BETTER UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia and it causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior that can often impact even the simplest activities of daily living. Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequently diagnosed type of dementia and symptoms usually develop slowly and get progressively worse over time. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases.
What is Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the saddest and most frightening diseases that can impact seniors. While progression of Alzheimer’s disease varies among those impacted with it, Alzheimer’s disease progresses through stages similar to a child development, except in reverse. Adults that are first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are still very cognitive and able to remember things. As time passes, it becomes increasingly more difficult for adults that are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease to remember information or to even calculate simple things. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, those impacted become unable to operate simple machines and electronic devices (like TV's, cars, cameras, phones, etc.) and may become easily lost or disoriented. Some adults that are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease even tend to forget who their family or friends are. Ultimately, those that are severely impacted by this disease will forget how to dress themselves, brush their teeth, or shower. In the final stages, adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease will forget the simplest of daily activities, such as how to feed themselves or how to control their bowel and bladder.
The greatest known risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease is increasing age and the majority of people with Alzheimer's disease are 65 and older. However, Alzheimer's disease does not exclusively impact people of older age. It has been documented that up to 5 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease have what is known as “early onset Alzheimer's”, which can impact an individual who is in their 40's or 50's.
If you believe that someone you know is struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, you may find the following information on signs and symptoms helpful. If someone you know is currently impacted by Alzheimer’s, you may find the following treatment information helpful.
Alzheimer's Disease Signs and Symptoms
If you suspect that your loved one may be exhibiting early signs of Alzheimer's disease, it is best that you schedule a time for them to see a doctor. Doctors can perform blood tests for signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency, which is one way to help doctors to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the results of the tests, your doctor may refer you to see a Neurologist, who can test things like thinking and processing ability. It is important not to assume the worst simply because you or a loved one has had some memory lapses that may be attributed to the normal aging process.
Here is a list of 10 things you will want to consider as early warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease:
1. Memory Loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or during leisure
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgement
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood or personality
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Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
If you catch it in the early stages, there are drugs that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, however there are currently no cures. There are two types of medications that help with time and memory loss symptoms, as well as other cognitive changes. These two types of medications are:
Cholinesterase inhibitors – this medication works by helping to boost levels of cell-to-cell communication by providing neurotransmitters to depleted areas in the brain. The improvement is considered to be modest, but improvement was seen with symptoms of agitation and depression.
Memantine (Namenda) – this medication works in brain cell communication and helps to slow the progression of symptoms with moderate to severe cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine is also sometimes used in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors, which can increase its effectiveness.
Creating a safe and supportive environment is also important to treating Alzheimer’s disease. For someone that is dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, establishing and strengthening a routine can help to reinforce habits and minimize memory demanding tasks. Below are a few examples of how you can create strong routines to help support a loved one that has been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease:
1. Keep things like keys, wallets, phones and other valuable in the same place, so they can be easily retrieved.
2. Carry a smartphone that has GPS capabilities, so that you can immediately find someone if they get lost or walk away from home.
3. Schedule reoccurring appointments for the same days and the same times.
4. Remove clutter and excess furniture from the home.
5. Install railings and handrails in hallways and on steps.
6. Remove excess mirrors, as reflections may confuse or startle Alzheimer’s suffers.
7. Keep photographs and meaningful objects around the home.
8. Ensure shoes and slippers have adequate traction to reduce slipping and falls.
Learning More and Scheduling In Home Care Services
At some point, Alzheimer's disease will make it necessary to receive professional residential care. However, that does not mean that the person suffering from Alzheimer's disease has to lose their dignity in the process. It's best to plan for the challenges in advance, during the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. This allows them to take part in the treatment process and also allows them a say in the type of care that they will receive. B-Homecare understands that this is a difficult disease and a difficult process and that is why we want to be available to answer any and all questions that you may have regarding Alzheimer's disease. You can learn more or contact B-Homecare at www.BHomecare.net
If you would like to learn more about how B-Homecare can help you or your loved one, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You are not committed to any services by speaking with one of our knowledgeable staff. We would be excited to be help you to learn more and welcome the opportunity to try to help!
615 Piikoi Street; Suite 501, Honolulu, HI | 808-949-4663 | Home Care Services Agency | www.BHomecare.net