How to deal with family members with dementia? Early symptoms, postoperative care is important
Alzheimer's disease, also known as Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a neurodegenerative disease with a latent onset and progressive development. Clinically, it is characterized by generalized dementia such as memory impairment, aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, impaired visuospatial skills, executive dysfunction, and personality and behavioral changes.
How do we know if our family members (my husband/wife, my father/mother) have Alzheimer's early in life? When family members suffer from Alzheimer's, how do we get along with them as loved ones?People get a little forgetful as they get older. This is fine. So how do you tell a harmless "moment of old age" from Alzheimer's? One in eight people aged 65 and over suffer from this devastating form of dementia. In early stages, Alzheimer's may not be noticed by friends and family. But there are some warning signs to look out for.
Warning sign 1. Memory and speech
In early stages of Alzheimer's disease, long-term memory usually remains intact, while short-term memory becomes fragmented, and family members may forget your conversations. She may repeat questions that have already been answered. The disorder also impairs speech, so she may have trouble remembering common words.
Warning Sign 2: Behavior
In addition to memory loss, Alzheimer's disease can cause confusion and behavioral changes. Your family may get lost in familiar places. Mood swings and errors in judgment are as common as poor hygiene. People who used to be very clean now forget to wash their hair.
How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed?
There are no simple tests for Alzheimer's disease, so doctors will rely on your description of changes in your family. A mental state test, sometimes called a "mini gear" or other screening test, measures his mental ability and short-term memory. Neurological exams and brain scans rule out other problems, such as strokes or tumors, and can provide additional information about his brain.
Alzheimer's disease causes nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout brain. As disease progresses, brain tissue shrinks and area containing cerebrospinal fluid enlarges. Impairment of memory, speech and understanding.
Alzheimer's disease manifests itself differently in everyone. The symptoms sometimes worsen quickly and lead to severe memory loss and confusion within a few years. But for others, change is gradual. The disease can take up to 20 years.
So, how do we get along with our loved ones who have "Alzheimer's"?
You should know following things!
1. Alzheimer's disease will affect daily life
Alzheimer's disease can affect concentration, so your family may not be able to do normal tasks like cooking. As symptoms worsen, he may not recognize familiar people or places. He can easily get lost or use utensil for other purposes, such as combing his hair with a fork. In advanced stages, urinary incontinence, balance problems, and loss of speech are common.
2. Does exercise help?
Physical activity can help your family maintain muscle strength and coordination. It can also lift his mood and help him feel less anxious. Be sure to ask your doctor what types of exercise are appropriate. Repetitive activities such as walking, gardening, or even folding laundry can best give him a sense of calm.
3. How to treat?
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease or slowing neurological damage it causes to brain. However, some medications seem to help maintain mental capacity and slow down effects of disease. If your family member receives treatment sooner, they will be able to remain independent and carry out their daily tasks for a longer period of time.
Studies show that eating a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fish and nuts and being physically active may have some effect on preventing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
4. Play role of "guardian"
If you're caring for someone with this condition, you're likely to fill a number of roles, such as cook, driver, and accountant, just to name a few. While you may have to deal with meal planning and finances, encourage your family to do things for themselves. It can help to mark contents of the closet and stick a sticky note to remind you of daily tasks.
5. Nursing issues
In early stages, people with Alzheimer's usually know what's going on with them. They may feel shame or anxiety. Watch for signs of depression, which doctors can treat with medication. Later, he may become suspicious or aggressive and may even turn against you. Remember that disease is to blame for this change, do not be angry.
6. When your relatives don't know you
Many people with Alzheimer's disease have difficulty remembering names of even those closest to them. A temporary solution is to post a photo of someone they may see or know often, with their name printed on bottom. Eventually, he may stop recognizing faces and act as if family members are strangers. This is frustrating, especially for primary caregiver.
7. Take care of yourself
To keep caregivers from burning out, spend at least a few minutes a day doing something you enjoy. Keep in touch with friends and, if possible, hobbies. Find a friend or relative who will help you and give you rest and relief.
8. Later stage
People with advanced dementia may lose ability to walk, talk, or respond to other people. Ultimately, disease blocks important functions, such as ability to swallow. It may be time to move into a hospice that provides pain relief and comfort for terminally ill.
9. How to help children understand
When a family member has Alzheimer's, children can feel embarrassed, fearful, and even resentful. Let your child know that these feelings are normal and answer his questions about illness honestly, helping him celebrate fond memories of his patient.
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