Affecting more than 5 million Americans, Alzheimer’s disease is expected to impact many other lives as the baby boomer generation continues to age. While the memory problems associated with the progressive condition are well known, there are some other facts about Alzheimer’s that may surprise you.
1. Alzheimer’s Is Usually Accompanied by Other Conditions
Many people living with Alzheimer’s have at least one other serious medical issue. High blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and diabetes are the most common co-existing conditions among 60 percent of people with Alzheimer’s. Diabetes, in particular, can present challenges due to the need to monitor blood sugar and pay attention to diet.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care Montgomery, AL, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Animal Therapy May Ease Symptoms
Therapy animals are used more often to help people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia ease their anxiety. Animals also encourage engagement and socialization.
3. Learning May Reduce the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s
Whether it’s taking a class or learning a new language, continued efforts to acquire new knowledge may reduce the risk of developing memory-related conditions. Learning in groups with other seniors can be especially beneficial by reducing instances of isolation that may contribute to cognitive decline.
Spending time with a caregiver can also prevent isolation. At-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
4. Reduced Sense of Smell May Be a Sign of Alzheimer’s
The National Institutes of Health lists loss of a sense of smell as one of the more unique signs of conditions like Alzheimer’s. Since there could an unrelated cause, such as a sinus infection, let your loved one’s doctor determine if it’s something serious.
5. Alzheimer’s Has Seven Identified Stages
No impairment, very mild symptoms, noticeable cognitive decline, moderate impairment, moderate-to-severe cognitive decline, severe deterioration of cognitive functioning coupled with a general reduction of quality of life, and comprehensive impairment are the seven identified stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Alzheimer’s Changes the Brain & Causes Other Changes as Well
Alzheimer’s alters important chemical structures in the brain as it progresses. Physical changes also occur, sometimes resulting in issues with sight and hearing.
If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Montgomery seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that promotes cognitive health and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. Call (334) 593-3988 today to learn more about our premier Alzheimer’s and dementia care.