Alzheimer's in the Family: Coping With a Loved One's Diagnosis

Alzheimer's is a devastating disease for any individual to have to go through. It is especially hard for family members and caregivers.

Alzheimer's disease is a slow deterioration of the brain cells. The brain cells slowly die causing a person to forget where they are, to lose the ability to care for themselves, dress themselves, or bathe themselves. A lot of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease reach the stage where they even forget their own family members...their spouses, their children, their siblings.

So...what are the various symptoms of this disorder that you should look out for? The following are the first warning signs:

* Repeating Questions
An Alzheimer's patient will constantly ask the same questions over and over again. This is one of the first warning signs that become quite evident. Often times, the person will ask a question they just asked maybe five minutes ago.

* Losing Ability To Handle Finances
An Alzheimer's patient will most likely lose the ability to write out household bills or balance a checkbook. They will often forget if a particular bill has been paid...especially if they had forgotten to register it in the checkbook when the check was written out. Also, it will become more and more evident that they are not able to make important financial decisions.

* Hygiene Neglect
An Alzheimer's patient will most likely forget to bathe. Also...they are often found wearing the same clothing day after day...all the while thinking that they have indeed changed clothes.

* Forgetting How To Cook
An Alzheimer's patient will actually forget how to cook. They may have problems following a recipe or forget an important ingredient. Also...they will more than likely forget their way around the kitchen. In addition to cooking, an Alzheimer's patient may forget how to perform pleasurable activities...such as crocheting, playing cards, and working cross-word puzzles.

* Getting Lost In Familiar Surroundings
This is one of the most evident symptoms of Alzheimer's. They will forget...for example where the bathroom is, or where the front door is. They will also often misplace familiar house-hold objects. Forgetting how to get to their doctor's office, or their favorite store, or the pharmacist will become more and more evident...things of that nature.

* Repeating Stories Or Facts
An Alzheimer's patient will often repeat (for example) a favorite story from their childhood over and over again without missing a word. Or they might repeat something they loved as a child, or maybe something that tragically happened to them. Alzheimers patients usually have a good long-term memory in the first stages of the disease. But as the disease progresses, they will eventually forget long-term memory as well. Especially if left untreated.

* Getting Lost In Conversation
An Alzheimer's patient will often forget what they are talking about and stop right in the middle of a sentence. They just lose their train of thought. Or they may seem distraught when trying to explain something and just get angry and stop talking.

So...what can YOU do if you suspect Alzheimer's in a loved one?

Well, the first thing you should do is make an appointment for them with a neurologist. They will perform mental status tests, review family history, and perform a neurological exam that will bring about a proper diagnosis. They will more than likely, perform an MRI on the brain (brain image) as well.

It is very important that you actually go into the doctor's office with your loved one. Your loved one will most likely forget what they are supposed to tell them. So, it's important you go in with them and make necessary notes and make sure everything is discussed.

Once a proper diagnosis is obtained, the neurologist will prescribe medication. Two very well-known medications are wise choices...those are "Aricept" and "Namenda." These medications will not reverse the condition, but will help stabilize it. Meaning they will help prevent further damage from progressing.

Once your loved one is on the proper medication, it is highly advised to start attending a support group for Alzheimer's. For you AND your loved one as well. There are many, many support groups available. You can check with their doctor. You can also do a search online. The important thing is gaining the support you need in order to properly care for your loved one. Also...attending the support group will help YOU handle various situations a lot better. And you will be more able to handle anything that may take place with caregiving.

Again, if you (even slightly) suspect Alzheimer's in your loved one, please don't hesitate and put if off. Make that first step and make an appointment. That first step will play a huge part in making life better for your loved one.

This article was written in honor of my Mother's memory.