Into The Mist : When Someone You Love Has Alzheimers Disease
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This examination will likely include a thorough medical evaluation and history, blood tests, and brain scans MRI or PET , followed by extensive neurological and neuropsychological assessments. A dementia evaluation should include interviews with family members or others who have close contact with the person being evaluated.
Biomarkers are abnormal findings in blood, or cerebrospinal fluid CSF , or on brain scans that are markers of AD. Strong evidence suggests that special tests of the CSF may be useful diagnostically. As knowledge advances, these tests may come into clinical use. Even now, however, it is clear that they will not be good enough to diagnose AD on their own.
The diagnosis will still depend on a skilled and thorough evaluation. Three main drugs, donepezil Aricept , rivastigmine Exelon and galantamine Reminyl , have proved beneficial in improving memory, with limited side effects, usually gastrointestinal upset. Exelon comes in a patch form, which is helpful for people who have trouble swallowing pills. Unfortunately, these drugs are not effective for everyone, and their effectiveness is limited to the early and middle stages of AD. Another drug, memantine HCl Namenda also prescribed to help delay the progression of AD, is often used in combination with the above drugs.
A doctor may also prescribe medications to help reduce agitation, anxiety, and unpredictable behavior, as well as to improve sleeping patterns and treat depression. New medications are developed and tested regularly. People interested in participating in clinical trials should discuss the pros and cons with their physicians and families.
Regular care from a physician is important. Major, sudden changes in mental status can be the main symptom of important treatable conditions such as a urinary tract infection UTI , pneumonia, or even a bone fracture. If the physician knows the patient, he or she can quickly recognize a change in mental status. But if they are presented with a demented patient that they have not seen in years, it can be extremely difficult to know whether anything has changed and the proper workup may not be initiated.
An effective treatment will address the needs of the entire family.
However, if you love someone with dementia, you know that the As the disease progresses it is more important than ever to have set routines and scheduled. Make the Most of Your Time with a Loved One with Alzheimer's. Martin and Elaine sailing. Caregiving for loved ones is hard, especially when those loved ones have Alzheimer's disease. In his book, “My Two.
Caregivers must focus on their own needs, take time for their own health, and get support and respite from caregiving regularly to be able to sustain their well-being during this caregiving journey. Emotional and practical support, counseling, resource information, and educational programs about Alzheimer's disease all help a caregiver provide the best possible care for a loved one.
Absolutely the easiest thing for someone to say and the hardest thing to accept is the advice to take care of yourself as a caregiver. Research shows that caregivers experience lower stress and better health when they learn skills through caregiver training and participate in a support group s online or in person.
Participation in these groups can allow caregivers to care for their loved one at home longer. Or perhaps there has been a sudden change in their health. Now it is time to take action, and take stock of the people, services, and information that will help you provide care. The earlier you get support, the better. The resources listed at the end of this fact sheet will help you locate local training classes and support groups.
The role of the caregiver changes over time as the needs of the person with AD change. The following table offers a summary of the stages of AD, what kinds of behaviors to expect, and caregiving information and recommendations related to each stage of the disease.
Trouble remembering recent events or conversations, the month or day of the week. Asking the same question over and over or repeating stories. Loss of ability to manage finances, making mistakes in writing checks. Withdrawal from social situations and general apathy; trouble initiating an activity. Cooking and shopping become more difficult; pans may be left to burn on the stove, and food may be forgotten in the refrigerator.
May become disoriented in familiar surroundings or get lost easily.
Driving ability is compromised; unfamiliar driving routes or driving in an unfamiliar place will prove difficult. Denial that anything is wrong. During the early stage, both the caregiver and the individual with AD will want to take time to adjust to the diagnosis and make plans for the future: The more you know about AD, the easier it will be for you as a caregiver. Finding other caregivers to talk to can also be a great way to learn about and make sense of your own experience. One of the most difficult things to learn is to differentiate between the disease and your loved one.
