It can be deeply upsetting when someone you know gets diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and it can be incredibly overwhelming if it is a parent who has been given the bad news.
This chronic disease is debilitating, and it has no cure. Although it is primarily up to your loved one to make the right choices for their health, you can still offer love and care as they deal with the disease. Here is a short guide to Alzheimer’s disease and a few different ways you can help your loved one cope.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease usually appears when people reach their mid-60s, and it affects 5.5 million people in the United States. It is a progressive memory disorder that attacks people’s memory and thinking capabilities.
The symptoms vary from person to person, but the first sign is usually memory loss. Over time, your loved one may experience impaired judgment and reasoning, they may have issues with spatial awareness, and they might find it difficult to find words when having a conversation.
Living at Home
Alzheimer’s has different stages, and people in the early stages can still carry out everyday activities and maintain their independence. Many older adults prefer to age in place at home.
This is a great choice for people living with a memory disorder, as living in a familiar place can help retain their memory for longer.
A home care nurse can help check up on them to ensure they are healthy and well. Additionally, you can assist them by visiting often and helping them with everyday tasks.
Remove Potential Hazards
Falls are the leading cause of injury for U.S senior citizens. You can help keep your loved one safe by checking their property for hazards. Making small changes, such as adding an extra light to a room or removing a loose rug, can make a huge difference to their safety.
Future Plans
No one enjoys difficult discussions about the future, and helping a senior plan for their future can be awkward and complex. On the other hand, having a frank talk with your parent about what they want can give them a sense of empowerment. It will also ensure that they get what they want when the time is right.
Belmont Village Lincoln Park features the best memory care, senior living and assisted living Chicagoland has to offer. Some older adults may choose to go into senior living straight away, while others may decide to choose assisted living when their memory worsens. Alternatively, people can choose memory care facilities for additional memory support.
Encourage Healthy Living
Being active can be a game-changer for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Not only can regular physical activity improve cognitive function and memory, it can also reduce the risk of dementia.
Regular exercise can help strengthen the body and improve mobility and balance, which can decrease falls in seniors. Furthermore, when exercising with other people, your loved one can maintain social contact with a range of people, which is excellent for their mental and emotional health.
