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All Posts in Category: Alzheimers

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Non-Medical Approaches for Alzheimer’s

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While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are interventions that can ease symptoms and promote quality of life. Symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, and sleep disturbances are all common effects of the disease that may respond to medical treatment. However, because medications often have undesirable side-effects, it is advisable to try non-drug interventions as a first step.

There are many things you can do to help your loved one cope with these changes – without the use of medication. Simple environmental considerations can all help to promote calm and reduce distress including: avoiding background noise, lowering television volume, eliminating clutter, limiting visual distractions, maintaining a comfortable temperature, and providing adequate lighting. Behavioral outbursts often have their origin in physical discomfort: many people with Alzheimer’s lose the ability to communicate issues they are encountering. Looking for and addressing the root causes of disturbing behaviors is vital. Pain and other physical discomfort such as hunger or a full bladder can often trigger behavioral symptoms. By closely observing your loved one, responding to their distress, and anticipating their needs, you can help to ease behavioral symptoms without the need for medication.

In addition to a patient’s environment, entertainment and activity can also be used as treatment. Music therapy is a popular route because familiar songs arouse memories. Animals are s great source of enjoyment. Studies have shown that pets reduce depression related to Alzheimer’s. It is important to consider what kind of pet would be the best match for you loved one based on health condition and average activity level. Other useful practices include aromatherapy, craft projects, and participation in religious services.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Alzheimer’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

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Understanding Your Limitations with Alzheimer’s

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It can be tremendously difficult for people with Alzheimer’s to accept the symptoms of the disease, such as memory loss, and the accompanying loss of independence and changes in daily life. Many people try to disguise their symptoms out of embarrassment, a desire to maintain their independence, or to keep their families from worrying. However, ignoring or trying to hide memory loss is often counterproductive: it can actually hinder the ability to manage symptoms and jeopardize a person’s wellbeing. Accepting memory loss and figuring out coping strategies is an important part of self-care for people suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Even though someone with Alzheimer’s disease may believe themselves fully capable of performing certain tasks, especially in the early stages, it’s important for them not to over-exert themselves or overestimate their abilities. Continuing to take part in activities they enjoy, as well as to participate in daily life in a way that fosters a sense of meaning, purpose, and independence, is very important. However, taking on tasks that are too difficult can lead to frustration and anxiety. Someone with Alzheimer’s can help themselves by being aware of their own limitations and asking for help from others when necessary. Making a plan, following a routine, breaking up tasks into smaller steps, and allowing plenty of time to get something done are all ways in which Alzheimer’s patients can make their lives more manageable and decrease their stress.

There are many changes that come about as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss, difficulty processing language, communication challenges, and emotional changes are just a few. A big change in lifestyle and the capacity to perform everyday tasks goes hand-in-hand with the primary effects of the disease on a patient’s mind and body. Although these changes can be stressful and frightening, it’s essential for people suffering from Alzheimer’s to find ways to adapt to the inevitable challenges that accompany the disease.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Alzheimer’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

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Self-Care as an Alzheimer’s Patient

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An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is life-changing in many ways. Patients will endure memory loss, changes in the ability to communicate, difficulties processing language, emotional and psychological challenges, and physical symptoms. Individuals with Alzheimer’s must adapt to increased difficulty completing everyday tasks and an increase in dependency. Feelings of anger, fear, and helplessness are normal when facing the prospect of a radical shift in your day-to-day experience of the world. With this in mind, it’s essential to be proactive in adapting yourself to the changes you’re experiencing. By preparing yourself for the effects of Alzheimer’s and making a plan for coping with them, you can take charge of your care.

An essential component of dealing with the challenges presented by Alzheimer’s is accepting the changes that will occur. Daily tasks will become harder, and many things that were once second-nature will become difficult and frustrating. Instead of denying your struggles, accept the change in your abilities. Your acknowledgment of change will help you to adapt, create strategies to maintain your independence, and improve the quality of your life. It is not easy to accept that your memory is declining, however, doing so can help you to discover coping techniques that will make life easier.

