Facts Family Members Should Know About Alzheimer’s

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and now is a great time to find out more about Alzheimer’s if your senior parent has been diagnosed with it. After the shock of the diagnosis wears off you should learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s so you will understand the changes that your mom or dad may experience. You should also consider Alzheimer’s care at home for your mom or dad.

The more you know about how Alzheimer’s affects seniors the more prepared you will be for the journey ahead.  With Alzheimer’s care, your senior parent will have home care that is designed to meet the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s.

To help you get started on your journey to find out more about Alzheimer’s here are some facts about Alzheimer’s that seniors and their family members should know about Alzheimer’s:

Alzheimer’s Is The Most Common Type Of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. Dementia is a general term for memory decline, but Alzheimer’s is a specific disease.

It slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Eventually, it affects the ability to carry out simple tasks. Alzheimer’s progresses over time and is not a normal part of aging.

Not every senior with memory problems or cognitive decline has Alzheimer’s, but memory issues, confusion, and general cognitive decline are the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s in the early stages.

Age Is The Biggest Risk Factor For Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s mainly affects people aged 65 and older. After the age of 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years.

By age 85, the risk increases significantly. If your parent is in their senior years, it’s important to be aware of the signs. Alzheimer’s isn’t hereditary, so having a senior parent with Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean that you have a higher-than-normal risk of developing it.

There Is No Cure, But Treatment Can Help

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, certain treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine may help slow cognitive decline.

If your senior parent has been diagnosed, getting treatment early can be beneficial. Non-drug therapies, like memory exercises, can also help with symptom management. Alzheimer’s care at home can help seniors with Alzheimer’s by encouraging seniors to engage in activities that can help preserve their cognitive skills.

Early Detection Is Important

Detecting Alzheimer’s early can make a difference in managing the disease. Memory problems, trouble with familiar tasks, or getting lost in familiar places could be early signs.

Encourage your parent to get a cognitive assessment if you notice changes in memory or behavior. An early diagnosis helps with planning for the future and exploring treatments. Your parent’s doctor can run tests to check memory, and thinking skills, and rule out other causes.

Lifestyle Can Slow The Progression

For some seniors lifestyle choices like eating food packed with brain-boosting vitamins and minerals, getting plenty of sleep, and engaging in brain games can slow the progression of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Encourage your mom or dad to do activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills. While these won’t cure Alzheimer’s, they can contribute to better brain health.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care Services in Marietta GA please get in touch with the caring staff at CaraVita Home Care today. (770) 643-1712