With advancing age it’s a notion that the elders get more forgetful. Blame the neurons most of the times, but it could me more severe than it looks and medical attention might be required for their wellbeing. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is just one of the many symptoms of Dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common type of dementia.

Symptoms of the disease include:

Memory related:

• repetitive questions or conversations
• misplacing personal belongings
• forgetting events or appointments
• getting lost on a familiar route

Impairments Include

• poor understanding of safety risks
• inability to manage finances
• poor decision-making ability
• inability to plan complex or sequential activities
• inability to recognize faces or common objects or to find objects in direct view
• Inability to use simple tools, for example, to orient clothing to the body.
• difficulty thinking of common words while speaking, hesitations
• speech, spelling, and writing errors

In 2016, researchers published findings suggesting that a change in sense of humor might be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.

Stages

The progression of Alzheimer’s can be broken down into three main stages:

• Preclinical, before symptoms appear
• Mild cognitive impairment, when symptoms are mild
• Dementia

How to Care for patients with Alzheimer’s

It takes a lot of effort, patience and understanding to care for patients with Alzheimer. Proper professional care is highly recommended.

• It’s only natural to be in denial when a loved one begins to show signs of dementia, but that only prevents the person from getting a diagnosis, starting treatment and planning for the future.
• Expect things to take longer than they used to.
• Figure out at what age they appear to be behaving, then connect with them at that level.
• Connect With People With Late-Stage Alzheimer’s, Try Introducing Them to Children, Pets, Music or Art
• You can’t win an argument with a person who has dementia, so don’t even try. Neither should you contradict them. It will make them dig in their heels even more strongly.
• If the person does get upset one of the best things you can do is redirect their attention to something else, preferable something pleasant.
• Just because your loved one does not recognize you doesn’t mean they have no feelings. People with Alzheimer’s may enjoy being visited even if they don’t know precisely who the visitor is.
• People with Alzheimer’s disease best understand clear, one-step communication.
• Create a safe environment

Prevent falls by avoiding scatter rugs, extension cords and any clutter that could trip or fall. Install handrails or grab bars in critical areas.

Use locks. Install locks on cabinets that contain anything potentially dangerous, such as medicine, alcohol, toxic cleaning substances, dangerous utensils and tools.

Take fire safety precautions. Keep matches and lighters out of reach.

Schedule wisely. Establish a routine to make each day less agitating and confusing. People with Alzheimer’s disease can still learn and follow routines. Often it is best to schedule tasks, such as bathing or medical appointments, when the person is most alert and refreshed.

It’s okay to get overwhelmed or tired, first take care of yourself. If it begins to hinder our wellbeing ask the medical professionals to step in. At Heritage Hope, we provide care for the Elders suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Day care or full care, both options are available. Visit us for more information.