Taking care of a loved one once they become elderly is a task that many of us will take on. It's part of our human nature to care and nurture those we cherish the most.
However, when this task relates to a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease, the resulting situation can be even more demanding. Let alone emotionally challenging and stressful.
Alzheimer's disease is a condition that degenerates the mind and in turn affects functions of the body. As a chronic condition, it is a progressive disease that worsens over time. And to spot the signs of Alzheimer's disease in its early stage is extremely difficult.
The decision to take care of a patient suffering from this condition should not be taken lightly and there are a number of considerations to take into account.
If you're an aspiring healthcare worker who wants to work with the elderly, or if you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with the disease, there are some things to keep in mind. And this article outlines a range of aspects that should be kept in mind to successfully treat someone with Alzheimer's.
1. There Is No Typical Alzheimer's Patient
Bear in mind that Alzheimer's affects people in different ways, which means it cannot be assumed that your experience with one patient will be replicated by the next. Expecting the unexpected is a good rule of thumb when treating Alzheimer's patients as changes will not only be seen from one day to another, but will also differ from one patient to another.
2. Dementia vs. Old Age
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease and it can be deceptive as issues that may initially seem to be caused by old age, such as forgetfulness, could actually be the early stages of Alzheimer's. As a result, by keeping a check on the patient's abilities, it may be possible to spot early Alzheimer's and you could determine how quickly the disease could progress in a patient.
One thing to keep in mind is that a patient who has Alzheimer's may not be capable of an action that could normally be achieved by someone who is simply elderly. This is one thing to keep in mind.
3. Beware Of The Side Effects Of Medication
There are a number of ailments that is associated with Alzheimer's whether because of old age or the disease itself. So when it comes to administering the right medication, you need to keep in mind of a number of factors.
And one of these factors is the side effects of certain medications. Alzheimer's patients may be required to have one or more types of medication to reduce the symptoms. And unfortunately, some these medications will counteract with one another. So a great deal of care must be taken when administering medication.
4. Adapt And Improve
The environment in which someone with Alzheimer's resides will need to be adapted to their needs in order to prevent the patient from feeling frustrated and agitated. It is also really important that safety precautions are put in place in order to prevent any harm to the patient.
But don't forget to make the environment pleasant. You have to remember the patient is going through a lot of stress. By creating a welcoming environment is actually good for the patient's well-being.
5. Do Not Overlook Nutrition And Exercise
It is all too easy to overlook good nutrition. For those who suffer from Alzheimer's, patients may lose interest in consuming food. This can be extremely harmful for their health. By helping your patients maintain a good nutrition plan will help to ensure the best health.
erBut let's not forget about exercise. Keeping an Alzheimer's patient indoors may seem like the best option for their safety, but this could lead to a limited amount of exercise being undertaken.
Taking regular, non-strenuous exercise will help to limit the deterioration of their health that can often come with Alzheimer's.
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