Alzheimer’s disease, a disorder of the brain is most painful for the patient as well as the family members. However, there are certain ways in which one can deal with this disease of forgetfulness and loss of memory. Family members and the patient need to be more open about this disease as it is quite common with people of a certain age.
1. Managing behavioral symptoms
Experiencing some level of forgetfulness after the age of 65 is pretty normal as age related brain shrinkage causes some changes. This is because the speed level of processing thoughts and attention tends to slow down and it may be inconvenient but at this stage, there is nothing much to worry about. However, if this age related change begins to effect the person severely, then it is important for yourself or the family members to discern between what is normal forgetfulness and what the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s is. The symptoms generally develop slowly, progressing from mild forgetfulness to a total impairment of the brain.
a. Diagnosing the disease
There are seven stages in the development of Alzheimer’s until it becomes a full blown dementia. In the first stage, there appears to be normal cognitive and memory abilities which leads to further deterioration and change in behavior which was not there before. The person ultimately becomes confused and tries to cover up the lapses in his behavior and this further causes depression. Later, there will be inability to even recall personal history of details and numerical abilities zeros down. At this stage, the person will even begin to require the help of others in performing basic tasks as dressing or even sitting down. In the final stages the person is unable even to recognize family members and there will be periods of total lapse of memory. occurs when the patient is totally unreachable. Sadly, there is speech impairment as well and round the clock supervision becomes a necessity for the person.
b. Transition period
Coping with Alzheimer’s disease is not easy for anyone. It may cause a lot of distress to the patient and during this time, family support and attention is of utmost importance. It is important for the patient to adjust to this new transition as sometimes emotions may overwhelm and this could lead to further stress. Try to give the patient as much support as possible by reaching out. Encourage the patient to reach out and talk to people and family members. Let the patient talk about what is important to him or her and to entrust someone to make the decisions for them.
c. Care and understanding
For those taking care of a patient will be grieving as well to see a loved one so helpless. You need to overcome this by getting to know and learn more about the disease in order to help the patient. Care and support is important as it is not easy for one individual to give round the clock care to a patient. Therefore, enlist the help of family members by making a sort of routine for duties. You can also get an in home help or respite care. It is always painful to let a loved one go into a nursing home, but if worst comes to worst, you will have to keep them in a nursing home where the patient will be given round the clock care and attention.
2. Dietary and nutrition measures
Alzheimer’s patients need a nutritious, well balanced diet with variety of foods from each food groups. Unless the patient has other health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, there is really no need of a different diet. Patients just need to limit intake of high sodium content food and reduce salt intake. They need to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated unless they have liver cirrhosis or heart failure. they need to take plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains as these are great sources of fiber and can curb constipation problem. However, consulting with the doctor about diet is important as the medicines for the patient might create some side effects.
3. Exercise and fitness regime
Exercise will help an Alzheimer’s patient to keep the body fit and also promote normal routine and reduce mood swings. Doing repetitive exercises like indoor bicycling, gardening and walking helps in reducing anxiety in the patient, as they do not have to remember what to do next or to make decisions. Exercise regime which is suitable for the patient as well as for how long is best decided by the doctor. Patients need to warm up before the exercise and should gradually achieve the routine. Any time that a patient feels uncomfortable the exercise must be stopped and rest resumed.
