Care for your elderly at home? Get them diagnosed with Alzheimer’s today

When the elders at home reach a certain age, it could be a challenge to figure out, how to care for them in the best way. According to the Department of Neurosciences, the most common disease that affects the elderly are dementia and Alzheimer’s. More than 4 million people are suffering from Alzheimer’s in India. But more often, the symptoms of this disease go undiagnosed and are generally viewed as common old age symptoms. To manage the symptoms of the disease, prompt identification and early intervention are mandatory. There is no cure or treatment to stop the disease from progressing. The prompt course of action is to provide an environment where all their needs are taken care of. 

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s – understanding the disease:

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible brain condition that progresses over time. The disease abolishes the important functions of the brain, such as memory, thinking, and the ability to perform simple everyday tasks. The exact reason for the onset of the disease is not known. According to the Department of Neurosciences, it is a result of the build-up of amyloid protein in the neurons. The common symptom of the disease is loss of memory. The other symptoms of the disease are as follows.

• The person will be incapable of recollecting current discussions and events.
• They will also face difficulty in organizing their thoughts and performing their daily routine.
• As the condition progresses, they will face difficulty in performing repetitive activities that demand sequential actions.
• As the disease advances, people with Alzheimer’s will lose their ability to perform simple daily activities like bathing and dressing.
• Personality and behavior changes are inevitable. Mood swings, depression, and mistrust are also common.

FAQ:

What is the cause of Alzheimer’s disease?

The main cause of Alzheimer’s is the shrinkage of the parts of the brain that affect the structure and functions of the brain. Imbalances in a chemical called acetylcholine and vascular damage in the brain are also postulated as its causes. 

Diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease:

Alzheimer’s disease affects the elderly predominantly, as the neurons age and die eventually with age. Experts from the field of neurosciences will diagnose the disease after a simple consultation with the client. At times, they will also carry out a series of imaging and blood tests to identify the severity of the disease. Doctors will also perform a mental status test to assess the short-term and long-term memory of the client and their level of orientation to the place and time. Physical examination will include

• assessing the heart rate,
• checking the blood pressure,
• measuring the body temperature and
• conducting blood and urine tests

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The available treatment options focus on stopping the progress of the disease and improving the quality of life of the individuals. Researchers are making efforts to find better treatment options for the disease and to delay its onset and growth. Experts in neurosciences suggest cellular therapies as a treatment option. They are known for rendering exceptional benefits in improving the damage of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Other treatment options include prescribing antidepressants, anti-psychotics, and anti-anxiety drugs to manage the symptoms. 

Preventing Alzheimer’s disease:

There are no known measures to prevent Alzheimer’s and its progresses. However, experts in the field of neurosciences suggest lifestyle changes that might prevent cognitive decline. Common lifestyle changes that doctors suggest in the daily lives of people are as follows.

• Doctors suggest quitting smoking to avoid degenerative disorders.
• It is important to eat a well-balanced diet, rich in all the nutrients.
• It is pertinent to maintain an active social life and avoid stress in life.
• People should ensure that their brain is active at all times.
• It is important to exercise daily and quit consuming alcohol.

Bottom Line:

Alzheimer’s is a complicated condition, but it is a nerve-wracking disease for anyone who suffers from it. It is a pain for the family members also to care for them. If you have an elderly person at home who is showing such symptoms, it is mandatory to diagnose them for the same at the earliest, before the symptoms advance. 

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