communication Archives - Alzheimers Support

Form a Network of Support when dealing with Alzheimer’s

How to Form a Network of Support

When Dealing With Alzheimer’s

When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll most likely face an exhausting and emotionally-taxing road. Between communicating with doctors, providing hours of daily care to the person, and balancing a variety of responsibilities, caregivers can find themselves drowning in stress and isolation.

Fortunately, no one is ever alone when dealing with this widespread disease. According to recent research, there are more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. It’s one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and the number of recorded cases seemingly increases every year. As tragic as those statistics may be, it does indicate that there are millions of Americans caring for family members and friends with Alzheimer’s, and as a result, there is an entire network of support at caregiver’s fingertips.

If you or someone you know is struggling to care for an Alzheimer’s patient, reach out for support. There are multiple ways to do so, all of which can ease caregivers’ feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression.

Locate a Support Group for Caregivers and Attend Regular Meetings

Finding a group to lean on during this difficult time is actually easier than you might think. The Alzheimer’s Association and many other organizations can immediately connect you with others in your area who are fighting similar battles. If you’re not sure which group would best suit your situation, contact a doctor or organization member to discuss your needs.

By exchanging information with a local Alzheimer’s support group, caregivers can work through challenges and access a wide range of resources they might not previously have discovered, such as counseling programs or training services. Groups will also provide updates on the newest forms of treatment and research so you don’t have to constantly keep up with them alone.

Support groups aim to provide a safe space where people working on the same problems can find understanding, comfort, and a place to share their worries and thoughts. Most groups are local, so you can form relationships with people who live close by and attend meetings without eating up too much of your already busy schedule.

Regardless of whether you join a general support group for caregivers or a group for people specifically handling Alzheimer’s cases, you’ll have the opportunity to establish powerful connections with others while learning about local resources.

Turn to Online Communities

In-person support groups aren’t the only forms of communal support available for caregivers. There are dozens of online forums that can provide just as much information and companionship. Memory People and Family Caregiver Alliance are just two of the online platforms you can turn to, depending on your specific needs or desires. A simple Google search will reveal many options to choose from, including closed Facebook groups and message boards that are open to everyone.

There are several benefits that come with an online support group membership. You’ll have instantaneous access to various forms of communication with others, from email chains to 24/hour chat rooms. If you struggle to find time to attend local support group meetings, then you can use the Internet to craft a schedule that works for you and your disabled loved one. Most online communities are moderated, so you can feel secure while discussing the challenges and rewards of working with a person with Alzheimer’s disease. The social sites also allow members to quickly share websites and free online resources with one another as an additional form of educational support.

Reach for Professional or Monetary Assistance When Necessary

Sometimes, you can’t do everything on your own, and that is extremely important to acknowledge. Becoming a caregiver can be emotionally and physically exhausting, especially when you feel ill-equipped to handle certain situations. That’s when it’s time to seek aid from doctors, nurses, or even professional caregivers.

It may benefit you and your loved one to look into paid help, if you have the financial means. There are many companies you can turn to for specialized in-home care assistance, as well as medical attention, house cleaning, and more. There is no need for one caregiver to take on all the necessary tasks, so if you can afford it, seek the support of other professionals.

If you feel that you are dedicating much of your weekly schedule to caregiving activities and you can’t afford to hire professional aid, it might be time to consider applying for financial assistance. The time you spend caring for the Alzheimer’s patient may impact your ability to work long hours or hold steady employment. In fact, 60 percent of adult children caring for their disabled parents are forced to quit their job in order to devote themselves to the task.

Thankfully, if you are stuck in such a situation, there are ways in which you can receive payment for the care you are giving. You can sign a contract and receive financial assistance from other family members who spend less time with the Alzheimer’s patient, or you can apply for supportive health and financial programs. There is no reason for you to feel shame about asking for money when you are shelling out hours of your time for free, even if you enjoy helping the disabled loved one. Monetary support can help you stay in strong mental and financial shape, which in turn allows you to become a better caregiver.

