Dementia is a memory loss disorder which has many types. Alzheimer’s is one of the types of dementia that makes it difficult for a person to recall memories, think and behave. Alzheimer’s develops slowly, but its symptoms get worse with time and start affecting the person’s daily life.
It interferes in the daily life of a person, making it difficult for him to socialize, perform daily activities or work. It is the most common disease of dementia which is present in 80% of people suffering from dementia.
It can make the person confused about how to respond to the environment or continue conversations. It keeps on getting worse with time.
Alzheimer’s cannot be cured but its symptoms can be made less, like memory loss or confusion and being able to respond to the environment. Medications can make the symptoms less for a limited time but there are other ways like friends and family support, therapies and activities that can make the person cope up with the problem.
Consider watching this video to know more about what is the relation between Sleep and Alzheimer’s….
It gets difficult for the people surrounding the patient but they have to educate themselves properly about Alzheimer’s, so they can deal with the person appropriately.
If you have proper knowledge about the disease, you won’t waste your time trying to make impossible changes in the patient’s behaviour.
It can be really heart-breaking and upsetting to see your loved ones go through Alzheimer’s, but you have to accept the fact that it cannot be changed anymore. Instead, you should be updated about the disease and its available resources a lot, so you can help the person.
You should be calm and patient with the person suffering from Alzheimer’s and do not expect them to get better because this disease gets worse with time.
Do not force the patient to learn the already lost information, it would be frustrating for them and you. Instead treat them gently and calmly, with your care and different ways the patient would be able to cope up with the disease.
People with Alzheimer’s create false beliefs and get delusional, do not try to scold and argue with them because it will not help. Give them valid points in a comforting manner so they believe you.
Make a safe and calming environment for the patient, with home safety and peaceful environment where they can feel at ease rather than being frustrated.
Indulge the person into regular exercise, it will help them feel better, fit and will keep the blood circulation proper.
Maintain a proper time for their regular meals and give them exposure to morning sunlight. Make their bedroom comfortable and avoid alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine in their diets. Make them use the bed only for sleeping.
There are certain medicines for Alzheimer’s patients to help them slow down the symptoms and feel a little better, like sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, antipsychotics. These are used to make the person sleep easily, feel less frustrated, control hallucinations and anxiety. However, these medicines should not be used regularly as they can make the person feel more confused and they can collapse.
Other medications are used for treating memory, thinking, language and other thought processes. They are also used to make the person perform simple tasks and help them with their language and attention. They are approved to Alzheimer’s patients to help them with their disease.
Alzheimer’s is a very devastating condition and people should be very gentle with the patients. Do you know any people who have Alzheimer’s? What behaviour have you noticed in them? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!