Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult, but there are ways to make the process easier.
Learn about what to expect from the disease and how to deal with the changes.
Understanding the Behavior of a Person with Alzheimer’s
Taking steps to understand the behavior of a person with Alzheimer’s can make life easier for caregivers. The disease may cause unexpected and unruly behaviors, but there are ways to deal with them.
If you notice a loved one with Alzheimer’s acting aggressively, seek help from professionals. You can also find a support group that can share tips for dealing with behavior problems.
Behavioral Changes
There are many causes for behavioral changes in someone with Alzheimer’s. These changes may include a depressed mood, a loss of physical independence, a lack of social interaction, and confusion.
Communication
Often, the only way to communicate with a loved one with AD is through behavior. You should try to understand what is causing the behavior, but be careful not to argue with the person.
You should be patient when your loved one is confused or frustrated. They may strike out because they feel threatened or are trying to communicate a need that is not being met.
You should also be flexible. When your loved one’s abilities start to deteriorate, you should reevaluate the environment and make changes.
Using a few positive words is best. This will help the person with Alzheimer’s to understand what you are saying. You can use names or specific titles when speaking with them.
Keep Calm
Avoid too much noise, especially around the time that bedtime is approaching. You should also ensure that your loved one is getting enough rest.
You should also keep an eye out for any underlying medical conditions. If your loved one is exhibiting signs of pain, talk to their doctor.
Lifestyle Changes Can Slow the Progression
Increasing your physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular sleep may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. According to a recent study, these lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing the disease.
Researchers randomized 51 people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease into two groups. The first group underwent a lifestyle program for 20 weeks. After the study, the group was retested. The researchers found that participants who followed the program had improved cognitive function.
The study also revealed that physical exercise was a significant factor in reducing the risk of developing the disease. The researchers found that participants with three or more healthy lifestyle factors had a 60% lower risk of developing the disease.
Other studies have shown that a Mediterranean-style diet is good for your health. The diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables, nuts, and fish. It also limits unhealthy fats and salt.
Adding walnuts to the diet may decrease inflammation in the body. Its high content of omega-3 fatty acids may also help. The nuts are also rich in antioxidants.
Studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. They may also contain lutein and a-tocopherol, which are protective antioxidants.
In addition to improving memory, physical exercise may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Moderate weight training is also a good way to keep your brain healthy.
Physical activity is important for the brain because it helps to make new connections. Balance and coordination exercises can also keep you from falling.
In addition, people with Alzheimer’s can benefit from socialization. The patient and their loved ones should consider joining a support group. They can also receive therapy.
Dealing with Conflicting Emotions
Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be a very challenging experience. This is especially true for the caregiver. Taking on this role can be stressful, and it can lead to feelings of guilt.
Dealing with conflicting emotions in Alzheimer’s care can be difficult, but there are ways to minimize these negative impacts.
For instance, try to keep your loved one in the same environment, and avoid exposing them to new surroundings. Also, remember that you are not alone. You may need to seek out a little help from other family members or a good friend.
You may also want to consider a respite from the day-to-day. You can do this by asking a family member to take your loved one to the doctor’s office, or ask a grocery delivery service to drop off your groceries.
This will allow you to take a much-needed break, and will help you to provide better care.
In addition to keeping your loved one’s home in order, you should also try to remain mentally and socially active. This will help slow the deterioration process and increase your resilience.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a wealth of information about caregiver stress. You can learn about the many medical and emotional symptoms of this disease, as well as how to deal with them.
There are also support groups you can join. You can find these through online forums, local hospitals, and through your favorite senior citizen organization.
Finally, remember that the best way to handle this challenge is to be calm, cool, and collected. Don’t let your own emotions get the best of you. This will help you to better handle the stresses of caring for a loved one with dementia.
Dealing with Incontinence
Managing incontinence in Alzheimer’s care can be a challenge. There are many factors that can affect the condition. These include medication side effects, urinary tract infections, gut conditions, and dementia.
If the person has problems with memory, they may find it difficult to recognize that they need to go to the bathroom. The best solution is to assist them in the process.
Several studies have shown that people with dementia are more likely to experience incontinence. In addition, their physical decline may lead to more accidents. This can affect their quality of life.
The good news is that there are a number of solutions: The first step is to make sure that the person with Alzheimer’s is aware of their condition.
The second step is to create a routine. This helps to prevent accidents. A routine can also help the person to recognize where the bathroom is. A third step is to bring extra incontinence supplies. You can do this by bringing an extra change of clothing and wipes.
There are several incontinence products available to help the person with Alzheimer’s remember what to do when they get to the bathroom. For example, incontinence pads can be inserted inside protective underwear. This can improve absorption and reduce leakage.
If the person with Alzheimer’s has trouble recognizing when they need to go to the bathroom, they can use an incontinence log to track their bowel movements. This will help the caregiver to plan “pee breaks” and avoid accidents.
Senior Care Services
There’s no denying that a loved one with Alzheimer’s is going to need some help from time to time, and there are plenty of reputable senior care services in your area. Some of the more innovative services offer programs for families to help manage the stress and costs associated with caring for a loved one with dementia.
If you are considering signing up for a senior care program, ask questions about their policies before making a decision. Some may not be as tolerant as you might expect.
Luckily, there are a number of options, from large to small, ranging from full-service care homes to respite care and home care. Having an open line of communication between you and your aging loved one can make the difference between a smooth transition and a difficult one.
Some of the best senior care agencies have a dedicated staff that can help you navigate the maze that is the senior care industry. You can also visit the Alzheimer’s Association for a list of trusted organizations in your region. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have beforehand.
Conclusion
The changes associated with Alzheimer’s can be difficult to cope with for both the person living with the condition and those caring for them. It is important to remember that everyone will experience Alzheimer’s differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
It may take time to adjust to the changes, but it is possible to maintain relationships, build routines and develop creative strategies to improve the quality of life for a person living with Alzheimer’s. Some tips for caregivers include seeking support, providing structure and simplifying tasks, while also balancing caregiving responsibilities with self-care.
The most important thing is to stay connected with your loved one. With understanding and patience, it is possible to cope with the changes associated with Alzheimer’s and make meaningful memories along the way.
