To most people, Alzheimer’s disease is a frightening and overwhelming diagnosis. However, with proper treatment and care, you can live well during this condition. The first thing to do is to acknowledge the existence of this disease in your patient’s health records and talk about how it affects their life. Once they realize that they have this illness, they will be ready to set realistic goals and priorities in their day-to-day life.
What Causes Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It happens when the brain cells degenerate and die. The brain then cannot function normally. Eventually, that leads to loss of memory and brain functions. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. It is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time. There is no cure for this illness and there is no treatment to stop its progression. However, there are some treatments and medications that can slow its progression.
What Are The Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s?
Several factors determine your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Risk factors include:
- 1. Aging
- 2. Genetics
- 3. Family history
- 4. Head injury
- 5. Cardiovascular disease
What Are The Warning Signs?
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease experience memory loss and other cognitive problems. Patients also lose the ability to do things on their own. If you notice the following symptoms, you should inform the patient’s doctor immediately:
- Confusion about time, place, and date
- Asking for the same information over and over
- Difficulty remembering important dates, events, and facts
- Trouble comprehending reading, television, or conversation
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Disorientation about familiar places and tasks
- Misplacing things, including valuable possessions
- Changes in mood or personality
- Personality changes, such as suspicion, anger, or frustration
- Loss of initiative
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Staying in bed most of the day
- Wandering
- Becoming aggressive or violent
- Changes in sleep habits
- Hallucinations
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss
- Poor concentration
- Moving more slowly than usual
- Repeating words or phrases
- Getting lost
- Becoming fearful
- Using poor judgment
- Neglecting personal appearance
- Showing inappropriate behavior
- Falling more often
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Developing incontinence
- Experiencing changes in sense of smell or taste
- Developing vision problems
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Declining personal hygiene
Managing Alzheimer’s in a Way That Benefit the Patient and Their Families
The best way to manage a patient who has Alzheimer’s is to hire professional care providers. These professionals are trained to treat a person with Alzheimer’s. They understand the physical and mental effects of this disease. They know how to provide care and manage certain behaviors. They are also able to communicate effectively with the patient. A home care provider is able to treat the patient’s symptoms and overcome challenges while keeping the patient safe. At the same time, these professionals offer much-needed relief to the caregiver. They give the caregiver some time off or a chance to get out of the house.
What Adult Day Services Might Look Like For Alzheimer’s Disease Patients?
There are different types of services professionals can provide to Alzheimer’s patients based on their needs. Adult day care is when the patient goes to a center each day. Professionals provide patients with activities throughout the day to keep them occupied. This is perfect for patients who have someone at home during the day to give them support.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is definitely one of the reasons for admissions into a hospice or palliative care unit. The management plan usually depends on the severity of the illness and the associated symptoms. You can find very good services for Alzheimer’s care Kern County and recommend them to your loved ones.
