What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that destroys the brain cells with plaques and leads to the decline of the cognitive functions that affect the person's memory, behaviors, and thoughts. 

This article aims to guide you on how to deal with Alzheimer's as a family member. 

Progression of Alzheimer's Disease 

Alzheimer's disease has a slow progressive decline which is why the role of the family members and loved ones is vital. The need for help may change over time as the disease progresses. The family's loved ones and the caregivers should be sensitive and flexible on what the person needs at a particular moment. 

Families must know what to expect in the disease's early, middle and late stages. Understanding all the stages will aid in planning the upcoming changes. 

Early Stage

People in the early stage of Alzheimer's can still function. They can still partake in social and professional activities. Some of the noticeable changes are:

• Loses and misplaces things.
• Repeats stories and questions. 
• Driving is compromised.
• Find it hard to remember conversations and recent activities. 
• Difficulty in writing and problem-solving.

Middle Stage

Persons under the middle stage may exhibit memory loss, confusion, and physical symptoms. 

Some other changes in the moderate stage are:

• Inability to control bladder and bowel functions 
• Difficulty in recognizing family members and friends
• Trouble in doing daily tasks like getting dressed 
• Finds challenging to follow instructions 
• Restlessness and difficulty falling asleep 
• Changes in the personality 

Final Stage 

• Those in the final stage of Alzheimer's will need help round the clock with almost all the basic tasks like eating, walking, and sitting up. During this time, they could no longer recognize anyone, even their family members. They are also vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia. 

How To Live With Someone With Alzheimer's

The progression of the disease may vary from one patient to another. Although there are shared experiences, you may still have unique experiences as a family member or caregiver. 

Alzheimer's tips for the family is to focus on the strengths instead of the lost abilities. It is best to foster positive emotions and still encourage the patient than dwell on the negativities. 

Follow A Routine 

For patients with Alzheimer's, following a routine is essential. The sense of familiarity can make the person comfortable, and it can be less confusing for them. If changes are unavoidable, try to introduce a routine gradually.

Plan Activities 

Family members can still plan activities that can be both enjoyable for them and the patient. 

Recommended activities may include: 

• Cooking
• Baking
• Exercises
• Listening to music
• Watching a movie 
• Simple household chores
• Playing board games
• Visiting friends

Schedule these activities depending on which time of the day the person feels most comfortable. Some persons with Alzheimer's are wide awake at night, while some are at their best during the day. 

Promote Communication 

Alzheimer's can affect the ability of a person to communicate. They find it hard to remember specific words or may forget their train of thought while speaking. When this happens, here are things that you can do to communicate with ease:

• Keep eye contact and be gracious.
• To avoid confusion, ask one question 
• Avoid name-calling. Call the other person by their name
• Avoid shouting; instead, speak with a calm tone.
• Always remain calm even if there are angry outbursts. 

Follow a Healthy Diet

Alzheimer's can cause a person to lose weight. The disease can lead people to forget when their last meal was, forget how to cook or have difficulty swallowing. 

You have to ensure that they eat nutritious foods by:

• Serving meals at the same time daily
• Choose foods that are easy to swallow
• Provide finger foods such as fruits and cheese cut into bite sizes 
• Turn off the television to avoid distraction while eating

Always Keep Them Safe

Everyday scenarios can harm those with Alzheimer's since they find it hard to distinguish between safe and dangerous. 

Here are some safety tips to follow: 

• Make sure there are enough lights in the house to avoid falls
• Put some pads on the sharp corners of the furniture 
• Check that their shoes are safe and comfortable 
• Place hot or cold stickers on items to help remind them 
• Always remind them to take their proper medications. 

Study Alzheimer's Disease

Understanding everything about Alzheimer's may be challenging, especially as the disease progresses. However, studying and researching will guide and help you cope with the changes in your loved ones. 

Cope With Alzheimer's Disease with Ocana Medical 

Learning that your loved ones have Alzheimer's disease is not easy. It would be best to have support and understanding as you go through this with your family. At Ocana Medical, we are here to provide the care that your loved ones need. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Ocana Medical Care, located in Tampa, FL, aims to bring you as much information as possible to keep you healthy. We're in this together. #ocanacares

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