Since 1983, November has been designated Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in order to inform the aging community and their families about Alzheimer’s Disease. Though this disease is still incurable, knowing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and the available treatment options can help ease the care of a loved one.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of dementia that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior - negatively affecting a person’s ability to navigate daily life. It is a progressive disease that worsens overtime and is the 6 th leading cause of death in the United States. Though Alzheimer’s Disease greatly impacts those aged 65 and older, it is not a normal part of aging.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Like many diseases, understanding the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease in the early stages is most beneficial to those who are affected by the disease and their families – so that treatment can be addressed sooner rather than later. Here are common signs of Alzheimer’s Disease:
- Memory Loss – forgetting recently learned information, dates and events
- Challenges in Planning & Problem Solving – difficulty problem solving, keeping track of bills, difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks – driving to a familiar place, organizing a grocery list
- Confusion with Time or Place – losing track of dates, seasons, and time. Forgetting where they are and how they got there
- Visual Impairments – balance and trouble reading, issues judging distance
- Problems Speaking or Writing – difficulty following conversation and struggling with vocabulary
- Misplacing Things and Inability to Retrace Steps – placing items in unusual places
- Decreased & Poor Judgment – may engage in less personal care and mismanagement of funds
- Withdrawal from Work or Social Life
- Changes in Mood & Personality – can become confused, suspicious, depressed, and anxious
Alzheimer’s Treatment Options
To date, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease – yet there are treatment options help slow its progression and improve the quality of life for those who are diagnosed. Here are some of the current treatment options available:
- Medications – to assist with memory loss
- Behavior Management o Monitor Comfort
- Avoid Confrontation
- Redirect Attention
- Create a Calm Environment
- Allow Adequate Rest
How can BrightStar Care Help?
Alzheimer’s Disease can be overwhelming for a family caregiver, particularly if your loved one is in the more serious stages of this disease. If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia, BrightStar Care® of Leesburg can provide compassionate care and support so you can spend more quality time with your loved one.
Our mission is to provide your loved one living with early, middle, or late-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia the individualized care and support they need to:
- Live with dignity and purpose safely and securely in their own home
- Enjoy optimal health and emotional well-being
- Maintain connections to the people, places, things, and memories that matter most to them
Our highly trained staff is trained to conduct behavior management, ensuring your loved one is able to maintain the highest quality of life. If your loved one takes medication to assist with memory, we provide medication management services, to provide peace of mind that your family member is taking their medications.
If you would like to talk with someone at BrightStar Care about caring for your loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, please give us a call 24/7 at 703-496-4616.