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About 5.4 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease, but millions more are affected.
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How To Care For Someone With Alzheimer Disease
Family members or friends of a person with Alzheimer’s disease usually take on the role of caregiver to care for the person and help them with daily tasks. Memory loss, personality changes, and poor judgment in people with dementia can cause emotional damage to loved ones.
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According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2013, 15.5 million people provided approximately 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. 59 percent of family caregivers rated the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high.
“Getting an early and correct diagnosis is important because it helps to manage expectations, determine the trajectory and prognosis, talk about risks for the family and discuss current and future research options,” said neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbah. , director of the Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Impairment Program at Barrow.
He said people with mild cognitive impairment, usually those with dementia, are aware of their cognitive problems and are motivated to seek medical attention. But as the disease progresses, it can be more difficult to encourage others to assess.
“As they progress to Alzheimer’s dementia, many people become confused and confused about the nature and severity of their problem,” explained Dr. Sabbach.
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He said people should seek medical help for their loved ones as soon as they notice warning signs.
“I don’t want people to get to the point where their memory loss affects their day-to-day life because that means they’re in the dementia phase,” he said.
Although the specific symptoms and rate of progression vary from person to person, Alzheimer’s disease generally progresses slowly in three stages: mild, moderate, and severe.
“If someone repeats the same question, statement, or story on the same day, that’s one of the telltale signs,” Dr. Sabbach said. “Another event marker that’s lost its normal place, making it difficult to keep track of on a daily basis.”
Caring For A Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, other warning signs include difficulty completing daily tasks, making decisions, planning, problem solving, finding the right words when speaking, and looking for the wrong thing. Others who remain in the early stages of the disease also show mood and personality changes, show disorientation, and withdraw from work and social activities.
“A lot of people laugh at these things as old age, and we know it’s not just old age,” Dr. Sabbach said.
If a person becomes forgetful and repetitive, Dr. Sabbagh advises family members and friends to be patient and avoid criticism.
“You only asked me 5 times” is useless, he said. “If you are asked 10 times, answer 11 times.”
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Dr. Sabbach also explained the benefits of taking a loved one to a specialized center like the Alzheimer’s Program at Barrow, which offers advanced diagnostic tests, memory care specialists, innovative treatment options and clinical trials.
Through the Alzheimer’s Association, Barrow provides resources for people who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. These resources include on-site social workers, support groups, and educational programs.
To give you the best experience, this site uses cookies. By continuing to use the Site, you consent to us storing it on your device. Do you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? This guide will help you navigate the challenges, find the support you need, and get the most out of your treatment at every stage.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can be a long, stressful and emotional journey. But you are not alone. More than 16 million people in the United States care for someone with dementia, and millions more worldwide. As there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is often your care and support that will have the greatest impact on your loved one’s quality of life. This is a great gift.
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However, care can also be all consumer. As your loved one’s cognitive, physical, and functional abilities slowly decline over time, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged, and neglect your own health and well-being. The burden of caregiving can lead to serious health problems and many dementia carers experience depression, high levels of stress or even burnout. And almost all people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia experience sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and fatigue at some point. Seeking help and support along the way is not a luxury; this is a necessity.
Just as each person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia progresses differently, the caregiving experience can vary from person to person. However, there are strategies that can help you as a caregiver and make your nursing journey as rewarding as it is challenging.
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Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can often seem like a sad experience as you watch your loved one’s memories fade and skills deteriorate. People with dementia change and behave in different ways, sometimes upsetting or upsetting. These changes can cause an emotional upheaval of confusion, frustration, and sadness for both caregivers and their patients.
Pdf) Role Of Caregiving In Alzheimer’s Disease
As the illness progresses, your loved one’s needs increase, your caregiving and financial responsibilities become more complex, and the exhaustion, stress, and isolation can become overwhelming. At the same time, your loved one’s ability to appreciate all your hard work is diminishing. Caregiving can literally feel like a thankless job.
Caring is the pure expression of love. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia connects you on a deeper level. If you are already close, it can bring you closer. If you’re not already close, it can help you resolve differences, find forgiveness, and build new memories with your family members.
It will change the way you look at life. The act of caring can help you value your life more. Many people later find that their priorities change. Petty worries, days that once seemed important seem to fade away and they can focus on the things that really matter in life.
Give a goal. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia makes you feel needed and valued. It can also add structure and meaning to your life. Every day you make a big difference in someone’s life, even if they don’t acknowledge it or say thank you.
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Adds a sense of accomplishment. Learning new skills and coping techniques will boost your confidence, and tackling new challenges will improve your problem-solving skills. Joining a support group can help you expand your social network and create new relationships.
Foster care teaches young family members the importance of caring, compassion, and acceptance. Caring for people with dementia is selfless. Despite the stress, demands, and heartache, we can bring out the best in us to be role models for our children.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, your loved one may not need caregiving assistance. Instead, your role may initially be to help them understand their diagnosis, plan for the future, and be as active, healthy, and active as possible.
Accept the diagnosis. Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be as difficult for family members as it is for the patient. Allow yourself and your loved ones to process the news, adjust to the new situation, and grieve your loss. But don’t let denial get in the way too early.
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Dealing with conflicting emotions. Feelings of anger, sadness, distrust, grief, rejection, and fear are common in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia—for the patient and for you, the caregiver. Let your loved one know how they feel and encourage them to do things that add meaning and purpose to their lives. Find someone you can trust to help you deal with your fears, doubts, and sadness.
Utilization of available resources. There are many online communities and resources that can help you effectively navigate this journey. Start by finding the Alzheimer’s Association in your state (see links below). This organization offers practical support, helplines, advice and training for carers and their families. They can also connect with local support groups.
Learn all you can about your loved one’s dementia. Although everyone’s experience with Alzheimer’s or dementia is different, the more you know about the condition and how it may progress, the better you can prepare for future challenges, avoid discouragement, and develop reasonable expectations. There are also books, workshops, and online learning resources that teach nursing skills.
Prepare the way forward. With your support, your loved one can maintain their independence
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