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Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. If you are planning to take your loved one to the doctor, you can bring this with you to discuss.
Caregivers of Parents with Alzheimers - Alzheimer's and Your Loved One
Alzheimers Symptom
Six years ago when my dad was diagnosed, I became a caregiver of a parent with Alzheimer's disease. It's the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a term that is used to describe a group of brain disorders. These brain disorders make it harder to carry out daily tasks. Unfortunately for my dad, he fell recently and now cannot walk but depends completely on a wheel chair. This is a dilemma that is shard by so many living with Alzheimer's.
The disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. The disease affects the brain in different ways. One effect is that a key brain chemical is lost. It is called acetylcholine. In part, this loss can contribute to some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
The cause of Alzheimer's is unknown. Age is the main known risk factor. Today, it is thought that more than 4.5 million people in the US have Alzheimer's. It mostly affects those aged 65 or older. At age 65 to 74, up to 5% of people have it. Up to half of those aged 85 and up have the disease. My dad was 83 when first diagnosed.
Since then, our family has researched on the Internet and read books on the topic. What we've come to learn and want to share:
Alzheimers Early Symptom
When a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, there are some things you may see.
- Memory loss
- Repeating the same thing over and over
- Difficulty naming items
- Losing things or getting lost more often
You may also see changes in the way they behave. These changes may become more pronounced with time.
- Your loved one may have a hard time with other tasks:
- Using the phone
- Dressing appropriately
- Planning or preparing meals
- Playing a game
Alzheimers Treatment
We know there is no cure for Alzheimer's. But, there are treatments that may help. Listed below are a few behaviors or problems to look for that may suggest a visit to the doctor. These problems do not mean the person having difficulties have Alzheimer's but it's a way to keep your watchful eye open.
- Repeat themselves or ask the same questions over and over.
- More forgetful lately, or loss of short term memory.
- Need reminders to do chores, taking medicine.
- Forget holidays or family occasions.
- Cry often (more than in the past) or feel down in the dumps.
- Trouble with calculations or managing finances.
- Lost interest in activities.
- Become irritable, agitated or suspicious.
- Need help eating, dressing, using the bathroom.
- Started seeing things or believing things that are not real?
- rouble finding the words or finishing sentences.
If you are planning to take your loved one to the doctor, you can bring this with you to discuss.
Carol Marak is the founder of WorkingCaregiver.com. Find information and resources for working family caregivers online.
