|
Dedicated to patient care since 1985
|
Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimers is one of the most disabling afflictions among older people. Alzheimers is a progressive disorder that slowly kills nerve cells in the brain. Although Alzheimers is detected more often among senior citizens, individuals as young as 50 may show signs of Alzheimers. Alzheimers holds no boundaries, Alzheimers is located cross culturally and Alzheimers is found in both sexes in equal proportions. There is no one particular test for Alzheimers but ruling out other conditions of memory loss like small strokes, Parkinson's disease or depression will lead to an Alzheimers diagnosis. Using a variety of methods 90% of Alzheimers cases can be diagnosed, 100% accuracy can only be achieved with Alzheimers upon autopsy to check for plaques and tangles.
Living with Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimers disease is usually very stressful not for the patient, who typically is initially unaware of his or her disorder, but for the patient's family, who frequently provides most of the care and support.
One of the most important steps is finding a qualified physician who understands the special health needs of the elderly. A psychiatrist with special experience treating late-life mental disorders is often the first choice for an Alzheimers patient. This type of psychiatrist has experience not only with Alzheimers disease, but also with other mental disturbances that may result from the disease.
How Family and Friends Can Help
Alzheimers care takes patience and can be stressful even to the most dedicated family members. One of the important steps in Alzheimers care is finding a qualified physician who understands the special health needs of the elderly. It is essential for Alzheimers care-givers to have a support for the other mental disturbances resulting from the disease. Alzheimers care also requires help in the legal, financial and social issues that emanate from this disease.
The key to Alzheimers care is to focus on things the patient still enjoys and is capable of performing. Alzheimers care requires support and affection from friends and family for the victim as well as the Alzheimers care giver. Alzheimers care is an all-absorbing experience.
Alzheimers care is a challenge because the slow and unpredictable decline is lengthy and progresses at a different pace. Common feelings during Alzheimers care are anger, guilt, frustration, discouragement, worry, grief and social isolation. It is important with Alzheimers care to ensure that the patient is afforded as much independence as necessary within a safe environment for as long as possible.
In order for the Alzheimers care giver to cope, the burnout can be diluted through the following actions:
-
The Alzheimers care giver needs help from others as required.
-
The Alzheimers care giver must take care of their own health.
-
Learn as much as one can when giving Alzheimers care.
Alzheimers care requires help from a support group.
