There is always confusion related to Alzheimer’s and Dementia. September 21 is a day to bring awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, Brain cells and the cells’ connections degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and different crucial mental functions. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the common causes of dementia, where dementia symptoms progressively worsen over the years. Alzheimer’s in its early stages can cause a mild memory loss. In later stages, Alzheimer’s can cause a person to lose the ability to communicate and respond to their surroundings.

Dementia is a generic term for loss of memory and other cognitive abilities in a person. These symptoms become severe enough to intervene in daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 60-80% of dementia cases.

SIGNS OF ALZHEIMERS

As we age, our brains change with our bodies as well. It is expected to forget things with slow thinking, and occasional problems with remembering things. But, severe memory loss, confusion, and other significant changes may suggest that brain cells fail.

Difficulty in remembering newly learned information is the most common symptom during the early stage. Alzheimer’s usually begins in the part that affects learning. Once Alzheimer’s progresses through the brain, it leads to increasingly severe symptoms like disorientation, behavior changes, mood, confusion about events, time, and place; suspicions about family, friends, and professional caregivers.

TREATMENT FOR ALZHEIMERS

There is no cure to Alzheimer’s, but treatments for symptoms are available as the research to find a cure continues. Alzheimer’s disease medications may briefly improve symptoms or slow the rate of decline in the condition. These treatments can only assist a person with Alzheimer’s disease, but nothing can alter its progress in the brain. In advanced stages of the disease, a person can suffer from severe brain function loss, dehydration, malnutrition, infection resulting in death.

MANAGING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

There are treatments that can help with Alzheimer’s disease and maximize function and maintain independence for a time. But eventually, you will need support from professional caregivers who can accompany Alzheimer’s patients and help them with their daily tasks.

Caregivers

Caregivers provide support to the Alzheimer’s patient dealing with early-stage, middle-stage, as well as the late-stage symptoms. They help manage symptoms by accompanying them and caring for their needs. The patient slowly loses their independence as the disease progresses; it is better to have a caregiver besides caring for them. Professional caregivers are trained to handle different situations related to Alzheimer’s symptoms. Some caregivers are specially trained only for Alzheimer’s caregiving.

Programs

There are many cognitive programs that you can enroll your loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s. These programs help with cognitive abilities and other skills, making your loved ones feel more independent and help those who can’t do their day to day activities.

Monitoring Symptoms

Monitoring symptoms is vital at every stage. Monitoring symptoms will help you know How your loved ones are doing daily. It will also help the doctors to determine whether the condition is better or deteriorating. Accordingly, the doctors will plan out further treatment for Alzheimer’s patients. Caregivers also monitor the symptoms of the patients and record them in a journal. Recording the vitals and health regularly will be beneficial for the patient.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the person who has Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help the individual manage their symptoms better. Eating a nutritious meal and maintaining a balanced diet will help to address Alzheimer’s better.

As there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, it is necessary to look out for small changes and things that could help with the illness as medications and management can temporarily improve the symptoms.

September 21 is Alzheimer’s Day dedicated to bringing awareness to the disease. It is essential to get attention to this melting brain disease as it affects millions of people every year.

Family members living with Alzheimer’s patients can have difficulty managing the patient as the symptoms worsen. It is crucial to get professional help like caregivers who can help your loved ones in such cases. The support you can get, the better it will be for the patient and you.

Getting professional help is easier to find today. Professional caregivers are always ready to care for Alzheimer’s patients.

At care24, we provide caregiving services at home; to know more, you can visit our caregiver’s section on the website.