Alzheimers Caregiver Not An Easy Position


Caring for someone with Alzheimers disease is not a simple task and each day can be filled with new challenges as the persons abilities change. The Alzheimers caregiver must be fully aware of the effects of the disease and to react to certain things that will happen either occasionally or daily, depending on the severity of the disease. Patience is the key element for an Alzheimers caregiver and even then, there is the chance of depression and feeling of being overwhelmed with the responsibility.

Communication is a key ingredient for the Alzheimers caregiver and is usually better to short simple sentences when talking to the patient. Do not use baby language or refer to them in the third person. Use their name often and keep the tone soft and gentle. It is also better to remove any distractions in the room that may take the patients attention away from the conversation. When they try to respond, be patient and do not interrupt, regardless of how lone they seem to be taking, however if they appear to be stuck on a word gently suggesting the word may help, but if they argue do not insist on being right.

Bathing and dressing can be a simple task or an extreme challenge for an Alzheimers caregiver as some patients enjoy it and have no trouble at all, while others may find it a terrifying experience. The Alzheimers caregiver should try to schedule the activities at a time when the patient is usually calm and agreeable. Be gentle and calm and allow the person to perform as much of the function as possible.

Confusion Can Be Exacerbated By Tone Of Voice

When finished with the bath and trying to get the patient dressed the Alzheimers caregiver will be wise to forego complicated fasteners on clothing and should avoid strings or belts altogether. Again, keeping a calm, smooth tone to the voice can help the patient better understand instructions and prevent them from getting flustered if they have trouble understanding or carrying out the instruction.

Eating can also be challenge for the Alzheimers caregiver, as many times the patient may have lost the memory of their favorite foods. Meal time should be the same time every day with the patient allowed to feed themselves as much as possible, but if their coordination is such they may hurt themselves with utensils, then they will need to be fed. Small bites, and slowly to give them a chance to chew and swallow without feeling rushed can make the meal time go smoothly.

Alzheimers Stages

Alzheimers disease end stage is very stressful and demanding.

This is because the patient's behavior will have declined so greatly. Treatment is still in the works. This stage is severe, where the patient needs full time care. Your doctor or local hospital will be able to provide you with this information so that it is readily available for you.

Between 50% to 70% of all cases of dementia can be credited to Alzheimers disease.
Again, keeping a calm, smooth tone to the voice can help the patient better understand instructions and prevent them from getting flustered if they have trouble understanding or carrying out the instruction. Many believe it is not a sign of remission of the disease, rather other portions of the brain or their pathways may be slowly accepting all of the work relegated to several areas that are no longer function. Researchers are working to find ways to stop this disease. Alzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia, and symptoms may include: loss of memory, difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying, difficulty in performing seemingly simple tasks, and personality and mood changes.

There are a variety of other tests that doctors have had their disposal to help diagnose Alzheimers disease.
Scientists are trying to discover how this disease works, and treatments that can be used to counter the progressive nature of the disease. So although most people do experience at least some form of memory loss as they age, Alzheimers disease is much more serious, and will become noticeably so over time. In the early stages of this disease, symptoms may not be obvious. Regular exercise is crucial, and thirty minutes of exercise a day should be a sufficient amount in order to keep the heart and brain healthy. There are also clinical trials for medications that are being developed to stop the progression of Alzheimers.