What to Expect After a Loved One Has Been Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating. Not just for the person that has the disease, but for family and friends as well. It can be a frightening time, knowing that person is going to gradually change and require constant care.
What exactly is Alzheimer’s Disease?
You have the diagnosis, but what exactly does this disease involve? Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a progressive disease affecting memory and other cognitive abilities. It is a gradual degeneration of the brain and its functions. Alzheimer’s prohibits the ability to perform daily tasks, and in its severe stage, requires extensive care and monitoring of the person with the disease.
Alzheimer’s generally progresses in three stages: Mild, moderate and severe. It is never too early to discuss options for caring for your loved one. Keeping the individual at home is usually the desire of most family members, and we can help you achieve that goal.
First, let’s take a look at what to expect during the progression of Alzheimer’s:
Mild Alzheimer’s (Early Stage)
In the beginning stage, your friend or family member may be able to live independently and perform daily tasks as usual. However, they may begin to notice slight changes in memory. They may forget material that they just read, misplacing objects and unable to remember where in order to retrieve that item, or forgetting the name of a familiar person.
During the early stage, family and friends may begin to recognize these difficulties as well.
Moderate Alzheimer’s (Middle Stage)
Because this is the longest stage of Alzheimer’s, it may last for months or years. This is when more frequent care of your loved one may need to be implemented.
During this period, an individual may start to forget important things such as what day it is or address and telephone number. Your loved one may grow despondent and changes in sleep pattern may occur. One of the most concerning changes is, they may start to wander and get lost. This can pose a great risk to the individual, and cause a great deal of stress and worry for the family.
Severe Alzheimer’s (Late Stage)
As an individual reaches the final stage of Alzheimer’s, you may notice their lack of the ability to converse and control movement. Because of this, it becomes more difficult for them to express their needs or wants. Your loved one will require assistance around the clock with personal care and regular daily activities.
The ability to walk, sit, and even swallow will noticeably decrease. This lack of activity will weaken the immune system, causing susceptibility to illnesses such as pneumonia.
There is no certain way to predict an exact timeframe of progression. Each individual will proceed to each stage in their own unique way and time. Being prepared to care for your loved one will help give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Our company provides just that. We are experienced in caring for those with Alzheimer’s and can guarantee the appropriate provisions for your loved one as we support you and them in each stage of progression.
Our care providers engage in activities with each individual that are geared to support memory stimulation, address dietary and nutrition concerns, and assist with mobility and personal care. This all takes place in the comfort of each person’s home.
Your friend or family member will feel more comfortable in their own surroundings, while allowing you to rest easy knowing they are being provided with the utmost quality of care and compassion.
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