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About Alzheimer's
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Elder Law Office of David Wingate, LLC
Home
Alzheimer's & Elder Law
About Alzheimer's
Resources
Blog
Contact Us
More
  • Home
  • Alzheimer's & Elder Law
  • About Alzheimer's
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Alzheimer's & Elder Law
  • About Alzheimer's
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

What is it?

Alzheimer's is a form of dementia that can impact memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms eventually do grow severe enough to interfere with everyday life.


10 Early Signs and Symptoms

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life


2. Challenges in planning or solving problems


3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks 


4. Confusion with time or place


5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships


6. New problems with words in speaking or writing


7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps


8. Decreased or poor judgment


9. Withdrawal from work or social activities


10. Changes in mood and personality


Alzheimer's Symptoms vs Normal Age-Related Changes

Alzheimer's

Normal Age-Related Changes

Normal Age-Related Changes

  •  Poor judgment and decision-making 
  •  Inability to manage a budget   
  •  Losing track of the date or the season 
  •  Difficulty having a conversation 
  •  Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them 

Normal Age-Related Changes

Normal Age-Related Changes

Normal Age-Related Changes

  •  Making a bad decision once in a while 
  •  Missing a monthly payment 
  •  Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later 
  •  Sometimes forgetting which word to use 
  • Losing things from time to time

Treatment

Medication

Staying Involved

Staying Involved

There is no cure, but there are treatments that can reduce symptoms and maintain a decent quality of life. Medications can help with cognitive and behavioral symptoms.  Consult with a healthcare professional to explore appropriate medication options and understand potential benefits and side effects. 

Staying Involved

Staying Involved

Staying Involved

Encourage participation in activities that stimulate the mind, such as puzzles, reading, or engaging in hobbies. Stay connected with loved ones, friends, and the community to maintain a sense of belonging and promote cognitive and emotional well-being. 

Finding Support

Staying Involved

Finding Support

 Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be challenging, and it is essential to seek support. Joining support groups or engaging in counseling sessions can provide valuable guidance, emotional support, and coping strategies. These resources help individuals and caregivers navigate the complexities of the disease, share experiences, and learn from others facing similar situations. 

What Can You Do to Help?

Reduce frustrations

Reduce frustrations

Reduce frustrations

It is essential to identify and minimize potential sources of frustration. Simplify tasks and routines, break them into manageable steps, and provide clear instructions. Patience, understanding, and empathy are key to reducing frustration and maintaining a calm and supportive environment. 

Be flexible

Reduce frustrations

Reduce frustrations

 Alzheimer's disease can bring unpredictable challenges, and being flexible in your approach is crucial. Adapt to the person's changing abilities and needs, adjusting your expectations accordingly. Flexibility allows for a more person-centered care approach that caters to their unique circumstances and promotes their well-being. 

Create a safe environment

Focus on individualized care

Focus on individualized care

 Safety is paramount when caring for someone with Alzheimer's. Assess the living environment for potential hazards and make necessary modifications. Install grab bars, remove tripping hazards, and lock away potentially dangerous substances. Creating a safe and secure space helps prevent accidents and provides peace of mind for both the individual and caregivers. 

Focus on individualized care

Focus on individualized care

Focus on individualized care

 Every person with Alzheimer's experiences the disease differently. Tailor your approach to their specific needs, preferences, and abilities. Engage in activities that align with their interests and abilities, providing opportunities for success and enjoyment. Individualized care acknowledges and respects their identity and fosters a sense of dignity and independence. 

References

 10 early signs and symptoms of alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. (n.d.). https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs   


Alzheimer’s disease: Infographic. Alzheimer’s Disease: Infographic | Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2019, November 19). 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alzheimers-disease/alzheimers-disease-infographic 


 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, May 25). Alzheimer’s and dementia care: Tips for daily tasks. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers-caregiver/art-20047577  


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