Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Week

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Week is Feb. 14th-20th. Many of our patients and their family members are affected by these conditions every day. This might be a good time to reflect on the way they affect both patients and their caregivers. For those fortunate enough not to be familiar with it, this is an opportunity to learn some of the signs and symptoms associated with both conditions.

While many people consider dementia and Alzheimer’s the exact same thing, they really are not. Dementia is a set of symptoms that people have. There are different types of diseases involving dementia, including frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s, Lewy Bodies, Parkinson’s and vascular dementia. Some of the symptoms are different in early stages, but many are similar in the later stages.

Alzheimer’s
People with Alzheimer’s are affected in two different ways. Cognitive symptoms, like memory disruption, language and thinking are one facet of the disease. Social abilities that impact daily living are the other. Those with Alzheimer’s tend to become forgetful and less engaged in normal activities. They may forget appointments and social activities. They may repeat themselves frequently in conversations or forget the discussion altogether. They may behave very differently, with no significant life-changing event to explain the change.

Dementia
One of the most common and notable symptoms of dementia Includes loss of short-term memory. It may be difficult for other people to pick up on if they are not paying attention. Those affected by it may pretend there isn’t a problem, cover it up or not reveal to anyone that it is happening. Some signs include difficulty finding the right words, forgetting names and appointments, where things were put or not remembering whether something has already been done.

Personality changes are another symptom. Mood swings and fits of anger are common. Those who are not normally quiet and withdrawn may be more so. Someone who is usually somber may be a little bit more silly. Paranoia and suspicion of people around them when there is little or no reason should raise a red flag. Those with dementia may also become confused or disoriented when they are in unfamiliar territory. This may result in wandering or looking to find a familiar place.

Care
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Week is an ideal time to reflect on whether those with memory loss and confusion need extra home care. For those already receiving it, this might be a good time to consider the provider. Many times relatives take care of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It takes a lot of patience and understanding. At times it can be physically and emotionally exhausting. It is not for everyone. For those trying to raise a family or tend to their own health care issues, it may be too much. Rather than using assisted living facilities, home health care is a likely alternative. For some, 24-hour care is unnecessary. Family members may work during the day and come home at night, or vice-versa. For seniors with dementia that are still living in their own homes, it may be time for some help.

At Interim HealthCare, our homecare services focus on eldercare. Many of our patients/client have dementia-related diseases. Our in home senior care professionals are specially trained to assist them. Patience and understanding are our two biggest allies in working with these patients. Our nursing staff, for example, will make sure that they have not forgotten to take their medication. While someone from our non-medical services may provide help with gentle reminders that the plants need to be watered or it’s their turn during a game of checkers.

Take a few moments during Alzheimer’s and Dementia Week and learn a little bit more about the diseases and whether it’s time you or your loved one turn to Interim HealthCare for additional assistance so everyone can live a happy, healthy, enriched life at home.