Memory loss is among the most stressful aspects of Alzheimer’s. Coming up with strategies to help you compensate for difficulty remembering things can be helpful. Using notes to remind yourself of important information, maintaining a predictable daily routine, and arranging objects so that you can remember their location are all ways of staying organized. It’s also important to surround yourself with people you can trust. Although it can be difficult to ask for help, reaching out to close friends and family members is essential for your safety and well-being. When certain tasks become too difficult or if you have trouble remembering crucial information, allowing someone to assist you can dramatically reduce stress and increase your peace of mind.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Alzheimer’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

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Staying Optimistic After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

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An initial diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming for patients. Emotional stress compounded with symptoms of cognitive changes, memory loss, and physical deterioration can lead to sadness and depression. Feelings of helplessness, anger, and fear can be self-reinforcing and greatly diminish an Alzheimer’s patient’s quality of life. Losing interest in activities that used to be meaningful, withdrawing socially, and a general attitude of passivity or “giving up” on life are all potential responses to a diagnosis. Caregivers and family members of patients also experience a tremendous amount of stress. While depression is a common aspect of Alzheimer’s, it is not inevitable. There are steps that can be taken by patients and their caregivers to reduce the melancholy associated with the disease.

Sadness and depression can be debilitating for Alzheimer’s patients. It’s important to address these feelings and be proactive in decreasing them. Focusing on activities that provide enjoyment and a sense of meaning is a great way to stave off depression and improve quality of life. Encouraging individuals with Alzheimer’s to take part in things that bring them joy provides a positive distraction and promotes the retention of cognitive abilities. Although the physical and cognitive deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s can drastically alter a person’s personality and compromise their ability to function independently, it does not eliminate a person’s ability to be happy. A comfortable environment, meaningful activities, healthy diet, regular exercise, and an active social network can help relieve depression and improve patients’ quality of life.

It is common for caregivers and family members to experience an adjustment period after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Reactions can include denial, over-involvement, anger, guilt, and finally acceptance. It is imperative to take the necessary measures to ensure your mental and physical well-being is stable. After all, a caregiver’s emotional health is one of the most influential factors in a patient’s life; if you are optimistic, your loved one will be as well.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Alzheimer’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

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Effective Measures to Facilitate Communication with Alzheimer’s Patients

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Alzheimer’s disease brings many challenges for patients and their loved ones. Loss of independence, memory loss, and physiological changes can all be sources of great stress. Among the challenges faced by people living with Alzheimer’s disease, communication difficulties can be among the most frustrating to navigate. When your formerly articulate loved one suddenly has trouble expressing and understanding even the simplest information, it can be hard to know how to proceed. However, there are things that you can do to facilitate communication and make your life, and the life of your loved one, easier.

People with Alzheimer’s often forget familiar words and phrases. They may struggle to express themselves and have difficulty completing sentences. They may also have trouble understanding what is being said to them. This is often extremely frustrating and confusing for Alzheimer’s patients, as they try to communicate their thoughts and feelings in the face of deteriorating language capacities. As verbal abilities decline, people with Alzheimer’s may repeat themselves, yell, babble, or use foul language. It’s important to remain calm in the face of disturbing behaviors, and recognize that communication difficulties are just as frustrating for your loved one as they are for you.

Although it presents many challenges, there are things you can do to make communicating with your loved one easier. When you approach your loved one, make sure to stay engaged and present: maintain eye contact, focus on their face, and avoid multitasking. Keep your hands away from your face to reduce visual distractions and allow them to read your facial expression, and eliminate other distractions in the environment such as background music and the television. It’s important to remember that even though their ability to understand spoken language may have declined dramatically, people with Alzheimer’s can still understand your body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. Stay upbeat, positive and calm. Try to use body language that conveys attention and respect. Avoid infantilizing or talking down to your loved one. If they don’t understand something that you’re saying, try rephrasing it, rather than simply repeating yourself. Keep information simple and use a clear, even tone of voice. By staying calm and keeping your own frustration in check, you’ll be encouraging your loved one to feel safe and secure, and will be helping them to communicate to the best of their ability.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Alzheimer’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Alzheimer Home Care New York

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