THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
FEATURES
Recognizing cognitive decline
Dear Annie: How do you won’t go far astray. If a friend
determine whether an associ- of yours shows signs of mem-
ate is experiencing some mem- ory loss, talk to the friend one-
ory loss, dementia or cognitive on-one, and use gentle, non-
decline? With a close longtime accusatory language. Stick to
friend, you can usually note a phrases such as “I noticed you
change from the person’s nor- seem to be having difficulty
with scheduling lately”
mal functioning. But
DEAR
rather than “You keep
if you became friends
forgetting our plans.”
with someone during
ANNIE
Similarly, if some-
the retirement years,
one in a club to which
you often don’t know
you belong repeatedly
what someone’s level
fails to fulfill duties he
of functioning or per-
or she signed up for,
sonality was like in ear-
talk to that person pri-
lier years. In an organi-
vately and offer to help
zation, church or club,
Lane
out. The more gingerly
an older adult may have Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
you handle the subject
committed to doing a
the less likely the per-
job, become unable to
do what’s required yet want to son is to become defensive —
keep his or her hat in the ring but there’s still no guarantee on
and save face. We wonder how that. Call the Alzheimer’s Asso-
to approach this with kindness ciation 24/7 Helpline at 800-
272-3900 for more informa-
and practicality.
It is a wonderful idea to tion on navigating this difficult
focus on issues facing older issue.
Dear Annie: I just read a
adults. There are so many of
them, and the numbers are column in which you advised
growing rapidly. Thank you for a woman, “Tortured in New
York,” that she had a right to
your interest. — Jane M.
Dear Jane: Judging by your request a female nurse because
letter, you’re naturally thought- of trauma in her past. Would
ful. Let that innate sense of you say, then, that a white per-
empathy steer you and you son who distrusts black people
has a right to request a white
nurse? Would you similarly
say that someone prejudiced
against gays could ask for a
straight nurse? Nurses are pro-
fessionals with extensive edu-
cation and training. Their
genetics (race, gender, sexual
preference) should not be a bar-
rier to doing their job. After all,
if everyone asked for a female
nurse, then men would be
barred from the profession as
women de facto were barred
from being doctors, college
professors and business exec-
utives only a short time ago.
Pretty slippery slope you are
on. — Think Twice
Dear Think Twice: Of
course I do not condone dis-
crimination based on race, sex-
ual orientation or gender. I have
the utmost respect for male
nurses, and I wholeheartedly
agree that they deserve equal
opportunities in the workplace.
“Tortured in New York” was a
survivor of sexual assault and
had unique needs as a patient.
As many health care profes-
sionals who have written to me
in recent days affirmed, hospi-
tals will do their best to accom-
modate such needs.
5A
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). In some ways
you feel like you’re finally getting the respect
you deserve, and in other ways it feels like
too little too late. Why isn’t this enough?
That’s a valid question. Perhaps the attention
is coming from the wrong person.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Pushing won’t
make things happen any faster. Back off
instead: That might work. Certainly people
will want to rush to you when you give them
a compelling enough reason and then leave
the right amount of space between you.
what will make the difference.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Wrap up
those loose ends, because a new chapter is
opening up for you very soon. You’re about to
meet someone who will help you do the very
thing you’ve wanted to for so long but never
had the opportunity to.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Smiles
improve moods. Even fake ones. So does
sunshine. So do hugs. The things that make
you feel happier may seem corny to you, but
don’t let that stop you from trying them.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You can’t help
but be curious, and your compassion makes
it difficult for you to shut a door once it’s ajar,
therefore people will open up to you whether
you want them to or not.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You appre-
ciate agreeable people, but you’re more likely
to trust those who disagree with you, since
it takes nerve to disagree with someone as
strong as you.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). The fact-finding
part of your mission could go on longer, but
the law of diminishing returns would apply.
You have all of the information you need to
make your decision.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Choose your
words carefully. Semantics matter. That’s why
car dealers advertise “pre-owned vehicles”
instead of “used cars.” Consider which words
might give you an emotional advantage.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Whatever game
you choose to play, you’ll be good for the
game. Your high level of sportsmanship will
bring out the best in your opponents. You’re
especially well-matched with Sagittarius and
Aries.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You don’t have
to work in so-called “artistic” media for what
you’re doing to be considered an art. Love
is an art. Walking is an art. Artistic impulses
will be validated by like minds who see the
deeper levels.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your point of
view isn’t wrong, though it may seem a little
stale today. You’ve seen things from this
angle for too long. Spin the globe. When it
comes to worldviews, all reference points are
relative.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 26).
There are people whose lives get better be-
cause of what you contribute this year, and
that is among the most satisfying of feelings.
The last part of 2017 focuses on honing your
talents and economizing your life. There’s a
burst of happy love at the beginning of 2018.
Exciting, glamorous events punctuate your
calendar. Libra and Leo adore you. Your
lucky numbers are: 5, 7, 20, 19 and 42.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Because you put
care into the little things, people will trust you
with the big things. From dressing yourself to
presenting big projects, attention to detail is
FRANK AND ERNEST
BLONDIE
THATABABY
SALLY FORTH
PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN
B.C.
LOLA
DILBERT
SIX CHIX
BIZARRO
MUTTS
NON SEQUITUR
BABY BLUES
WIZARD OF ID
ZITS
ROSE IS ROSE