Dealing with Alzheimer's

The devastating progression of Alzheimer's disease strikes across genders and economic borders. The death of former President Ronald Reagan, diagnosed with Alzheimer's years ago, gave the disease headlines, followed by television shows about the disease and how it affects the human brain. Alzheimer's creeps up without warning, and what most people suspect are just warning signs of aging become more alarming signs.

Recently released Alzheimer's disease studies show that nearly 10% of people over the age of 65 suffer from various stages of Alzheimer's, and fifty percent of those over 85 years old are also stricken every year. Alzheimer's is not a normal aging process, but one that steals memories and cognitive abilities. By the year 2050, more than 40 million people in the United States will suffer from the disease, and patient cost for treatment will amount to $40 thousand per patient. Additional Alzheimer's disease information studies have shown genetics for Alzheimer's runs in families and that in such cases, some people in their late 40's and early 50's are contracting the disease.

Alzheimer's disease information offers all of us a head start on not only recognizing the devastating disease, but a chance to stay one step ahead of it in planning care for our loved ones. If you believe that you or someone you know may be susceptible for Alzheimer's, then gather as much Alzheimer's disease information as you can and be proactive in providing prompt care.

Stages of the Disease:

Most people don't know that there are multiple stages of the disease until a family member is diagnosed with the disease. Actually, there are seven different classifications of Alzheimer's stages that, while by no means are definite, offer health care providers basic guidelines as to the progression of the disease process. Knowing these stages may help family members and friends anticipate and prepare for changes to expect and how to prepare as the disease progresses.

The first three stages of Alzheimer's may appear to be results of ordinary aging in many people. Stage One usually designates normal functions in most people, while Stage Two symptoms indicate a gradual decline in cognitive abilities. Symptoms such as these are accepted parts of growing older. We all forget where we've placed the car keys or eyeglasses. Does that mean we have Alzheimer's? No, but if these signs worsen over time, it may be more than mere forgetfulness. Stage Three is reached when frequent difficulties with memory and concentration become more apparent. Inability to retain recently accessed information or a decreased ability to remember names of friends, or even family members are some early warning signs.

Alzheimer's symptoms generally grow worse as victims enter Stage Four, more commonly known as Early-Onset Alzheimer's, which is diagnosed when the person is unable to recall recent events or occasions, as well as a decreased ability to perform simple arithmetic tasks. Errors to banking statements or writing bills are obvious. Forgetting events in one's own past is also a clue, and these symptoms may cause some who suffer from early symptoms to withdraw from family and friends. These changes can be alarming and embarrassing to family members, but imagine how the person experiencing such confusion must feel!

Stage Five is diagnosed as moderately severe cognitive levels alter physical and emotional changes in a person. Gaps in memory and reasoning skills decrease and cause difficulties with daily living rituals, and can even cause people to forget where they live or their address and phone number.

Alzheimer's progresses to the point where it becomes necessary to have someone help the person suffering from Alzheimer's with cooking, cleaning and dressing tasks. Stage Six of the disease brings with it an increased inability to recall recent experiences and events. Erratic sleep cycles and the need for help in basic toileting tasks become necessary as well. At this stage, many people suffering from Alzheimer's become incontinent and exhibit a drastic change in personality.

Stage Seven, diagnosed as very severe cognitive decline, is the final stage of the dehabilitating disease where people lose their ability to communicate or react to their own environment. Physical conditions such as the inability to walk or sit without support advance to the point that the person becomes bedridden. Dealing with the stages of Alzheimer's is difficult for everyone involved in the process. Support is vital to those caring for someone diagnosed with the disease.

Alzheimer's Care Options:

After someone in your family has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, decisions must be made. For most family's, accepting the fact that sooner or later, their loved one is going to require more care than they can provide is the first step toward accepting and understanding the steady progression Alzheimer's. Taking care of someone stricken with Alzheimer's is extremely stressful, and eventually you may opt for help.

There are generally four choices to make for Alzheimer's patient care. Assisted Living or Residential care, Respite care, Long-term nursing home care, and Hospice care. Assisted Living allows a resident to live in a structured and monitored environment like a long-term care facility, with help in daily living needs and skills. Trained aides help patient's dress, bathe, and eat, along with other daily living assistance they need.

Respite care offers a much-needed break for those who have been caring for an Alzheimer's patient. Some family members don't want to place their loved one in the care of an Alzheimer's care facility, and often take care of them in the home. The daily stress and strain of providing constant care is draining, and that's where Respite care comes in. Respite Alzheimer's care facility offices send trained nurses or nurses aides to the home to care for the needs of the patient so that family members can 'get away from it all' for a while. Respite care also includes day care facilities and services so that your loved one can go places and socialize in a controlled group environment.

Another type of Alzheimer's care facility is a long term nursing facility such as what used to be more commonly known as nursing homes. While no one wants to put their loved ones in a facility, when safety and health becomes an issue, it's important to protect your loved one. Most long-term care facilities have a special unit designed for Alzheimer's patients that provides the ultimate in safety and activities in a protected environment.

Alzheimer's will eventually lead to basic body systems shutdown, and when that time comes, Alzheimer's care facility staff will call in a Hospice worker. Hospice care provides declining patients and their families with personalized care, attention and support.

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's in a loved one can be devastating, and there are no easy answers to how each family should deal with the news. However, the more we know about Alzheimer's, the better equipped we will be to care for those who are diagnosed with the disease.