“Caring for persons with Alzheimer’s Disease”

“Caring for persons with Alzheimer’s Disease”


Dementia

Among the older members of our population it is said that across the world there are more than 20 million persons living with irreversible memory loss.  The bad news is that this number is expected to triple in another 25 years. This is not at all surprising as persons are living longer with age related diseases. 

Irreversible dementia affects an individual’s ability to do daily functions due to a change in the brain function. The most striking loss is attributed to memory loss.  The common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease they are the deposits of plaques on the brain which results in gradual death of brain tissue. Vascular dementia is caused by multiple minor strokes which are often not even noticed by close family members and caregivers.

Recognizing Age-related Memory Loss

Age-related memory loss is commonly seen in persons over the age of 50 years. Family member and caregivers should note whether the senior is exhibiting behaviors that “raises a red flag” to age-related memory loss. Some common clues are the following:

• When the elderly asks the same question over and over not recalling that you already gave a response.
• Whether driving or walking the individual gets loss and is unable to find his/her way home.
• There is confusion with person, time and place. This can be upsetting for the family members
• There is difficulty following simple instructions
• Personal hygiene is neglected
• Getting dressed is a chore or not in keeping with the individual’s character
• There are changes in eating habits. There is a tendency to eat very little or too much as the individual forgets to eat or does not remember they have already eaten.
• Loss of the sense of personal safety

Specific Characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive deterioration with behavior, memory and thinking. It is the most common form of dementia seen in individuals typically over the age of 65 years old. Here are few of the specific characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease:

1. At first there is a subtle loss in recent memory such as not remembering where he/she has placed an item to the gradual loss of recognition of a child or spouse.
2. There is difficulty recalling recent activities
3. As the disease advances the individual becomes difficult, moody and even aggressive
4. The disorientation also becomes more severe with a tendency for the individual to attempt to flee from their place of abode

Tips to prevent or delay dementia 

Whether the individual is at home with family or placed in a nursing home it is important to note that structured daily routine helps tremendously with the behavior and cognitive skills of persons with age-related memory loss. They constantly require brain stimulation, physical exercise and social interactions to decrease the risk of age related memory loss or the worsening of the condition.

• Age appropriate exercise will boost the blood flow to the brain to boost the growth of brain cells and improve depression. 
• Eating a balanced diet which includes foods rich in omega fatty acids: oily fish, flax seed and nuts are recommended. Reduce sugar and salt intake and increase portions of fruits and vegetables.
• Supplements special formulated for the elderly
• Games and memory aids aim at learning something new every day. Use post-it and calendars to aid memory with important appointments and dates
• Social interactions with peers and children is useful

Medical therapy and Psychotherapy for Age-related memory loss

The drug Aricept is FDA approved and has been shown to slow down the progression of dementia in the early phase. There are a few more on the market which are giving promising results.

Group therapy for patients and special support group meetings for family and caregivers are very helpful.