Author: KRISTEN HELLER – Having previously worked in the healthcare industry, Kristen now enjoys being a freelance writer. She is a mother to a wonderful son, and when free time presents itself you can find her tackling her lifelong goal of learning the piano.

Lesser Known Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

10/09Leave a Comment

Lesser known early signs of Alzheimer’s you must know

One of the greatest impairments of the human faculties is the loss of cognitive function. Difficulty or inability to recall information, performing regular tasks such as walking, tying shoelaces or buttoning shirts, and gradually higher order tasks such as writing or problem solving, could be signaling the signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease mostly affects adults of 65 years of age and above, though the symptoms could appear as early as 40 years. Here’s what you need to know about some of the lesser known Early Signs and Symptoms .

Alzheimer’s disease progressively limits and incapacitates the brain to remember and retain information, and perform functions that are otherwise simple and ordinary or second to human nature. This could be very frustrating for the one affected by this disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common of all cases reported of dementia, a wider term used for degenerative functions and diseases of the brain.

Despite advancements in medical science, prevention and cure, there is still no conclusive study or research on what causes Alzheimer’s and how to cure it. It becomes highly important to be aware of the subtle signs that could be indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. Seek the doctor’s advice if you notice any of the symptoms below in yourself or your loved ones.

Mood swings and behavioral issues
One of the lesser known symptoms or signs of Alzheimer’s are mood swings – or sudden changes in behavior. Signs could include feeling depressed, irritability, overreacting to minor issues, or showing an unusual lack of interest in activities that were otherwise enjoyable. Occasionally, individuals may seem withdrawn from life activities and may remain silent or unresponsive. Patients have been reported to undergo a phenomenal change in personality and behavioral responses especially once they are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. Such signs should not be dismissed as normal or part of the aging process, it is important to consult with a physician to identify conditions.

The failing sense of smell
Perhaps the most suitable of all indicators and commonly unnoticeable, is the failing olfactory function, or sense of smell. Research is suggesting that patients could show a distinct inability to identify scent, recall the experience, and associate or distinguish between various smells, as an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. Since the disease is degenerative in impact, the human faculties including the basis sense of smell could be impaired.

Increasing confusion and inability to solve problems
Patients are also reported to experience anxiety and demonstrate an inability to solve simple problems such as following given steps to complete an action, deciphering meaning and implications of words, making connections, and repeating an otherwise ordinary task. This could also include patients getting confused about what day it is, whether they locked the door, or recall what they were doing an hour ago, or on a particular day or vacation. This state of confusion could progress into more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. Although not conclusive, these are classic symptoms of the onset of the disease.

Sleep disorders and disorientation
Some research is corroborating that patients suffering from sleep disorders could develop Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia in later life. Therefore, a healthy and balanced lifestyle adds great value to general well-being and strength, and the absence of it could lead to cognitive impairments of various kind. Patients may often experience disorientation, e.g. what direction to take, which words to choose to convey a message, and how to respond to different situations.
These disorientations clubbed together with occasional to frequent memory loss, such as, where the car keys were last kept, where the superstore is located and how to reach it, significantly impact the quality of life and contribute to anxiety and depression among patients, and even family members and caregivers.

Lifestyle and preventive measures
While available research suggests that Alzheimer’s is incurable or the effects irreversible, a preventive approach could keep the disease away. There is always hope. A healthy lifestyle has far reaching effects and impact on the quality of life. One must be aware of what productive actions to take for a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and identify the routines and regimens that promote and support overall well-being.

