Alzheimer’s Disease And Other Forms Of Dementia Impair People’s Cognitive Functions.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% to 70% of all cases of dementia, so it is unfortunately quite common. It is a neurodegenerative disease, which means that it degenerates brain matter. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that typically starts slowly and gets worse over time. The first symptom is most often short-term memory loss, after which it’s common for Alzheimer’s patients to experience problems with language, frequent disorientation, mood swings, behavioral problems, a loss of motivation, and self-neglect.
These are just a few of the symptoms that an Alzheimer’s patient might experience. Like with many diseases, especially those that affect cognitive function, every patient has their own set of symptoms that can manifest in different ways. However, many Alzheimer’s patients are high functioning for the first few years after a diagnosis. By implementing the right practices and routines, families can make the most of these years and prepare for a challenging future.
How To Take Care Of An Alzheimer’s Patient At Home.
The causes of Alzheimer’s are not well understood and there is no known cure. Given this, and the fact that the disease is progressive, it’s easy to despair. But it’s not all hopeless. The usual life expectancy after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in someone 65 or older is between three and nine years. With the right approach and care, you can make a sizeable amount of those three to nine years meaningful and largely enjoyable.
But you do have to act quick and start taking some effective steps. Establishing straightforward routines right after the diagnosis can help manage the disease as it progresses. Work with your loved one to get them in the habit of beginning every day at the same time and in the same manner. Adhering to a simple schedule is an effective way of organizing life for somebody with a flagging memory.
Alzheimer’s Home Care
As mentioned above, many Alzheimer’s patients are still high functioning for a while after they are initially diagnosed, but even so, it’s wise to implement Alzheimer’s home care right away. Having a caregiver visit at the same time every day early on, to assist with household chores or just to provide some company to your elderly loved one, will help later on. They will already be used to the routine by the time they need significantly more care, specifically personal care.
Executive Home Care
If you would like to learn more about Alzheimer’s home care, please contact us via our website or call (888) 963-9133.