Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that slowly depletes a person’s memory and cognitive abilities, resulting in irreversible damage that can stop a person from performing the simplest of tasks, such as forgetting what they are doing or where they are going. For the person who is developing Alzheimer’s, this can be an emotionally charged and distressing time. However, it can also be a difficult experience for the child who has to watch their parent unable to complete simple tasks and go about their lives like they once did.
Are you unsure as to whether your parent is developing Alzheimer’s and may need additional help and support? The following guide is here to help.
What are the Signs of Alzheimer’s?
Because Alzheimer’s focuses on and targets a person’s cognitive functions, it is crucial that you remember that your parent may be physically well even if they are developing or have Alzheimer’s. It may also take some time for you to decide whether they have Alzheimer’s, so be prepared for it to become a gradual diagnosis. Remember that there is a difference between an aging parent and one that is experiencing signs of Alzheimer’s.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:
- Memory loss
- Loss of sense of initiative
- Needing more time to complete usual, everyday tasks
- Asking the same questions
- Getting lost
- Unable to remember where they are going
- Mood and personality changes
- Misplacing items and not being able to find them
If your parent exhibits some of the above symptoms, book them a doctor’s appointment so that you can get a formal diagnosis as well as advice on how you can support them. Remember that the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can progress and worsen over time, developing into more moderate and severe symptoms. These symptoms can include difficulty with language and speech as well as shortened attention span or sudden bursts of anger.
How Long Can a Person Live with Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a severe illness that takes its toll on families. Once your parent has been diagnosed, the time between diagnosis to death varies. A diagnosis also does not mean that your parent cannot enjoy life until the very end. Although there is treatment to help your parent cope with Alzheimer’s, there is no cure. Alzheimer’s is also considered the sixth leading cause of death within the United States.
Should I Put My Parent into a Care Home?
Due to the symptoms typically associated with Alzheimer’s, you may need to consider putting your parent into a care home so that they can get the proper treatment and be in a safe environment that has experts to help care for them. Certain care homes such as SeniorCare Homes provide their residents with all the care that they need to help them cope with their Alzheimer’s. What’s more, the homes provided by SeniorCare are comfy and friendly, with nurses on call 24/7. Find out more at seniorcare-homes.com.
Your parent’s wellbeing is essential and of high importance, which is why, when it comes to Alzheimer’s, you need to ensure that they have the right levels of care available to them. Not only does this allow them to live their life more comfortably, but it can also help you deal with the stresses that are usually associated with Alzheimer’s.