admin July 30th, 2008
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Family members of a potential Alzheimer’s sufferer should also understand the warning signs of this disease. Memory loss is expected as people age, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s are greater, and are usually accompanied by other symptoms. Alzheimer’s sufferers will normally have difficulty with general communication, reasoning, comparing, learning new skills, and maybe even relearning old skills.
Here are 10 signs that, while they could be part of normal behavior, or may be related to an entirely different disorder, are generally considered basic warning signs for Alzheimer’s disease:
- Memory Loss
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Language problems
- Becoming disoriented
- Poor judgment
- Problems with complex mental tasks
- Misplacing items
- Mood or behavior changes
- Confusion and fear or suspicion
- Loss of initiative
As our bodies age, we will often experience many of these symptoms. Alzheimer’s is more a combination of these symptoms, or a progression from one to another. As people lose these capabilities that they once had, due to Alzheimer’s, they feel lonely and isolated and that they are not just losing their abilities, but that they are losing their minds.
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admin July 18th, 2008
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult to do. It is important to have support around you, plus the best and most recent information on the disease itself. The more you know, the more confident you will be able to be in caring for your loved one. You should also build a support network to help you avoid a common problem known as “caregiver burnout.”
The first place to look for information is the patients doctor. Make sure you accompany your loved one to all appointments so you can ask questions. part of the doctor’s job is to provide you with the information you need to take care of your loved one. Do not count on the patient to tell you what the doctor said; instead become a part of the healthcare process
Look in your area for support groups or organizations for caretakers. They can provide information on Alzheimer’s, as well as share personal experiences and knowledge. These groups can also provide you with temporary care so that you can take a break or attend an event. Your loved one will still be well taken care of. Hospitals maintain databases with these types of support groups, and you can also find the information in many local newspapers.
You can also get a lot of Alzheimer’s information on the Internet. The National Institute of Health maintains an Alzheimer’s information website, including current information on diagnosis and treatment. They also provide information specifically for caregivers, which is written in layman’s terms, rather than scientific terms. Alzheimer’s support groups also maintain websites which contain helpful information and allow you to connect with other caregivers. This is often an easier alternative than attending in person support groups.
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