Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and nearly 10 percent of seniors will develop this progressive disease at some point. If you have a senior loved one who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you’re probably wondering what you can do to delay or completely reverse the symptoms of this condition. Here’s a closer look at a few of the most effective Alzheimer’s treatments and some steps you can take to help your loved one in the coming years.
Understanding Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is referred to as a progressive disorder because it gets worse as time goes on. While there’s still quite a bit to learn about this disease, most experts agree Alzheimer’s is the result of dangerous plaques building up in the brain. When the body isn’t able to flush away these plaques, they damage healthy cells and synapses. Over time, this results in memory loss, personality changes, and many of the other symptoms associated with dementia.
Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional
Alzheimer’s care, Winnipeg Home Care Assistance provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Treating Alzheimer’s
Even though millions of dollars have been spent on Alzheimer’s research, a permanent cure hasn’t been found. There are quite a few potential treatments currently being studied, but those aren’t going to be available to the general public for quite some time. When a senior is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the primary goal of the treatment plan is to delay or minimize the symptoms for as long as possible. Luckily, current treatments are quite effective, and many seniors with Alzheimer’s can enjoy long and fulfilling lives, especially when the disease is diagnosed early.
Prescription Medications
To manage their symptoms, many seniors are prescribed one or more medications. Cholinesterase inhibitors are one of the most popular options, and these drugs can greatly reduce issues such as memory loss, mood swings, and behavioral changes. Memantine is another prescription medication commonly given to those with Alzheimer’s during the middle stages of the disease. Studies show some individuals can live relatively independent lives when taking memantine, but there comes a point where every person with Alzheimer’s needs 24/7 care. In the final stages of Alzheimer’s, most seniors benefit from hospice care or the help of dedicated in-home caregivers.
Families looking for top-rated
senior care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Therapy and Lifestyle Changes
Medications are a great start, but seniors with Alzheimer’s who want to reduce their symptoms need to make some sweeping lifestyle changes as well. These changes aren’t going to cure the disease, but they can make the symptoms much more manageable. At the very least, seniors with Alzheimer’s need to follow healthy diets and exercise as much as possible. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities and socializing with loved ones can potentially delay the symptoms as well. Cooking family meals, working on puzzles, and playing board games are all excellent activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to
Winnipeg, homecare Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (204) 489 6000 today.