|
Alzheimer's Facts
Activities for People with Alzheimer's
- There are many different stages that a person with Alzheimer's and dementia
 will go through, therefore activities for individuals in the early or middle stage of the disease will differ from the end stages of Alzheimer's.
- When planning activities for the person with Alzheimer's disease, creating routine and structure is extremely important.
- In order to improve quality of life at each stage of the disease it is important to focus on the patients strengths and abilities. It is important to look at what the patient can do, instead of what they cannot do. Planning activities is a process of trial and error involving continual exploration, experimentation and adjustment.
- Activities can be passive or active. Some patients may participate in an activity, while others may only observe or watch.
Click here to view the rest of the facts on Activities for People with Alzheimer's.
^ Back to Top
Communicating with An Alzheimer's Patient
- As Alzheimer's disease affects each area of the brain, certain functions or abilities can be lost. It is important for caregivers to remember that changes in a persons behavior and ability to communicate may be related to the disease process.
- Alzheimer's disease has a profound effect on language. The disease affects speech and the use of words, as well as the understanding of words. As the disease progresses, language as a means of communicating becomes less effective. Caregivers need to use different ways of communicating their message and staying in touch.
- When speaking to an Alzheimer's patient make sure there are few distractions. It is easier to communicate if other things are not happening at the same time. Television or Radio should be turned off.
- The tone of your voice is very important in speech. Speak slowly and articulate to help the person hear and process the words. Sit facing or stand in front of the person and make eye contact.
Click here to view the rest of the facts on Communicating with An Alzheimer's Patient.
^ Back to Top
Facts About Alzheimer's Disease
- Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia affecting 4.5 to 4.7 million Americans.
- 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65 and nearly 1 in 2 Americans over age 85 currently have Alzheimer's disease.
- Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease which advances in stages from mild forgetfulness and cognitive impairment to wide spread loss of mental abilities and total dependence on a caregiver. The time from the onset of symptoms until death ranges from 3 to 20 years with the average duration lasting about 8 years.
- The progressive loss of cognitive function is accompanied by pathologic (disease associated) changes in the brain.
Click here to view the rest of the facts on Alzheimer's Disease.
^ Back to Top
The Importance of Pre-Planning: Alzheimer's Disease and Health Care Proxies
- Alzheimer's disease is one of the most emotionally draining and traumatic diseases for patients and families alike. The progressive, degenerative nature of Alzheimer's disease presents unique challenges for health care proxies.
- During the end stages of Alzheimer's disease the patient typically loses the ability to communicate effectively with their loved ones; adding an additional burden to the health care proxy.
- It is essential for families to openly discuss the kind of end-of-life care early, while the person with Alzheimer's still has the ability to communicate their wishes.
- Families can often benefit from a mediator (an independent third party, usually a social worker) to facilitate the discussion of end-of-life care.
Click here to view the rest of the facts on Health Care.
^ Back to Top
Steps to Healthy Aging
- Normal aging does not have to mean forgetfulness and memory loss.
- Studies have shown that staying physically active reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease, stroke and bone loss caused by osteoporosis.
- Daily exercise of only 30 minutes can improve blood flow to the brain and aerobic exercise, like brisk walking, swimming or bicycling increases stamina and endurance as well as mood.
- At any age the brain can continue to absorb new information, make new connections and acquire new skills which all help to enhance memory. Learning new things creates excitement, which helps to keep your mind active and sharp.
Click here to view the rest of the facts Healthy Aging.
^ Back to Top
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
- Difficulty performing otherwise familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal, opening a car window or using a household appliance can be signs of Alzheimer's disease.
- Memory loss that affects job skills. It is normal to occasionally forget an assignment or a colleagues phone number, but it is not normal to frequently forget such things or to become so confused that you are unable to concentrate and can not perform your job functions.
- Problems using language may be a sign of Alzheimer's disease. Although it is normal to forget words, people with Alzheimer's disease may become hard to understand and may substitute unusual words or phrases for forgotten ones. A person with Alzheimer's disease may appear to have become less fluent and may also have difficulty writing coherently.
- Disorientation to time and place. It is normal to sometimes lose track of time or to become lost, but a person with Alzheimer's can forget what year it is and can become lost on familiar streets and not be able to find their way home.
Click here to view the rest of the facts on Warning Signs.
^ Back to Top
|
|
