Here Are The Ultimate Tips For Helping Alzheimer's Patients
A progressive brain disorder, Alzheimer's disease (also known as Alzheimer's ) causes memory loss that makes patients frustrated and confused. Common among older adults, it's an irreversible condition that not only affects the patient's memory but also destroys their thinking capacity and the ability to perform daily living activities.
A degenerative brain disease, Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia - that leads to a gradual decline in thinking and social skills, which makes it difficult for patients to live an independent life.
One of the primary causes of death among older adults in the United States, Alzheimer's is affecting more and more people with each passing day. It's a disease that not only affects the quality of life of the patients but also creates enormous difficulties for their families.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, "Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States." It further says, "1 in 3 seniors die with Alzheimer's or another dementia."
As a caregiver or just a reader for that matter, what you need to understand here is, the continuous growth of Alzheimer's disease in the US is also affecting the government in a big way. Yes, you got that right, it's hitting the entire health care system; therefore, if your loved one is also a victim of this degenerative brain disease, make sure that you offer quality care to them.
Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's
l Short-term memory loss that makes it challenging for patients to function independently
l A gradual decline in patients' thinking ability which not only affects their decision making but also impairs reasoning skills
l A slow decline in their ability to remember dates or events which affects their daily life in a big way
l Difficulty forming and chasing a plan
l Confusion and frustration that results in behavior changes
l Gradual vision loss that impairs patients' ability to read and recognize colors
l Trouble communicating with people around them due to their inability to find the correct words
l Mood swings that often result in arguments and fights
l Diminished interest in activities that a patient used to love earlier
Alzheimer's is not only prevalent in the US, but it affects a wide range of people across the world. According to a report, worldwide, nearly 44 million people are struggling with this disease or some form of dementia. In the US alone, approximately 5.5 million people are struggling with this disease. And out of those 5.5 million people, 5.3 million are aged 65 and older.
Considering that it's an irreversible brain disorder, the treatments that patients seek only aim at managing its signs and symptoms. To an extent, the treatments can help in maintaining the temporary independence of the patients; otherwise, they need quality care all the time.
Here is how you can help a loved one that's struggling with Alzheimer's disease.
Convince Your Loved One to Consult a Doctor
If you are observing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in your loved one, make sure that you convince them to consult a good doctor. Once the doctor confirms that they have Alzheimer's, you should help your loved one to stick to their treatment.
Whether you talk about consulting the doctor at regular intervals or taking the medicines, you should take the responsibility that everything happens on time.
Avoid Arguing With Them
Even if the behavior of your loved one is driving you crazy, make sure that you avoid arguing with them because that will only complicate the situation and make it worse. Accepting the fact that your loved one is not behaving that way purposely; can bring a world of difference in the way you handle them. Realizing the fact that their disease is making them do all that will not only make it easier for you to offer quality care to your loved one, but it will also strengthen your relationship with them.
Seek Professional Help
If you live an utterly hectic professional life, which makes it difficult for you to give that much-needed time and attention to your loved one, then it's better to seek professional help. Booking a competent and compassionate Alzheimer's & dementia specialist for your loved one can improve their quality of life in a big way.
The Alzheimer's & dementia specialist will always behave politely with your loved one and will become their friend soon. They maintain healthy relationships with their clients so that they can take care of them in a better way. So they will do the same with your loved one.
Lastly, try to keep your loved one happy by making things simple for them.
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