Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease – what should you remember?

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Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the brain. It affects a large number of nerve cells in the brain that die. Then a person begins to have trouble remembering and thinking clearly. She becomes forgetful and confused. May have trouble concentrating. Often behaves strangely. These problems get worse over time. What else should we remember when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease?

What are the stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease, like other types of dementia, usually progresses slowly. Life expectancy after diagnosis is 8 years, although many people live much longer. By understanding the three basic steps, you can be better prepared for the role of caregivers.

Stages of dementia – early dementia

At this stage, the person with Alzheimer’s begins to forget things. Has trouble concentrating and remembering. May have trouble talking, paying bills, and shopping. Doesn’t know how to do daily activities. He may also behave differently. Some people with dementia can see what is happening to them and struggle to remain independent.

1. See also: Senile dementia – symptoms and treatment

Stages of dementia – the middle stage

It is characterized by significant memory loss and disorientation. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty recognizing family members, friends and acquaintances. He may also have trouble sequencing tasks like putting on clothes in the right order. Gradually begins to lose independence. He should not live alone and manage his own affairs.

Socialization and support are extremely important. Structuring the day, arranging activities, and preventing isolation play a key role at this stage. In addition, the caregiver should help with dressing, bathing, preparing a meal and other tasks.

Stages of dementia – late dementia

A person becomes very prone to falls and infections. The swallowing reflex often diminishes. Therefore, the risk of aspirational pneumonia increases. If a person has had a problem with urinary incontinence before, now they can completely lose bladder and bowel control.

Both physical and mental needs must be met. Although a person may not recognize family or friends, they need to be surrounded with love, support, and care. Remember that such a person still needs dignity and respect.

How to deal with communication problems in people with Alzheimer’s disease

Communication is difficult for people with Alzheimer’s disease. They may have trouble remembering things and finding the right words. Sometimes they forget what they wanted to say. Then they lose their patience and feel frustrated. First of all, let’s try to understand that Alzheimer’s disease affects communication difficulties. It is worth trying out a few tips that will help you establish and maintain a relationship with the person who is ill.

1. Let’s make eye contact to get her attention. Let’s call her by name.
2. Be careful with your tone and intonation. Let’s also remember about body language. If we stand with folded arms and clenched jaws, we send a message that we are tense or angry.
3. Let us encourage dialogue for as long as possible. Thanks to this, the sick person will not feel lonely and isolated. Let us hold her hand during the conversation.
4. If we see that she has a conversation problem at the moment, distract her. Offer her a walk or a snack. Let us be warm, loving and to the point.
5. Let us be open to a person’s concerns, even if we have trouble understanding them. Let’s let her make some decisions. Let us be patient even with outbursts of anger.
6. Let’s use closed questions, not open-ended questions. Don’t talk about the person as if they are not there.

See also: Communication with patients with speech and hearing problems

How to deal with personality and behavioral changes in people with Alzheimer’s disease?

Speak clearly and simply. Ask or say one thing at a time. Introduce a daily routine. Then the person with Alzheimer’s will know when certain things will happen. Reassure her that she is safe and you will always take care of her. Concentrate on the feelings, not the words. For example, say, “You look worried.” Do not argue with a disease person. Try not to show anger and frustration. Go out, take a deep breath and count to 10.

Talk to your doctor about any major behavioral change or emotional problems such as hitting, biting, depression, or hallucinations.

How Can I Deal With Sleep Problems In A Person With Alzheimer’s Disease?

Evenings are difficult for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Some may become anxious or irritable at lunchtime.

Here are some tips that may help:

1. Help the person exercise daily.
2. Limit naps. Make sure he actually rests at night. Excessive fatigue can increase anxiety in the late afternoon and at night.
3. Schedule the most energy-consuming activities for the morning. However, in the evening, take care of peace and quiet. Then the sick person can relax more easily. Turn on soothing music if he likes it.
4. Cut down on caffeine.
5. Put a bedside lamp in the bedroom, hall and bathroom.

How to deal with hallucinations and delusions in a person with Alzheimer’s disease?

During hallucinations, a person sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels something that is not there. He may also be delusional, i.e. false beliefs that he believes to be true. Tell your doctor about any delusions or hallucinations. Tell about all the illnesses that the person suffers from and the medications they are taking. Occasionally, the disease or drug may cause hallucinations or delusions.

Try not to argue with the person of the disease. Comfort her if she is afraid. Try to distract her. Turn off the TV if there are aggressive or annoying programs on it. Make sure that the person is safe and does not have access to any tools with which they could hurt themselves or someone else.

How Can I Deal With Paranoia In A Person With Alzheimer’s Disease?

Paranoia is an illusion that a person can believe in for no good reason, such as that others are evil, lying or unfair. He may become suspicious, fearful or jealous. It is often accompanied by memory loss.

Here are some tips for dealing with paranoia:

1. Try not to react if the person blames you for something.
2. Don’t argue with him.
3. Let him know she’s safe.
4. Gently touch or hug the person. This way you will show her that you care about her.
5. Explain to others that he is acting because he has Alzheimer’s.
6. Search for missing items to distract her. Then say you found them.
7. Have an extra set of keys or glasses ready in case you lose them.

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