Alzheimer's Awareness

Articles

Sep 1

World Alzheimer’s Month falls in September each year. During the month, advocates aim to create more awareness about the disease. Because Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are common and affect over 50 million people around the world, it is important to raise awareness of how to recognize symptoms, risk factors involved, and the current treatment available for individuals.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

“Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms” (alz.org)

Generally, these diseases center upon cognitive function and memory. As your ability to think and process begins to diminish, it can heavily interfere with your daily life and routine. Alzheimer’s disease occurs in stages and is considered to be progressive in severity. Mild symptoms are considered Early-stage Alzheimer’s, moderate are considered Middle-stage Alzheimer’s, and severe symptoms would be considered Late-stage.

Early-Stage Alzheimer’s

General forgetfulness is typically the most indicative symptom of someone with early-stage Alzheimer’s. At times, individuals with the symptoms are still able to carry on with their social life and most of their routine tasks. When they begin to have more trouble with normal daily habits or social interactions, they may be entering the next stage of the disease.

Middle-Stage Alzheimer’s

With middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease, individuals may begin to indicate changes in their behavior. This could present itself simply through odd behavior that is unlike the person, or something irrational, like refusing to perform self-care tasks. Heightened confusion about surroundings or personal history also indicates a progressed stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

Late-Stage Alzheimer’s

With increasing severity in confusion, patients with late-stage Alzheimer’s will typically require constant monitoring and care. Some individuals lose their ability to communicate but may still say words or phrases, however, they also may not recall personal information or any information about recent events. Physical ability can also begin to diminish further in this stage, and patients might need assistance moving their bodies.

Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease

The facts about how common Alzheimer’s and dementia are can be shocking. One in three seniors dies from a dementia-related disease, which is a higher rate than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. The number of cases is continually on the rise, with a 146% increase from 2000 to 2018. In the US alone, there are five million people living with a form of dementia.

Caregivers of individuals with dementia are increasingly necessary. The cost to care for seniors with dementia will increase over time as more and more individuals are diagnosed with this disease.

Causes and Risks Associated with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s and dementia are correlative to multiple factors such as advanced age, genetics or family history, as well as head trauma, heart health, and lifestyle choices. A combination of these factors is what experts say can cause Alzheimer’s and dementia. Some of the ways to address prevention would be to remedy lifestyle factors to create a more healthy combination of factors.

How Is Alzheimer’s Diagnosed?

There are changes to behavior and signals that healthcare professionals would assess to determine whether an Alzheimer’s diagnosis would be appropriate. Taking into consideration “typical” age-related changes, healthcare professionals would look at changes to things like memory, vision, problem-solving skills, and communication, among other factors.

If you are not sure if the changes you are noticing are warning signs, it is always smart to speak to your healthcare provider to get help. They can address your concerns along with evaluating whether the changes are typical or actually symptoms of a dementia-related disease.

What is the Treatment for Alzheimer’s?

Although a cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s does not exist, there are ways to address the disease through treatment specific to the person. For instance, treatment plans can help address changes in sleep, behavior, or medication that might be appropriate to help an individual with memory problems. Often, difficulty with cognition can be frustrating. Individuals feeling heightened anxiety, depression, or irritability due to their cognitive decline can seek out treatment for coping with this disease.

Caring for Individuals with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease to endure and can be very frustrating for individuals who have been diagnosed. If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, there are some ways to help ease those frustrations.

Reduce Frustrations

Routine is such a critical part of all of our daily structure. But abilities change and often diminish as Alzheimer’s becomes more progressed. While caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s, you may notice that tasks they once approached with ease have become much more difficult. These changes can be the cause of added frustration. Take time to notice these changes and alter the routine to better suit their current abilities. Simply making a schedule that allows them to feel more confident in their routine will help to reduce frustration. There may also be opportunities for the individual to perform some tasks more independently. For example, laying out the clothes they should dress in for the day in order of how they will dress could allow them more independence as they get themselves ready for the day. It is encouraged that individuals with Alzheimer’s take any opportunity they feel comfortable taking to act independently.

Patience & Flexibility

Because mood and ability can change rather drastically from one day to the next, it is important that caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s remain flexible and patient with any instances that may arise. As the disease progresses, actions may take more time to complete than they did previously. It may be necessary to block off extra time for certain tasks.

