Alzheimer Care

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a neurological disorder that affects our ability to think, reason, remember, speak, and move. People with dementia may not be able to think clearly when engaging in daily activities, such as dressing or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions, and their personalities may change. They may become easily agitated, or they may see things that do not exist.

One common symptom of dementia is memory loss. It’s important to know, however, that memory loss alone does not mean that someone has dementia. People with dementia have serious problems with two or more brain functions, such as memory and language. Dementia symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; becoming disoriented about the time, their location, and the people closest to them; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. Also, those with dementia may find their abilities affected at different rates, with the disorder more severe in some and less severe in others.

Dementia can be caused by a number of different diseases, and it can also be caused by some medications. That’s why it’s important for your loved one to have a thorough medical evaluation by a doctor or geriatric professional specializing in such disorders.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease, or AD, is the most common form of dementia. Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes AD; they do, however, know that there probably is not one single cause but several risk factors that affect each person differently. Age is the most important known risk factor for AD, and the number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. Another risk factor is genetics: An inherited type of Alzheimer’s, early-onset familial AD, is a rare form that usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 60. The most common form of AD is known as late-onset; it occurs later in life, and there is no obvious inheritance pattern seen in most families.

Scientists are still learning about what causes the disease, and they are studying education, diet, and the environment to see what role those factors may play in the development of the disease. Research has found increasing evidence that some of the same risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and low levels of the vitamin folate, may also increase the risk of AD. Studies have also shown that increased physical, mental, and social activities may provide some protection against developing the disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?

At first, the only symptom may be mild forgetfulness, which can easily be confused with age-related memory change. But most people with mild forgetfulness do not have AD. The following is a list of the most common warning signs of AD in seniors.

Asking the same question over and over again.
Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again.
Forgetting how to do activities previously done regularly with ease, such as cooking a familiar food, or playing a card game.
Losing the ability to pay bills or balance a checkbook.
Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects.
Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that they have taken a bath or that their clothes are still clean.
Relying on someone else to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

An early diagnosis of AD helps both you and your loved one make plans for the the future, and it gives you time to discuss care options while your loved one is still able to take part in making decisions. An early diagnosis also offers the best chance to treat the symptoms of the disease. Medications are available that may help control some of the behavioral symptoms of AD, such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes patients more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers.

Keeping Your Loved One Active

Finding activities for those with AD or another dementia can be a challenge, but one thing we know is that building on current skills generally works better than trying to teach something new. Most important, remember that simple activities often are best, especially when your loved one is able to use his current abilities. Try breaking each activity down into small steps, and be sure to offer praise for each step completed. If your loved one shows signs of agitation or frustration with an activity, gently help her with the activity, or distract her with something else to do. Also, try to do activities at the same time each day.

Incorporating exercise into the daily routine has benefits for both the person with AD and the caregiver. Not only can physical activity improve your loved one’s health, but it also can provide a meaningful activity for both of you to share. Think about what kind of physical activities you both enjoy, then determine the time of day and place where this type of activity would work best.

Most important, be realistic in your expectations. Build slowly, perhaps just starting with a short walk around the yard, for example, before progressing to a walk around the block. And watch for any signs of discomfort or overexertion in your loved one.

Also, try to allow as much independence for your loved one as possible. See what kinds of exercise programs are available in your area; some senior centers may have group programs for people who enjoy exercising with others, and many malls have walking clubs and provide a place to exercise in inclement conditions or excessive heat or cold.

Tips for the Evening Hours

For many people with AD, as well as for their caregivers, the approach of nighttime may be especially difficult. Many people with AD start to become restless, agitated, and irritable around dinnertime, so much so that there’s a name for it: Sundown Syndrome. And afterward, getting the person to go to bed and stay there may require some advance planning.

Encourage exercise during the day and limit daytime napping, but be sure your loved one gets enough rest during the day, because fatigue can increase the likelihood of late afternoon restlessness.
Try to schedule the more physically demanding activities earlier in the day; for instance, bath time could be in the morning, and a family meal could be at midday.
Set a quiet, peaceful mood in the evening to encourage sleep, such as dimming lights, eliminating loud noises, and even play soothing music if your loved one seems to enjoy it.
Try to keep bedtime at the same time each evening.
Restrict your loved one’s access to caffeine late in the day.
Use night lights in the bedroom, hall, and bathroom if the darkness is frightening or disorienting.