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.