The preventive approach advocates for consistent routines in
• regular exercise
• positive and productive social engagements and interactions
• managing stress and sleep schedules
• eating healthy and avoiding alcohol and substance abuse

Much of what we eat determines our general health and well-being. Taking the right nutrients and supplements adds value to the consistent routines of managing a good and healthy lifestyle. Be wise! Start today!
Diagnosis and planning for the future

While the different symptoms reported are indicative, experiencing any one or all of them may not always conclude one has Alzheimer’s. Be very focused in your approach to understanding the disease and read articles and books, and use mobile apps, to get the right information. However, do not ignore and overlook symptoms if they persist and affect the quality of life. Often patients are unable to identify these changes in themselves and deny symptoms, which are otherwise noticeable to family and close friends. A complete medical assessment is required to diagnose any degenerative disease of the brain.

A positive mindset. A positive outlook towards life.
While a healthy lifestyle and increased opportunities of engaging in cognitive activities could prevent degenerative diseases of the brain, none of the symptoms, if persisting, should be ignored. Be attentive to changes in your loved ones and yourself. Answer these concerns and learn more about the disease. Establish a healthy lifestyle and exercise the brain with mind relaxing exercises, and other various activities like crosswords, solving riddles and puzzles, and, engaging in rich discourse on topics of interest with friends and family, and such like. Seek medical advice to rule out the symptoms as Alzheimer’s. Remember, there is always hope and ways to manage the quality of life by developing coping mechanisms, accepting support and care from family and friends, and accepting the changes to plan for a better future. Keep well!

Author: Alma Causey
Alma is a mother, wife and a professional blogger. She writes frequently on health, technology and management. Her time is divided between writing and creating exotic cuisines in the kitchen. She loves to discover new places and you’ll often find her globe-trotting with her twins. Find her on Twitter: @Almacausey

6 Warning Signs in Elderly Should Never be Ignored

06/242 Comments

6 Warning signs in Elderly that should never be ignored

Taking care of a senior is very critical and we must always be alert for health warning signs. As people advance in age, especially when in advance stages of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, they may appear to be more childlike. If an elderly person has dementia, there may be specific things that he/she take special interests in while losing focus on other important things in their life. We must be aware of any Health Warning Signs.

Older folks generally require special attention, and there are times when as a caregiver you will notice that they have started to develop changes or new behaviors. Depending on age, you may notice that some older folks forget minor things and have a low concentration on what they are doing. Others may develop new sleeping habits while some have difficulty sleeping which makes them restless. As a caregiver, there are six signs you should never ignore at all cost.

Throbbing tooth

This happens mostly when you serve a cold meal. They may feel a sharp twinge or dull throb. This warning sign is primarily associated with a damaged tooth nerve due to cracking or rotting of the pearly white surrounding. If you ignore this, the bacteria continue to develop, and it can infect the inner nerve system right from the mouth down the entire body. Instead of taking the older adult through a hard time trying to treat an already spread problem, a simple regular cavity check is necessary. It will help eliminate the problem with minimum side effects.

Sharp side pain

A sharp, consistent pain on the right side can lead to severe problems and should be considered a warning sign. This may be an appendicitis problem or ovarian cyst. This pain is developed when something blocks the way where the appendix empties into the colon. As the organ gets dangerously inflamed, it can cause a dangerous and terrible pain. The inflammation may even lead to the organ bursting. The ovarian cyst or twist can block the blood flow to the ovaries within few hours. If this is the case, you may be looking for a possible emergency surgery. If you ignore the on and off right side pain in an old person, the damage may become unbearable.

Severe head pain

Often, the headache has been a normal problem with both old and young people. When you take long hours under direct sun heat, you are likely to feel the head pain. Another common reason for head pain is when you have excessive pressure to perform and deliver an individual task, but you don’t have the relative credentials to meet your target. This does not raise the alarm.

However, if you notice extensive severe head pain, accompanied by other symptoms like a visual aura, a headache could be a warning sign. It can be a signal for a brain aneurysm. If this is the case, then the risks of the weak spots tearing or leaking may bring a severe headache. This problem can even block the blood supply to specific tissues due to escaping blood. At such times, you should ensure that you keep the old person under immediate physician watch to make sure that the problem is regulated before it gets out of control.

