Across the globe, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease most often affecting adults age 65 or older. It’s a disease that can be challenging not only for the person living with it, but for their loved ones as well. Providing care and support for an individual, even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to do or what kind of support they need. The good news is that we can help you learn more about the disease and how to provide Alzheimer’s care for a loved one showing signs or symptoms. It’s important to note that while supporting your loved one can mean many things, the most essential support you can offer is ensuring they’re under the care of a medical professional. Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term planning should always be discussed with your loved one’s provider.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Because it is a disease that originates in the brain, the early signs of Alzheimer’s are related in some way to memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. It can be easy to dismiss some of the most common Alzheimer’s symptoms as simple products of aging, so it’s important to know what to look out for.
The early symptoms of Alzheimer’s can start as an inability to remember important dates, names of friends or family, or familiar places. An individual may develop a tendency to misplace their belongings, leaving them in unusual places and then struggling to retrace their steps in an effort to remember where they put them. Problem-solving can become a challenge for your loved one as well, and concentrating may become difficult.
Your loved one may seem confused about where they are or how they got there. You may even be talking with them when they begin to have trouble following the conversation. This may manifest through repetition of phrases or even stopping in the middle of a conversation.
Other Alzheimer’s symptoms may include those such as:
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Struggling with routine activities, like cooking a favorite meal or managing household tasks they’ve always done with ease.
- Challenges with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, and time, or forgetting where they are and how they arrived there.
- Poor judgment and decision-making: Making uncharacteristic decisions, such as giving away large amounts of money or neglecting personal hygiene.
- Changes in mood or personality: Becoming easily upset, anxious, or withdrawn, especially in social settings, or experiencing sudden mood swings.
How to Support Your Loved One Showing Signs of Alzheimer’s
It is not uncommon for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s to continue living their lives and maintain a measure of independence. Granted, there are precautions that must be taken, and your loved one will ultimately benefit from having the support of friends and family.
If you are providing support or acting as a family caregiver for a loved one showing signs of Alzheimer’s, you can help them first and foremost by promoting good health. This can be as simple as ensuring they eat a healthy diet, avoid excess drinking, and get eight hours of sleep each night. You can also help them by reducing their stress. Generally, keeping an eye on their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels will give you a good indication of their overall physical health and well-being.
As far as maintaining your loved one’s independence, build around their strengths. Don’t dwell too much on what they can’t do. If they are able, encourage them to regularly participate in exercise or physical activity. Establishing routines is also important and can help keep them engaged. Most importantly, develop strong lines of communication. Your goal should be to help them relax. Work with them to avoid situations that may cause too much of a mental strain.
Additional Alzheimer’s Care Options
Knowing how to help someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult, and no one ever wants to think of caring for and supporting their loved one as a burden. But the reality is that caregiving for Alzheimer’s can be an unpredictable, challenging path, and knowing when to reach out for help is essential for the well-being of everyone involved. Whether you choose a private pay service that provides in-home care or a volunteer program within your local community, it never hurts to explore your options for Alzheimer’s care. For many, choosing memory care services at a senior living community can provide a sense of comfort, knowing that their loved one is surrounded by professionals dedicated to their care.
Explore Personalized Memory Care Services at Oak Trace
Individualized care is the defining principle of Oak Trace’s memory care. Every individual who walks through our doors has their own story and their own needs. Our goal is to provide a safe, nurturing setting that offers both the specialized care your loved one requires and the peace of mind you deserve.
Our memory care community offers the following:
- 24/7 On-Site Nursing Support: A dedicated nurse and nursing assistant are available around the clock to ensure continuous care and attention.
- Trained and Compassionate Team: Our team is fully equipped to assist with daily activities while offering compassionate support every step of the way.
- Family Support Groups: We host monthly support group meetings, providing families with a space to share experiences, find understanding, and receive ongoing support from our team.
If you’re considering memory care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, we’re here to help. Contact us today by filling out the form below or calling 630-769-6100 to learn more about how we can support you and your family.
