If you’re providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, you already know how imperative it is to be flexible and patient, and to anticipate the unanticipated. On any given day, the person may undergo a diverse range of emotions: calm, angry, agitated, fearful, giddy, melancholy. As you adjust your care approach to correspond to the person’s disposition, you also need to juggle management of a host of complex Alzheimer’s symptoms: wandering, repetitive behaviors and conversations, memory loss, sundowning.
As overwhelming as dementia is in and of itself, there are additional factors that can worsen Alzheimer’s symptoms. In your role as caregiver, you need to be aware of the following possible complications and get in touch with the person’s physician for recommendations where applicable:
- Alcohol. Alcohol has a much more extreme effect on older adults in general, with one alcoholic beverage the equivalent of three for a younger person. It leads to confusion, falls, disinhibition, and depression, all of which can be incredibly dangerous for somebody with dementia.
- Anticholinergic medications. These medicines are used to treat allergies, asthma, muscle spasms, and overactive bladder, as well as insomnia and other problems with sleeping. The substance they block, however, plays a crucial role in memory and learning.
- Hearing problems. Untreated age-related hearing loss is connected to a rapid decline in memory. Even something as straightforward and easily treated as buildup of wax in the ears can intensify the effects of Alzheimer’s.
- Isolation. The familiarity and comfort of home are often optimal for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s important to make sure the person has plenty of opportunities for socializing as well.
- Too much sugar. A sugar craving is extremely common in people with dementia, but can cause increased irritability and agitation. This is even worse when short-term memory loss causes the person to overindulge, forgetting they’ve already had a cookie or two.
A fully trained and experienced dementia caregiver from Compassionate Care Home Health Services can assist in a variety of ways to reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, including:
- Taking care of light housework and laundry
- Running errands
- Offering friendly companionship for engaging conversations and activities
- Providing transportation to health care appointments or fun outings
- Providing support with personal care and hygiene needs
- Preparing nutritious meals and snacks
- Utilizing skilled, proven strategies to decrease the negative effects of the disease
- And so much more
We would love to provide personalized care services to someone you love who is dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. Find out more about how we can help by calling us at 877.308.1212 or reaching out online to set up your free in-home consultation. We’ve been serving families in Cadillac, West Branch, Traverse City and the surrounding Michigan communities since 1998, and we’d love to help your family, too.