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Current and Breaking News for Professionals, Consumers and Media |
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The signs of Alzheimer's are characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration combined with declining daily living activities or behavioral changes. Unfortunately, the root cause of Alzheimer’s disease largely remains a mystery, but far and wide, experts agree that it likely develops as a result of compound factors – the greatest one of all being advanced aging. Most importantly, the disease can strike at any age, and of the five million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s, nearly 500 thousand are under 65. Remembering the Signs Every 72 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This could affect your loved one or someone you know, so it is crucial to understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of this disease that rapidly progresses in stages. Since family members are often the first to notice the subtle changes that might indicate the onset of Alzheimer's, they should become familiar with early warning signs and serve as informants during initial patient doctor visits and evaluations. Some of the first easily identified symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are: Forgetting names of familiar places or people Difficulty remembering what they wanted to say Forgetting the location of everyday objects Visual-spatial confusion As the disease progresses, later stages may show: Inability to feed oneself General confusion, disorientation to date, time or place Wandering, hiding objects (hoarding), problems with eating and sleeping Deterioration of musculature and mobility, leading to bed fastness Paranoia and delusions may occur, late in the disease Total loss of self, and inability to control bodily functions, toward the end of disease Coping with Grief and Loss Coping with Alzheimer’s disease may present you with challenges and hardships that are difficult to conquer. Caring for a loved one with the disease can be stressful, and as a caregiver you may feel loss over changes in your relationships with a loved one, other family members and friends living with Alzheimer’s. These feelings are normal. If the person living with the disease is your partner, they may no longer be able to perform certain tasks, and making decisions on your own may feel overwhelming. It is important to locate and organize financial and legal documents, and do not be afraid to turn to family, friends, professionals or community resources for assistance. As a loved one caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease, it may be challenging to adjust to these changes, and at times may be demanding. If the situation becomes overwhelming, don’t be afraid to reach out to a doctor or professional counselor. Although there is no cure for this terrible disease, there are ways to manage it, and make your life and your loved one living with Alzheimer’s as comfortable as possible. Choosing the Right Care Alzheimer's disease can be heartbreaking and frightening to both the sufferer and their family members, so it is important to know the options for receiving the best care available. There often comes a time when a person with Alzheimer's disease will need more care than can be provided at home, and may require round-the-clock attention, presenting loved ones with choices and decisions that are hard to make. It is crucial to find the right care for your loved one at a place that understands the unique needs of aging seniors, and the concerns and challenges facing those who care for them. As an intermediary step between home care and nursing home care, choosing a facility that designates an environment specifically designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related memory impairments is critical. Some elements you should look for are: On-site physician services Specially designed programs and activities 24-hour-a-day nursing care Medication monitoring On-site health maintenance clinic Assistance with personal care To ensure the best quality patient care, consider a facility that tailors its care to each resident’s abilities, not disabilities, while maintaining the dignity and quality of life for residents. It is key to remember that care received is just as important as a comfortable, professionally managed environment. When choosing a care facility, look for places that specifically train their employees to work with individuals living with Alzheimer’s. Some specific areas of expertise should include effective communication techniques, managing daily Alzheimer’s patients’ regimens and understanding the various stages of the disease. Additionally, a facility that provides all the comforts of home can help ease the transition by offering familiarity. It’s important that whatever facility you do choose has a caring committed staff that effectively works with residents and their families to ensure their care plan maximizes independence and focuses on life enhancement. Finding the right care can make all the difference in the world for you and your loved one living and coping with Alzheimer’s disease. About the Author Donna Richezza is vice president of clinical services at CareOne, a New Jersey-based family-run senior health care provider. A nurse for over 32 years, Donna has served patients and residents with Alzheimer’s at all stages of the disease process. She has also worked closely with patient’s family members as well as those in her own immediate family. About CareOne CareOne is a New Jersey-based family-run company that has been operating skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers for over 35 years. www.HealthNewsDigest.com Top of Page 
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