Alzheimer's dementia


Alzheimer’s Dementia: How to Cope

Mike Jerry



Introduction
Alzheimer's dementia is a cruel component of the brain disease. Besides causing memory loss, Alzheimer's can make the sufferer's personality change from docile to violent. Competent caregivers are necessary in dealing with people afflicted with the disorder. Caring for the person will involve a great deal of patience and the ability to create structured activity that will keep them occupied but not overwhelmed. Making the environment safe and watching that they don't hurt themselves or wander off is also critical. Taking on this role is very difficult and requires training to know what to expect.


Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that causes memory loss, behavior and personality changes, as well as changes in the ability to think clearly. The behavior and personality changes often turn into dementia. Alzheimer’s dementia affects millions of people and can be the hardest part of the disease to accept and live with.

Alzheimer’s dementia can cause a person who was once pleasant and forgiving to become violent and harsh; and it can even cause a person to see things that aren’t there. They can suddenly erupt into screaming fits, complaining that someone is trying to kill them, or, even worse, they can begin to thrash about and hit those that are trying to care for them. For this reason, people suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia must be cared for by someone who is professionally trained and who possesses a great amount of patience.

Alzheimer’s dementia especially hurts the loved ones of the afflicted, because they have to witness their relative acting in ways, and sometimes saying things, that are unbearable. They literally have to witness their loved one deteriorate into an unrecognizable stranger. Alzheimer’s dementia often results in the person having to be cared for as one would care for a young child. The patient, who once had so much life experience and wisdom, now has to have everything done for them.

Caring for Your Loved One

Alzheimer’s dementia can be cared for by taking the person through regular daily routines. Get them used to watching certain TV shows, watch movies, listen to music, any activities that keep them busy but are simple enough that they don’t have to think about doing them. It’s also important to allow time for frequent rests, as sometimes, a certain activity may prove too much for the person, for whatever reason, and must be approached later when the person isn’t so anxious.

The most important thing to remember when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s dementia is that they must never be left alone. The person literally must be taken care of the way a small child would be cared for. They must not be able to wander off by themselves. They could get hurt or, worse, they could wander outside and get lost. The worst part is that they probably don’t even know they’re doing what they’re doing.

Alzheimer’s dementia is a very difficult symptom of Alzheimer’s and must be cared for by someone who is specially trained to handle the outbursts and behavioral changes that can occur with this disease. When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s dementia, it’s important to prepare for the worst and the unpredictable.

More Alzheimers Caregiver Information:

Alzheimer’s Disease Information: What Every Person Should Know
Alzheimer’s Support Group: Facing the Disease Together
Recognizing the Signs of Early Onset of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s Facts
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease: No Longer a Guessing Game