. He stepped down from his position. While it was good that he stepped down on his on, this was despicable especially since he was supposed to be a champion for social causes. I bring this up to say that lack of ethics on both sides is awful but when it’s brought up it doesn’t have to be an attack on the person just because of their party."
If you just Google Inspector general fired you will find the story and videos
doneit, I was not trying to justify his firing or defend it. I only wanted to address the media attention and reaction to the mention of dementia and how it is discussed in light of the problems we have seen with misconceptions with the general public and doctors.
And, I hesitate to provide any links, since most are polititcally charged.
Don't care if he was legally fired. Don't care if he should have been. Don't care why.
I just care that the idea of confusion and disorientation and dementia have been mentioned by various people. And, the usually misconceptions of age, "he sounds fine", etc. that will be detrimental.
Joan, let me know what, if any links you'd be comfortable with.
I put quotes around doneit's statement because it came from a news link.
Yup - it's a political firecracker, so let's leave it be. As for Pat B's wondering about dementia, we'll have to see if that ever comes up. It hasn't so far, and neither has alcohol. But I do agree that no one understands dementia, and the media usually makes a mess of any attempt at understanding.
I am sure there is much more to this story than what either side is saying. The end.
Joan-thanks-I should have added the quotes. Actually-I think think that is a good thing for any posters to do so we will know it is not their own words.