Empower

It is so important that individuals with Alzheimer’s continue to make choices for themselves and have a sense of agency over their own life. Whenever an opportunity is presented, allow them to make a decision for themselves. This might be something like choosing clothing for the day or setting the dinner table depending on what they would like to eat. Sometimes caretakers may notice that more independent thinking and choices may arise with the implementation of some kind of small instruction or visual cue.

Engage Each Day

While napping or watching television can help the time pass, they can also reduce the distinction from one day to the next, or day to night. Whenever possible, eliminate daytime napping for prolonged periods of time to help keep a more clear distinction between day and night. The television can also serve as a major distraction while an individual with Alzheimer’s is engaged in another action. To help the mind remain more focused on the task at hand, turn the television off.

Safety Precautions

An individual with dementia or Alzheimer’s may be able to complete basic self-care tasks, but may lack safety awareness or may have impaired judgment in some situations. With any senior or individual of advanced age, fall prevention and home safety are so important. Take the time to assess the home environment and make adjustments according to safety practices. FOr instance, small floor rugs present a risk for a fall. Removing floor rugs and installing helpful handrails around the home could help make moving around much easier and safer. Other safety measures that may not occur to everyone involve things like installing additional locks or adjusting water temperature gauges. Because Alzheimer’s can impair judgment and problem-solving skills, individuals may not realize they are using the hot water and could potentially hurt themselves.

Smoking is extremely dangerous for individuals with Alzheimer’s because fires are easily started by unattended or forgotten lit cigarettes. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s who smokes, it may be smart to keep additional fire safety equipment on hand and easily accessible. Also, ensure that smoke detectors and CO2 monitors are functional.

Individualized Care

The most important thing to remember when caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s is simply that they are an individual and they will have their own progression and path through the disease. No two people will require the exact same care, so it is important to ensure that they receive individualized care. Occupational, physical, and speech therapists can work with patients with Alzheimer’s to help them as well as their caretakers to develop a daily routine that works best for them. The therapists at Tilton’s Therapy work in the natural environment and can assess the surroundings as well as the abilities of the individual. Caretakers often take on a heavy burden in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, which can take a toll on their health if it becomes too much. It is important that we raise awareness of the options available for support through occupational, physical, or speech therapists.

Local Chapters and Resources

Assistance in care exists all over the US. If you know someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia or want to get involved to support, learn more about your local chapter and what resources are available in your community. Each year, you can also join in on your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s to contribute your part.

Nevada

Desert Southwest Chapter

Serving the regions of Southern Nevada and Arizona, this chapter can assist individuals with education and support as they encounter Alzheimer’s and dementia. Connect with others to learn, support, participate, or donate to their mission.

Northern California & Northern Nevada Chapter

With 11 offices, the Northern California & Northern Nevada chapter services thousands of families with their Helpline and support groups. In 2019, this chapter raised $14 million for Alzheimer’s research. You can get involved in this area through events, education, and advocacy.

Oregon

Oregon & SW Washington Chapter

Attend the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Central or Southern Oregon through this chapter. You can find helpful information for caregivers during the difficult time navigating the wildfires occurring in that region. Find opportunities to join groups or programs as well as information about sponsorship.

Hawaii

Aloha Chapter

Serving Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, the Aloha Chapter advocates for more than 29,000 people in Hawaii living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. They provide resources for caregivers to help keep themselves protected as well as seniors during the pandemic. Browse their resources to get specific information for your community and the tools or programs available in the area.

“The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.” (alz.org)

Read and learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia from The Alzheimer’s Association. If someone you know or love is exhibiting the signs outlined on their website, take the first step to learn more and have your healthcare provider get involved. Early detection can help implement any preventative actions to minimize progression.

Home Safety for Seniors: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/national-safety-month-home-safety-for-seniors

Family Health & Wellness Challenge: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/family-health-wellness

What is Occupational Therapy?: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/what-is-occupational-therapy

Coloring For Stress Management: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/stress-management-coloring-pages

Therapy Tune-Up: Memory Exercises: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/therapy-tune-up-memory-exercises

Fall-Proofing Your Home: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/fall-proofing-your-home

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/alzheimers-and-brain-awareness

Therapy Tune-Up: Jigsaw Puzzles: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/therapy-tune-up-jigsaw-puzzles

Additional Resources:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimer_s_dementia

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

https://www.alz.org/about