A diagnosis of AD can be a heart-wrenching experience for both the person diagnosed and the caregiver. Trying to convince them otherwise is fruitless and frustrating for the caregiver. The caregiver needs to get appropriate emotional support through counseling, a support group, or other family members.
The goal is to establish a system of emotional support that will grow and change with you as your caregiving role and the emotional challenges change. Depression is common in caregivers of people with AD and should be addressed. As the disease progresses, it will be harder for the person with AD to fulfill the roles they have typically played in the family. For example, if he or she was the only driver in the family, it will be important for family members to find alternative means of transportation e.
If the person with AD customarily prepared all of the meals, now is the time for the caregiver to begin learning how to cook. If the person with AD was in charge of household finances, someone else will need to assume this role. Focusing on these issues early will allow the person with AD to help the caregiver prepare for the future. The first few weeks after a diagnosis can be overwhelming, and leave you with many questions and concerns. If you are managing a new diagnosis, we have a Getting Started Guide that will help you understand and manage your disease.
Are you a generous person? Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email. Approach from the front — do not startle them.
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Establish eye contact — this shows interest in them. Call the person by name — again, showing interest in them. Get down to eye level if needed — this puts you on the same level with them. Let them initiate touch — they will come to you when ready. Give directions one step at a time — this helps keep it simple, especially for those having difficulty with processing.
Those are Good Starting Points. Here are some specific ideas to help a visit go well: If your loved one is particularly talkative that day, pay attention to what they say and meet them where they are. If they are talking about a time they went to the beach, then talk about the beach. In that moment, they are thinking of the beach, and that is where they need you to be as well. Or, perhaps they are talking about a family member. Follow their lead and contribute to the conversation with your own memory or question.
It may not trigger a thought from them, but it might. It is okay if it does not.
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Just keep in touch with their thoughts and let them show you where they are. If you have photos to share, they can also aid in reminiscing. For them, maybe their mother was there this morning, even though you know she passed away twenty-five years ago. Since i dont talk with my brothers for taking so much from our mother, I dont even know how she is , they wont share a thing with me. Not sure what to do. You'll typically hear from our team within minutes to explain our service and answer any questions you may have.
You're not alone; join the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Be educated about the disease. Be realistic in your expectations for yourself and your loved one. Set realistic goals and learn to expect the unexpected. Develop predictable routines and schedules. As the disease progresses it is more important than ever to have set routines and scheduled.
Increased difficulty with verbal expression and comprehension, particularly when trying to name items. An occupational therapist or physical therapist can provide advice and help in making the home safer for both the caregiver and care recipient. She sings along of course. Your skills will likely improve each time. Next time you see someone sad at the a park or the grocery store and you give them a pep talk, are you going to conclude by asking them to pay you for your time, sounds like it.
This can help to eliminate confusion and frustration for your loved one. Do not argue with your loved one. Arguing with your loved one about a forgotten memory will only upset them and further frustrate you. Be willing to let most things go. Limiting refined sugars and increasing vegetables can help manage behavioral issues.
Give them independence when possible. As tempting as it may be to do everything for your loved one, it is important for them to do as many things as possible by himself or herself, even if you need to start the activity. Your loved one can still have fun. This will ensure you always know when their next dose of medication will be and you will be able to accurately share any medication information with doctors or other caregivers.
Meet your loved one in the now. Plan daily time for physical exercise. Physical exercise can help, especially if you plan a time for it each day. Rely on family members and other loved ones when needed. Turn to family members and other loved ones when you need them. Take advantage of the time you have left with your loved one.
Tips for Communicating with a Person Who has Alzheimer’s Disease
Your words and actions matter! Remember the person is more than the disease. When someone is diagnosed with dementia, it can be devastating to them and their loved ones. Hold on to who you know they are, before the diagnosis. Take a deep breath!
Caregiving is a big responsibility but you are doing a great job. Take care of yourself. When caregivers do not care for themselves they can experience caregiver burnout.
Be sure to take a few minutes to yourself every day and join a local or online caregiver support group. The disease is responsible for their mood and personality changes.