Living With Alzheimer's: Helpful Tips For Care Givers

Alzheimer's is on the rise. That means more and more families are dealing with the effects of this debilitating brain disease. An estimated 30 million people are currently living with a diagnosis - and that number is expected to triple in the next several decades. Why is this so problematic? As the symptoms of the disease progress, Alzheimer's robs patients of their memory function along with their independence. Over time, patients will eventually forget how to handle everyday tasks....making proper care essential.
Whether patients are being cared for in a nursing home, hospital, or residence, one thing remains the same. Coping with the ins and outs of the disease can be extremely difficult for caregivers. Is someone in your life living with Alzheimer's disease? These helpful tips will allow you to improve the life of the patient - without losing yourself to stress.

Tip #1: Have a Plan Of Action

Caring for a loved one can be difficult. As each stage of the disease progresses, so do the demands on the caregiver. In the beginning, the patient may simply need help with day-to-day tasks. As their independence is reduced however, that can require more hands on work. That might include handling their finances to paying bills or feeding and bathing the patient. If unprepared, this can be extremely stressful for a caregiver to handle. To avoid unnecessary stress and strain - have a plan of action. This should be done while the patient is in the early stages of the disease. That way, you will be ready when symptoms begin to worsen. Planning ahead may include financial plans, having resources for extra care giving, and so on.

Tip #2: Use Community Resources

You don't have to do it alone. When you are caring for another person on a regular basis, it can take a lot out of you. That makes it especially important to have a solid support system in place. Have a list of friends and family members you can speak to, people who can assist with care giving every now and again, and a list of helpful community resources. Look into what is available in the town or city that you live in. It could be anything from a support group to adult day care. Knowing that you have options available to you can make all the difference.

Tip #3: Don't Forget To Care For Yourself

It is easy to put all of our energy into looking after someone we love. When you are caring for someone long-term.... that can take a serious toll on your mental and emotional well being. Remember to care for yourself as well! Failure to do so can cause caregiver stress. That often appears when you have begin to have difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, or problems with your own health. To combat those issues, focus on your own needs every now and again. Some ideas include: an evening off of care giving, getting a good night of sleep, taking a class, or spending time with friends.
Taking care of an Alzheimer's patient doesn't just impact the life of the patient. It can also affect the life of the caregiver. That is why it is important to have a plan of action, to make the most of any community resources, and to take good care of yourself. These tips will help you navigate the challenges of care giving in a way that benefits both you and the person you are taking care of.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients.

Why More Attention Should Be Given To Alzheimer's Disease

Ebola is a serious concern. It has been discussed on every news show and in every blog post. Celebrities and health officials alike are speaking out about the crisis. While there is no denying the severity of this issue, it brings one question to mind: what about Alzheimer's disease? Thus far, there have been four cases of Ebola in the United States. Compare that to the millions of people currently living with Alzheimer's disease. Not to mention the 500, 000 deaths related to the disease each year in North America. If anything, the prompt response to the Ebola crisis highlights the need for an increased focus on Alzheimer's disease. That includes research, treatment options, and care giving.
Simply put, more attention should be given to Alzheimer's. This degenerative brain disease impacts the lives of patients and families all over the world. In fact, an estimated thirty million people are currently living with the disease - and that number is expected to soar over the next several decades. This issue is made more problematic as there is no known cure. So, why is it that the United States administration has requested over $6 billion to stop Ebola? That same administration hasn't put that amount of money into Alzheimer's research in the last decade.
Think about the numbers. By the time you reach the age of 65, your chances of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are 1 in 9. Once you reach 85, that number increases to 1 in 3. Despite the greater risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to many other diseases (Ebola is a prime example), it is given little attention. Perhaps this is because Alzheimer's is thought of as a disease for the elderly. Or maybe it has something to do with the fact that there is no proven way to avoid developing the disease. It is seen as inevitable.... and that makes it less buzz worthy. The result? Fewer news stories, articles, and awareness given to a serious brain disease. One that affects the lives and independence of so many.
There is no question more attention should be given to Alzheimer's disease. The real question is: will it? With a heightened focus on health issues like Ebola, there seems to be less and less of a discussion on Alzheimer's as a whole - let alone new research methods and treatment strategies. That leaves overworked caregivers and patients lacking hope. For real change to take place more money needs to be put into research, In addition, further awareness needs to be raised. Only then can positive changes begin to take shape.
Ebola has managed to worry men and women all over North America. This is understandable. There is no doubt the disease is scary and deadly. However, it is also incredibly rare. Alzheimer's is far more common and is just as troubling for patients living with the disease. That is why now is the time to take action. Putting more into research and treatment options is the most effective way to deal with this deadly disease.
Are you looking for more information about aging related memory loss? Contact the Age Matters Clinic at: 647-268-0620. We understand how to improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients.