ALZHEIMERS GET THE FACTS AND HELP YOU NEEDAlzheimers, is the most common form of Dementia which occurs later in life. Usually after 60 but can begin as early as 30. It first shows up as memory loss, then effects the emotions and inhibitions. The patient declines steadily causing them to be unable to cope with everyday life. Their brain cells are slowly dying. We all forget things at times or have to really think about something that use to be second nature. So how do you know if you are experiencing normal memory loss or if it is more serious? Unfortunately there is not a test that can positively diagnose Alzheimers while you are a live. There are different indicators that Doctors use to determine a diagnosis. What type of memory loss is occurring? Do you forget where you put your keys or glasses? Does it take you a minute or so to recall someones name? When learning something new does it seem to take longer? These are signs of age related memory loss. You can improve your memory by reading more, starting a hobby,playing cards or board games. Brain Games can really help also. When should you see your Doctor about memory loss? Is your ability to drive a car, go shopping or figure out your check book being effected? Do you get lost easily or in a place you know well? When given directions are you able to follow them? Do you get confused about time and places or people? Are you not taking proper care of yourself, not eating right, or showering as often as you use to? Do you wear the same thing two or three times before washing it? All of the above effect your everyday life and you should see a Doctor immediately. The sooner you get treatment the better you will be. There are medications that really help improve your memory and slow the effects of Alzheirmers. Your treatment depends on the cause of the problem. It could be diet related or due to a medication you are taking. Or some other cause so see your Doctor. There are 7 warning signs of Alzheimers 1. Asking the same question over and over again. 2. Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again. 3. Forgetting how to cook, or how to make repairs, or how to play cards — activities that were previously done with ease and regularity. 4. Losing one's ability to pay bills or balance one's checkbook. 5. Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects. 6. Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that they have taken a bath or that their clothes are still clean. 7. Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves. If the above problems are occurring contact your Doctor immediately. If others are telling you that you asked the same question earlier or multiple times. Do not ignore it. Same as being told you have repeated the same story many times. Often the person having these problems does not realize it, speak up and tell them. They may react in a negative way so if you are not the closest person to them be sure to talk to who is. Denial is not uncommon with Alzheimers. They will blame others when they can not find things. Accusing them of moving it, hiding it or even stealing from them. They tend to put things in the oddest places also. Sometimes they become very hostile towards others. I believe it is due to knowing something isn't right and they are frightened. When this happens try turning on the TV or music, they will hear it and forget what ever upset them. Dealing with an Alzheimers patient is complicated, trying, stressful and heart breaking. What ever you do, do not talk baby talk to them or talk down to them. Talk as you normally would have. I have found that when they become tried it is worse. At times they can function at a higher level than other times. If you can work out a routine that is followed daily this will also help. The onset of Alzheimers can be very slow or seem like it just happened over night. Patients become depressed and lose interest in doing anything. If you notice this happening with yourself or loved one, get up and do something. Excessive sleeping is not good either. Engage the person in an activity. Sometimes the simplest things work the best. Are there young grandchildren that would like to color with the patient or finger paint? Anything to get the Alzheimers patient inter acting with others. I have found they can become more confused if there is a large group of people around them and a lot of activity. Try to keep to maybe two or three people or have another room out of sight for others to gather in if possible. Talk with others a head of time about how to deal with the situation. Ask them not to ask a bunch of questions of the patient but instead just visit. When questions are being asked it is best if only one or two are asked. Try to keep people from asking the same questions. This is disorientating and if the patient remembers being asked the same questions they will become upset. Keep everything as light as possible the less stress the better. The next stage will be discussed on page 2. Are you dealing with an Alzheimer's patient who is in denial?Click the Alzheimer's Denial link below for help. Click the link below for WebMD and it will take you directly to the appropriate page.
Alzheimer's Denial
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