Alzheimer’s is an incredibly complicated disease that destroys many important cognitive functions, and it affects everyone in a slightly different manner. In some cases, elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s might not even realize they have any type of impairment, which may make caring for them extremely difficult. Here’s a quick glimpse at exactly how Alzheimer’s impacts the brain and some of the reasons why an aging adult who has been diagnosed with the disease might not know anything is wrong.
Alzheimer’s & the Human Brain
Researchers still have quite a bit to learn about this condition, but most medical professionals agree it’s caused by excess proteins in the brain. When the body isn’t able to regularly flush the proteins out of the brain, that material could eventually damage all of the nearby cells and synapses. Over time, this leads to a wide array of unique symptoms and side effects, including sudden mood swings, confusion, memory loss, agitation, and disorientation. Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, all of those symptoms worsen over time.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care families may trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Denial
Elderly people are typically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when they truly believe they’re healthy, but that’s much different than denial. Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may be scary, and some seniors are in denial for years. This is especially common among those who are diagnosed early on and not experiencing severe symptoms. The best way to address denial is to remain calm and patient with your loved one and work closely alongside his or her medical team so they may continue to provide you with support.
Seniors may face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which might be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Cincinnati families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their senior loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s
If your loved one has Alzheimer’s, there are a few different treatment options you should consider. As a general rule, seniors who have this condition will benefit from meeting with therapists or psychiatrists. These professionals will help seniors work through their emotions and give them tools to combat some of the side effects. Motivational enhancement therapy might be beneficial as well, and some studies have shown it may lead to increased awareness of one’s condition.
The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis may be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges might be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional senior care. Cincinnati Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 513-729-9999.