Excessive back pain

Most seniors face back pain. This is a problem that you will often note after extreme seating or bending. When the old person gets into activities that involve seating, bending or jumping up and down, you will find that they are not actively engaging in the activity. Back pain problems also are attracted to an issue with the bones. If you note such issues, the appropriate thing to do is engage the person in activities such as body massage.

Sudden memory loss

Old people tend to have a short concentration span. This problem gets intense for those with Alzheimer’s dementia as they may even forget where their rooms are or what they were supposed to do within a particular time. Other older folks may not remember their name or other basic things like if they have eaten or taken a shower. The best way to help the person with their memory is by introducing short-term activities that will keep their brain more active.

Loss of appetite

As a caregiver at Stroke rehab home, you should be able to tell when a senior within your watch does not eat. Often, loss of appetite can be a warning sign associated with symptoms of being sick. However, lack of appetite can also mean the person wants a change of diet. Therefore, you should always ensure you find out the problem behind the appetite loss.

Author: Edward Francis is interested in writing about health and fitness related issues. He has a deep knowledge of this field. Edward also works for care homes and retirement villages.

Do You Know someone with Alzheimer’s dementia?

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Do You Know someone with Alzheimer’s dementia?

and How to treat them?

Dementia is a broad medical term that describes severe mental ability decline. In most cases, the patient begins to experience memory loss, that may become Alzheimer’s Disease (one of the most widespread types of dementia). If you know a loved one or someone else struggling with dementia, it is fundamental to know how to treat them. Even though the disease is incurable, there are treatments and drugs that might help.

First, you need to spot the signs and make sure your relative or family member actually has Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Forgetfulness is common, and many seniors deal with mild memory loss daily. However, if you notice that your grandmother can no longer remember your name, or your dad forgets what year it is, then it’s a reason to worry and search for the best treatment.

Signs of dementia

Dementia is a degenerative disease which usually occurs in people over the age of 50. It’s not a specific type of disease, but rather a general term describing a range of symptoms linked to memory decline. Vascular dementia, for instance, may occur following a stroke. Common signs of dementia include:

• Severe forgetfulness
• Difficulty finding the right words to communicate
• Depression
• Apathy
• Difficulty performing daily tasks
• Confusion

How do we treat the person with dementia?

Even though dementia is an incurable disease, there are ways to make the lifestyle of a loved one easier. It is important to know the type of dementia your parent or loved one suffers from. Your next more is to consult with a physician and settle on the best treatment. Here are some suggestions.

• Vitamins – many people struggling with dementia have vitamin deficiencies. In this case, the best treatment is supplementation. When Vitamin B12 are low, the patient is prescribed medication; he’s either given a pill or an injection. Then the blood levels are tested to settle on the appropriate dosage.
• Surgery – to reduce brain pressure, the patient may have to undergo surgery and have their tumor removed
• Depression medication – many people suffering from Alzheimer’s, or any other form of dementia, also suffer from depression. This health condition can severely affect the quality of their lives.
• Palliative care – at some point there’s nothing a physician can do. This means that the best treatment is palliative care. It’s more like an attempt to help the patient accept the disease. The goal is to improve life quality in the mind, body and spirit.

The main goal of continuous dementia treatment is to make sure that the patient feels safe at home for an undetermined period. It is important to provide the sufferer with as much care and attention as possible; but without being overly persistent. Close relatives often become caregivers, but if that’s not possible, you should hire a professional. Furthermore, the patient must visit a physician once a week, to assess the progress of the disease and possible receive new medication.

Is assisted care the best solution?

There’s no way of knowing what’s best for your loved once until you’ve tried everything. If you can afford to become a caregiver, then that’s fine. But be aware that it will become a full-time job. Little by little the patient will get worse, and the disease will become almost unbearable. Caregivers may even have to help with dressing, bathing, eating, and more.

An authorized nurse or caregiver knows what sort of treatment to provide to the patient, as well as in what quantities. Assisted living facilities are not just meant to work as temporary housing for your loved one. Such nursing homes feature activities that the patient may need to feel comfortable.

