It is hard when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. It is a devastating condition that takes its toll on the loved one and the family members. The slowly progressing disease can wreak havoc on everyone's lives it touches.
This is the constant thought that at some point Alzheimer care will have to be taken over by the family or the loved one placed into a long-term care facility. But before you can begin considering Alzheimer care you first have to understand the disease so that you will know what to expect later down the road.
It can be a difficult journey and the answers are never easy but there are some common questions about this disease. Alzheimer care begins immediately for the patient and you probably need some answers. This article will cover the basics of Alzheimer's disease and also help you understand how Alzheimer care is so important to both you and your loved one.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that afflicts over twenty-four million people around the world. It is terminal. The person suffers from a form of dementia that increases during the span of the disease.
The person begins to have short-term memory loss followed by mood swings and anger at their condition. It then progresses to long-term memory loss and the patient begins to lose minor and then major control over their body.
It is a devastating disease to have strike anyone. At present there is no cure, only medicines designed to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. There must be Alzheimer care from loved ones and trained professionals in order for the patient to live a comfortable life as the disease progresses.
What type of Alzheimer care and medications are available right now?
Right now there are four different types of medications available for Alzheimer patients as well as psychotherapy treatments for the disease. These medications are used to treat the different forms of dementia that are associated with the disease.
The medications are: Aricept, Razadyne, Exelon and Exelon Patch. As far as care goes outside the realm of drugs, it is important to assess the patient's physical coordination and have occupational and physical therapists working with the patients to help improve motor functions and capabilities for caring for themselves.
My parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, what type of Alzheimer care can I begin with?
Alzheimer care begins with understanding the condition thoroughly. You will need to speak with healthcare professionals to determine the stage at which your loved one is currently at and learn all you possibly can about the disease. You will then need to make the determination on how long your parent is going to be able to care for themselves on their own in their own home.
It is important to the patient to remain independent as long as possible without risk to their well-being. After they are no longer able to safely care for themselves it will come down to a decision on whether or not to place them in a long-term care facility or bring them into your own home in order to provide care. It is not an easy decision to make.
Are there Alzheimer care support groups?
Thankfully there are Alzheimer care support groups that can be there for you during difficult times and can provide bits of wisdom and advice for dealing with this devastating disease. One group is the Alzheimer's Association. They have links to support groups in every state so you can find one closest to you.
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