Supportive Information On Coping With The Signs And Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Disease
By Tim Gorman
There's no doubt about it - if someone you love develops Alzheimer's disease, your lives will be changed forever. It's truly devastating to watch someone you love as they begin to lose their memory, and as the disease progresses, it also becomes a lot more difficult to care for that person. Let's take a look at a few basic ways in which you can cope more effectively as your loved develops Alzheimer's.
The first step is always to find out everything you can about Alzheimer's disease, so that you know what it is, and how it's likely to progress. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for all potential eventualities. It also makes it easier to understand exactly what your loved one is going through, so that you can be more supportive. Knowledge helps you to cope. If there's a support group in your area, you might want to join it, because shared experiences make it easier to cope with the situation. You may find that many of the other members can give you helpful advice and ideas about your situation, because they've already experienced similar things to what you're now going through. If you can't find a local group, try searching online, as there are support groups available on the Internet as well.
Many people with Alzheimer's fluctuate throughout the day. So try and establish a pattern of behavior - when is the condition most severe, and when is it least obvious? If you find there is a pattern, then you can plan your day to fit around that. If you have a window of opportunity to get things done, then do them, so that you can concentrate on what you need to do, rather than worrying about your loved one.
You also need to start planning. Initially it may be possible for you to care for your loved one at home, despite the Alzheimer's, but that may not always be the case. The reality is that Alzheimer's is degenerative, and over time the condition will worsen. Medication may slow the progress of the disease, but it can't stop it. Coping for someone with Alzheimer's is a huge emotional and financial burden, and it's important to make sure that you look after yourself as well. The more prepared you are for the future, the easier it will be to deal with it when it arrives. Spend some time checking with your insurance agency, medicare and any other relevant organizations so that you're aware of what financial support you have available.
If you're finding it too hard to care for your loved one on your own, then look into the option of some form of adult daycare. It's important to research any facility you're considering as thoroughly as you can, so that you're comfortable that your loved one will be well cared for there while you take a break.
Unfortunately Alzheimer's is difficult to cope with, and the task can be draining emotionally, physically and financially. The important thing is that you're not alone; many thousands of families are struggling day to day with the same issues you're facing. Find a way of balancing the needs of your loved one and your own needs, so that you don't wear yourself out in the process. Finally, make sure you spend some time remembering how much your loved one means to you, and never give up.
For more information on diagnosing Alzeimer's disease try visiting http://www.alzheimers-disease-info-guide.com where you will find helpful information, resources and advice on coping with Alzheimer's disease and the basics of Alzheimer's disease.
The Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is a disease that impairs the brain and causes memory loss, particularly in the elderly. What in effect happens is that nerve cells in the brain die manifesting itself with symptoms of memory loss. Nerve cells are crucial to the process of recall. Although the disease develops slowly it will eventually lead to death. Alzheimer's disease is the 9th most common cause of death for those who are 65 years old or more. It is worth noting that the average time from diagnosis till death is approximately 8 years, although some suffers have lived for 20 years, before the disease leads to death.
Alzheimer's Disease and Music Therapy
Activities for Alzheimers patients will often depend on the stages of Alzheimer's disease that the person is at. Alzheimer disease and music therapy are now used in many cases with some amazing results. One of the most remarkable things about this sad disease is the joy and comfort that Alzheimer's disease and music therapy can bring, my late Gran suffered from Alzheimer's in her latter years and my Dad used to always play some old songs on a Wednesday night.
New Brain Health Roadmap Announced
On June 10th something wonderful happened, and the media hasn't paid much attention yet. On that day, the National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health was released by the CDC and the Alzheimer's Association. IN this article, I want to first share with you the 10 top actions proposed by this report, and then provide a quick glossary to explain the key words that you will hear more and more when discussing brain health.
Caring For Parents With Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease directly affects about four million people in the United States, though it affects many more of us indirectly. While we may not be suffering from the disease personally, many of us are in a position where it has become necessary to care for someone with Alzheimer's.
Therapy Pets Prove Soothing to People With Alzheimer's
The recent win of Diamond Jim, an English Springer spaniel, at the Westminster Kennel Club's annual top dog competition in New York City brought attention to an increased calling for select pets across the country; serving as therapy dogs for people with Alzheimer's and other disabling ailments. The dog, commonly called James, is retiring from the show world to live the life of a therapy dog. James and his human partner have already worked with people with Alzheimer's, proving a soothing presence in nursing homes where they visit.
Helpful and Fun Activities For Patients With Alzhemier's Disease
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease or even someone living with this disease there are some easy and fun activities that you can do to help ward off the effects of Alzheimer's disease. These activities will help to keep your brain active, flexible and alert.
Alzheimers Info To Make Your Life Easier
Probably one of the most difficult things you'll every have to do, is care for someone with Alzheimers. The reality that the person with Alzheimers is likely very close to you, only makes the task more challenging. Being armed with as much Alzheimers info as possible, and knowing where you can turn to if you need more help or information can make a world of difference. Being someone who cares for another human being puts you into a category with a high degree of burnout. It can be a stressful, thankless job. You need to stack the odds in your favor as much as possible.
Heavy Metal Anchors Alzheimer's in Your Brain
Heavy metals and aluminum are in every part of our environment and food. These elements are deadly and you will benefit if you are aware of what they do where they come from.
Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
As most of us grow older, it's normal to fear the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Millions of people around the globe suffer from its affects daily and since it is a disease that is so closely associated with growing older, it's natural to think that it is going to happen to you, especially if you have a family history of Alzheimer's in your family. There are signs of Alzheimer's disease that you can watch out for.
Do Elevated Homocysteine Levels Increase Risk For Alzheimer's Disease?
A natural amino acid called homosysteine has recently been linked to several age related diseases. Some researchers believe it may also be linked to the onset of Alzheimer's Disease.
