Alzheimer’s Disease – First Care

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Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia that is, as on date, incurable, deteriorates over time (degenerative) and is terminal; and is commonly diagnosed in people over 65 years of age. Each sufferer of Alzheimer’s disease experiences it in a different way but they also do have some common symptoms. The most common symptom being “loss of memory” which is generally attributed to old age. As the disease progresses, symptoms of confusion, long-term memory loss, aggressiveness and irritation, language breakdown and mood swings occur. There is also a general depression as the senses decline. Bodily functions are lost and ultimately resulting in death.

When an individual in a family has been diagnosed of Alzheimer’s disease, the news is at first devastating for both the individual and for those members of his/her family. You may have been aware of the changes in the individual and if you knew what Alzheimer’s was, you would have been worried and anxious of the future.
Nevertheless, the most important step has been taken; that of getting a confirmed diagnosis. I it so happens that you are the main person who is going to take care of the affected individual, there are few things that you can do immediately to make life easier in the times to come. The following information could be of some help.
1. Accept the fact that you are going through a complex emotional experience. The diagnosis and the attendant changes that is bound to occur can make you experience a variety of emotions; embarrassment, frustration, fear, sadness depression and even guilt. These are normal emotions in most people around an individual diagnosed with some chronic or severe disease that will require constant care. They will come and they will go. If these feelings are overwhelming and persist, then it is better to consult your physician. You should also be aware that those around you, in the family, are likely to experience the same emotions that you are going through
2. Understand all you can about Alzheimer’s disease. Get to know as much as you can about the disease. About the way it affects the individual, the changes that you can expect in him/her and the ways and means that you can provide to help the affected individual lead an independent and quality life as possible. Share the information that you have gained to others in the family and also to close friends and casual acquaintances so that they can also understand the sufferer’s feelings and act accordingly. You can contact the local Alzheimer Society for information and help.
3. Accept the fact that the disease affects the abilities of a person. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that deteriorates over time. It even deteriorates on a day-to-day basis. To have a realistic understanding of this phenomenon, learn as much as you can about it so that you can anticipate its occurrence. Patience is essential. The actions of the patient can be frustrating and anger you. But you have to talk to the person, understand his feelings as he himself or she herself will most probably have the same feelings of frustration and anger. Frustration and anger in not independent.
4. Always keep the individual’s requirements in your sight. The essential part of the caring is to treat the patient with dignity and respect. Do not let him feel that you pity him or her. Although the person may be physically unable to do anything, his cognitive facilities will remain as sharp as it was before he became an invalid and he will be aware of all the things being said and done around him. To the extent possible, provide him or her with activities designed to keep him active in the area where his senses are still keen and bring a sense of joy. This will add quality to his or her life and as sense of satisfaction to you also.
5. Look for other alternative treatment possibilities. As on date there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But some medications are available that can alleviate some of the symptoms to a certain extent for a certain period. Discuss the possibilities of using them with the individual’s physician. The local Alzheimer Society may be of help in giving you information of some drug tests that are being carried out and the affected individual may be interested in joining these research.
6. Be aware that taking care of an Alzheimer affected can take its toll. Taking care of an individual with Alzheimer’s disease can take its toll on the person providing the care. They are prone to physical and emotional problems. If you are providing care to such an individual, you should be aware of this and take necessary steps to take care of themselves. It is essential that you look after your own physical and mental health. Stay active and take healthy food. Do not lead a sedentary life.
7. Look for help. You may not be able to look after the patient 24/7. The local Alzheimer Society can be of help to assist you in finding quality at home nursing care if you have to necessarily go away for a short period of time. You can also form a group of concerned family and friends who can take turns in looking after the individual. Even if you do not need them, find out about them, the services that they offer, the fees that charge etc. for future use, if it becomes necessary.

8. Develop a support network. Keep a lookout for people with who you can share your feelings and emotions. Those who might have cared for an Alzheimer’s in their family. The experience that they gained may be useful to you. The Alzheimer Society of your locality should be of help in this area. A person looking after an Alzheimer’s can also become isolated and moody like his ward.
9. The Alzheimer Society in your neighborhood is there to help. The society can help by:

 Educating you in the details of the disease and its complications,
 Providing support through a support group or even advice over the phone,
 Registering the details of the individual with the Safely Home™ - Alzheimer Wandering Registry program to ensure the safety of the person in case he or she gets lost.
 Finding specialized services in your community.

The care of an Alzheimer patient is, with doubt, a very demanding undertaking that requires – most importantly – patience and understanding. A well informed care-taker who has a sound knowledge of the disease and the changes that it manifests can be of immense help. The job become more difficult since the progress of deterioration of each patient is unique and the care-taker has to adapt his knowledge to the particular circumstances and the individual patient. But ultimately, such an job can bring joy to the patient and a sense of a well fulfilled task to the care-taker who can make use of his experience to help other care-takers.