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Alzheimer's Disease is the leading cause of brain cell loss in the elderly population. This loss of brain cells is so severe that it causes loss of memory, difficulty with speech, and disorientation. As of yet, researchers do not know exactly what causes Alzheimer's Disease, but fortunately, there are prescription medications available today to help treat the symptoms.
There are care facilities for people who are afflicted with this illness, but many people are cared for by a member of his or her family in their homes, or by a hired nurse or qualified caretaker.
Wherever the Alzheimer's patient is placed, the important thing is that he or she recevies the type of care that they need. For example, a person who is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease needs plenty of time to organize their thoughts and put them together in order to communicate with their caretaker. The caretaker must be patient and not interupt while waiting for either a response or a statement. The caregiver needs to speak clearly. Also,the caretaker needs to make a special effort to use eye contact and gentle touching methods in order to help the patient understand that they are being heard, or that the caretaker wants their attention for some reason.
Sufferers of Alzheimer's Disease also have a need for familiarity an repetition in their daily lives. Because of their illness, they tend to become easily confused or disoriented. Their bedroom should not be re-arranged after they have become accustomed to the locations of things in the room. Ideally,their room should either have an attached bathroom or be near a bathroom so the patient can find it more easily.
Caretakers of Alzheimer's patients must arrange a schedule every day for their patient to follow. The schedule should list routine activites such as eating, bathing, taking medications, and so forth. It should also include doctor's appointments, hair care appointments, as well as any other times that the person will be leaving the house or doing something out of the ordinary routine.
If time allows in the daily schedule, recreational activities as well as exercise periods should be encouraged for the Alzheimer's patient. Most sufferers cannot comprehend complex games with many rules, so simple games are recommnded. Playing games helps to stimulate the patient's mind. If they are physically able, they should be encouraged to perform simple exercises in order to keep their physical bodies limber.
In conclusion, Alzheimer's patients are exactly like any other patients in that they need plenty of care, support, patience, and love. A caretaker must keep in mind that the patient did not ask for this illness, and they, as well as the caretaker, must deal with it on a daily basis.
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