A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease can be life changing, regardless of who you are or your situation. Whether it’s you personally or a loved one, those living with this crushing disease are part of a health crisis around the globe that affects around 44 million people.
While life-changing for the person being diagnosed, whether you’re a loved one, family or friend, know that you have options. No one needs to face Alzheimer’s alone.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s is a broad term for conditions where the brain no longer functions properly. Most people suffering from Alzheimer’s struggle with memory problems and issues with thinking and behavior. As the disease progresses, the damage becomes more severe and symptoms worsen. While the disease progresses uniquely with each individual, on average, people diagnosed live around eight years after symptoms begin.
Treatments for Alzheimer’s
While Alzheimer’s is incurable, there are medications that can treat its symptoms. Certain medications can help arrest symptoms and improve brain health in some patients.
Today, most treatments center on co-existing medical conditions and coordination of care between health care professionals. Finding the right program can help you or your loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s take part in a variety of activities which can help improve mood. In addition, behavior interventions can help with aggression, sleepe issues, and agitation.
Providing Alzheimer’s care
Finding a program to help care for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s needn’t be stressful or impossible. In fact, caregivers, patients, and loved ones often find the right program rewarding. There are home care providers who can help Alzheimer’s patients remain independent in their own home, providing escalating care services as the disease progresses.
There are many resources to help you care for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease and to know what to expect and how to adapt as it progresses. Research your community and other local resources to find both governmental and private care help like a home care agency who can help you create a better life for loved ones facing Alzheimer’s.
Final thoughts
Find support systems offered by the Australian government and home care assistance providers like My Guardian. Between government support and home care workers, learn as much as you can about the disease. Then work to build a care team to support your loved one and structure an environment that treats the condition, any co-existing conditions, and intervenes with appropriate care support to combat the many symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. Not only will you and your loved one achieve a better quality of life, but you might stop or delay the brain cell death associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.