Socializing, playing games, walking, and interacting with other people are fundamental to keep the brain active and postpone the onset of the disease for as long as possible.

Bottom line is, dementia can be treated in many ways. Sadly, it can’t be cured. The best thing that you can do is assess your options carefully. A care home might be the best option, because no one can look after your loved one better than a professional with proven medical experience. Do what’s best for mom or dad and offer them the care that they need to live a comfortable, relaxed life.

Author: Edward Francis is interested in writing about health and fitness related issues. He has a deep knowledge of this field. Edward also works for care homes and retirement villages.

Caring for Someone with Cognitive Decline

01/1811 Comments

Caring for a Person with dementia and Cognitive Decline

Caring for a relative who suffers from dementia poses significant challenges for the family. Alzheimer’s and other diseases related to cognitive decline or cognitive decline from simple aging is incurable. That being said, if you decide to become a caregiver for a loved one, you should be prepared to face difficulties along the way.

However, there are ways to make things better and you can start by improving your own communication skills. This will make the relationship with the patient more tolerable.

5 Difficulties you might struggle with along the way, and how to overcome them

1. Dealing with a bad mood
Body language and attitude communicate feelings and thoughts a lot stronger than actual words. It’s normal for patients struggling with dementia to get depressed every now and then.

As their caregiver, you have to be patient with them. Don’t get angry and try not to scream at them or lose your temper. Set up a positive, calm tone of voice and use your gestures to make them feel comfortable. Get their attention and limit noise and other distractions.

2. Communication issues

When caring for a patient with dementia, it’s normal to come across communication issues. At some point, your relative will start forgetting things, and as the condition advances, they may not remember your name and who you are. It’s very important to keep things simple and well-organized. Have pictures, paintings, or favorite possessions on display to make the patient feel safe and comfortable.

Your next step is to establish daily routines. Speak as calm as possible, stay calm and use simple words for your loved one to understand. If they misunderstand things, try not to argue with them and keep the tone of your voice down. Even if they don’t remember you, the fact that you’re calm will force their brain into believing everything is ok, and that they’re safe.

3. Physical disabilities
Most physical disabilities that happen in patients with dementia occur due to falling injuries or strokes.

The greater the severity of the problem, the tougher it is for the caregiver to look after their loved one. In order to avoid accidents, it’s best to make your home a safer place to live in.

For example, in the bathroom, you can have grab bars installed. You can also place a shower bench and include a rubber carpet too to avoid complicated injuries from falls. Avoid telling your parent that they’re not trying enough or that they could do better. This will only discourage them, and you certainly don’t want that happening because it will affect their mood.

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4. Dealing with boredom
It’s fundamental for a caregiver to understand that a patient struggling with dementia won’t be able to perform all the activities that they once performed. To them, life can get boring and empty, not to mention that depression might kick in as well.

In case of vision loss, they won’t be able to read anymore; and if they lose their mobility abilities, they won’t be able to move. The Caregiver should focus on providing auditory and visual stimulation. Find a way to make them happy and don’t bring to their attention that there’s something they can’t do. If they can’t see well, take them outside anyway to smell the fresh flowers and hear the birds sing.

If they can’t walk, turn to different types of activities such as playing games or reading. Whatever you do, make sure they feel valued and useful. This will keep them happy, entertained and engaged.

5. Confusion and anxiety
Last but not least, we have to emphasize that all patients with dementia struggle with confusion and anxiety. These are enhanced at night, so always make sure that they have the light on when they go to bed.

Furthermore, if they lose track of time or place, the first thing you need to do is remind them who they are and where they are. This will help them “return to reality” a lot faster. Once again, do it on a calm tone and if you notice that they’re saying incorrect things, change the subject. Find a way to build a pleasant dialogue; talk about interesting subjects and put a smile on their faces.

Author: Edward Francis and Foresthc.com!