Alzheimer's disease is NOT a normal part of aging.
Although most people willingly provide care to their loved ones and friends, caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease at home can be a difficult task and might become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. As the disease gets worse, people living with Alzheimer's disease often need more intensive care.
Currently, many people living with Alzheimer's disease are cared for at home by family members.
Benefits of Home Caregiving
Doctor House feels caregiving can have positive aspects for the caregiver as well as the person being cared for.
It may:
- Bring personal fulfillment to the caregiver
- Provide satisfaction from helping a family member or friend
- Lead to the development of new skills
- Improve family relationships
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
A progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. It involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, and affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.
Key Facts:
- We still do not know what causes Alzheimer's disease
- The most common type of dementia
- Symptoms can first appear after age 60, with risk increasing with age
- Younger people may get Alzheimer's disease, but it is less common
- Age is the best known risk factor
- Family history and genetics may play a role
- Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear
Risk Factors:
- Education, diet, and environment may play a role
- Heart disease and stroke risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol) may increase Alzheimer's risk
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of cognitive loss. People with Alzheimer's disease may experience:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as getting lost in a familiar place or repeating questions
- Trouble handling money and paying bills
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
Medical Management
Some causes for symptoms, such as depression and drug interactions, are reversible. However, they can be serious and should be identified and treated by a health care provider as soon as possible.
Early and accurate diagnosis provides opportunities for you and your family to:
- Consider or review financial planning
- Develop advance directives
- Enroll in clinical trials
- Anticipate care needs
There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Medical management addresses several different areas:
- Helping people maintain mental function
- Managing behavioral symptoms
- Slowing or delaying the symptoms of the disease
- Support for family and friends
Safety Guidelines from Doctor House
Doctor House has extensive experience visiting Alzheimer patients. Here are our safety recommendations for caregivers and family members:
Home Security:
- Install locks on all outside doors and windows
- Write emergency numbers and your home address near telephones
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in or near the kitchen and all sleeping areas
- Avoid using flammable and volatile compounds near gas appliances
- Install alarms that notify you when a door or window is opened
- Hide a house key outside your house in case the person locks you out
Safety Measures:
- Cover unused electrical outlets with childproof plugs
- Keep all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) locked
- Clearly label each prescription bottle with the person's name, drug name, strength, dosage frequency, and expiration date
- Keep all alcohol in a locked cabinet or out of reach
- Remove matches, lighters, ashtrays, cigarettes, and other smoking materials from view
Doctor House Professional Services
Doctor House provides home visits to evaluate Alzheimer patients and provide proper care. We understand the unique challenges of caring for loved ones with dementia and offer specialized support.
Resources on Aging, Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Health - From CDC