Alzhimers
Watching a loved one suffer with Alzhimers can be an emotionally and physically daunting task. Alzhimers is a disease that causes significant and often swift brain deterioration normally in adults 65-70 years or older. Alzhimers is one of the most devastating and degrading diseases for anyone to have to deal with. It is hard on the individual who has been diagnosed with it, but it is also hard for family members and caregivers. Especially if the caregiver is very close to the diagnosed patient. Often times, it is a daughter or son taking care of their parents. When the patient is in the advanced stages of Alzhimers, it is extremely difficult for patient, caregiver, and also the whole family. If you suspect Alzhimers disease in a oved one, the following steps will give you some helpful tips in dealing with this disease.
The very first thing you should do is make an appointment for them with a neurologist. They will perform mental status tests, review family history, and perform a neurological exam that will bring about a proper diagnosis. They will more than likely, perform an MRI on the brain (brain image) as well. It is very important that you actually go into the doctor's office with your loved one. Your loved one will most likely forget what they are supposed to tell them. So, it's important you go in with them and make any necessary notes and make sure everything is discussed. Once a proper diagnosis is obtained, the neurologist will prescribe medication. Two very well-known medications are wise choices...those are "Aricept" and "Namenda." These medications will not reverse the condition, but will help stabilize it.
Once your loved one is on the proper medication, it is highly advised to start attending a support group for Alzhimers. For you AND your loved one. There are many, many support groups available. You can check with their doctor, and you can also do a search online. You also must never blame the person. It's common to not understand how someone can't remember what you've told them 15 times today. The best example I've heard is that the brain is like a broken extension cord. It works if it's laying a certain way. Move it and it shorts out and loses the electricity. Move it back and it works again. This is how the brain of an Alzhimers patient works.
If your loved one is just in the first stages of Alzhimers, it is advised to keep them as active as possible. Daily exercise helps keep the oxygen flowing to the brain. Word find and puzzle books also can help keep the brain active or you can buy the book "The 36 Hour Day" by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins. This is a MUST read for any care giver of someone with memory loss. By the way, if you are the care giver, then hire a professional care giver to come in once or twice a week to give you a break. Immediately see your doctor. There's medication to slow down the progression of Alzhimers. Be respectful of the patient when you take them. You may need to talk to the doctor in private before hand.
If you even slightly suspect this disease in your loved one, please don't hesitate and put it off. Take action and make that first step and make an appointment. That first step will play a huge part in making life better for you and your loved one.
from "Scrubs Movie - Alzhimers" ..don't make fun with alzhimers patient!
Follow these simple rules to make day to day life easier:
1. Label drawers and cabinets to help them find things easier.
2. Don't change things. Keep the decor, furniture location, etc. constant.
3. If something's bothering the person... fixes it! My Mom asks me if the clock was right 5 times in about 60 minutes. Finally I said "You know what it isn't right. What does your watch say?" She told me and I adjusted the clock by 2 minutes and said, "There you go. I fixed it for you. You were right it was off. Now it's right." She never asked me again.
4. Keep meals nutritious yet simple.
5. Don't have people over in large groups. Instead have smaller groups more often.
6. Reduce stress and anxiety. These things increase symptoms and repeatability.
7. Even though the roles may be reversed, NEVER forget they're still your parent. Always treat them with respect and love.
8. Plan activities like planting flowers, making necklaces, scrap booking, looking through photo albums, reading together, going to the zoo, etc.
9. Use a dry erase board to write the month, day, and year. You may want to also write key things to remember for the day like "Jimmy is coming to visit today" or "Oprah comes on at 2:00 today on channel 5". What ever you do keep it simple and short.
Alzhimers
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