What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It is one of the most common forms of dementia, a group of symptoms that lead to a decline in mental function severe enough to disrupt daily life. Alzheimer’s disease causes problems with a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities.
First identified in 1907 by the German physician Alois Alzheimer, the illness afflicts about 5 million Americans. An estimated one in nine adults aged 65 and older lives with the disease.
There are many resources available for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.
Some simple tricks I remember from earlier research is to tape the name of the rooms on the doors in the house so they won’t get confused.
Take up all rugs.
Play music they might have listened to when they were younger. This can sometimes get someone to sing that hasn’t talked in quite some time.
Have alarms installed on all doors so that if someone goes outside you are alerted?
Have your loved one wear a medical bracelet with their contact information on it.
Don’t let them drive if they’ve reached a point of forgetting the basics. This is hard but a necessary one. Take their keys away.
If they are having trouble eating at the table, they make these trays that fit in a recliner that has edges that make it easier to eat.
As a caregiver, it’s important that you take care of yourself too. If you are exhausted and stressed past your limit you can’t help your loved one. There are times when you will need help from family, friends, and eventually a home health and hospice company.
Home health care can be your best friend once you get over the initial pushback from your loved one.
Be gentle with yourself.