Alzheimer’s disease, the progressive brain disorder that affects almost six million people in the United States, is the most common form of dementia. It’s devastating for both patients and the family members and other loved ones who are often their primary caregivers.
The compassionate, highly skilled provider team at Houston Neurological Institute specializes in creating individualized treatment plans for patients living with Alzheimer’s that preserve their quality of life as much as possible, and partner with their caregivers to ensure that a patient’s care keeps pace with their disease progression.
Alzheimer’s symptoms are frightening for those coping with the condition and their loved ones. The initial symptoms include the person becoming forgetful, getting lost, and becoming unfamiliar with people and things they once knew. These issues then compromise a person’s ability to participate in conversations and be fully engaged in life.
There are three major stages of Alzheimer’s disease:
Forgetfulness begins, and the person affected experiences cognitive decline. Their capacities for learning, reasoning, decision making, problem solving, and focusing decrease.
Symptoms become more pronounced, including increased disorientation, personality changes, and trouble performing basic self-care tasks, such as bathing or going to the bathroom. The risk for the patient wandering and becoming lost also increases.
A person living with moderate Alzheimer’s begins not to remember their own personal history or recognize the people closest to them. They may become delusional, suspicious, and angry, which leads to erratic behavior.
Sadly, a person in this stage of Alzheimer’s often can't respond to their environment or converse, and has problems controlling their bodily movements. At this point, they require round-the-clock care and assistance with personal needs, as they’re unable to communicate effectively or comprehend what’s going on around them.
Family and loved ones who are tasked with making care decisions for their loved one undergo significant stress, as well as the loss of the essence of the person they love. They can take steps to help their loved one through their Alzheimer’s journey, however.
Here are some approaches that can make caring for your loved one experiencing Alzheimer’s easier:
It’s not necessary to mention that your loved one repeated a story or correct them about details, like how many children they have or the work they did. It causes both of you unnecessary stress.
Instead, enter into their world by asking them simple questions or move on to another subject. When communicating with your loved one, try to ask simple “yes” or “no” questions slowly and make eye contact with them. Engaging by touching them is also helpful.
Look around your loved one’s home or the facility they’re living in and take measures to increase your loved one’s safety so they can't wander off or hurt themselves. This means placing the car keys in a secure place and locking up dangers like matches, guns, power tools, and medications.
Since wandering is common, you can also register your loved one with a wandering response service, which can track them should they become lost.
Since short-term memory is one of the first things to be affected with Alzheimer's, your loved one might remember the house they lived in 30 years ago better than the one they live in now.
To help them keep track of their personal items, provide supportive cues like sticky notes or labels for where things are in their homes. Keeping an updated wall calendar can prompt them to remember appointments and social obligations as well.
As your loved one’s Alzheimer’s progresses, their moods can shift quickly, and they may become increasingly agitated and upset at night — a phenomenon called “sundowning.” This, combined with having a harder time communicating their needs, is a recipe for discord. It helps to look for and address their upsetting triggers and to institute a calming late-day routine.
It’s vital to divide caregiving responsibilities so no one person becomes overburdened. Seek help from family, friends, arrange for adult daycare, and look into attending a support group. A caregiver who isn’t exhausted or resentful is going to give their loved one the gift of care defined by patience and understanding.
We offer comprehensive support for people living with Alzheimer's and their loved ones, including advanced diagnostic capabilities, education about Alzheimer’s, and personalized treatment plans that feature prescription medications, vitamin regimens, and whole-family support, including with decisions about future care.
Call our Perland or Pasadena office to schedule a consultation with us, or book one online.
