The sixth leading cause of death across the United States is Alzheimer\u2019s disease, the third highest fatal disorder for American citizens over the age of 65. Alzheimer\u2019s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older people and the disease is essentially when a person suffers a steady decline of all cognitive functioning.<\/p>\n
It is our duty to raise awareness of this debilitating disease<\/a> across the United States.<\/p>\n As in any other situation, every individual is different and the effect Alzheimer\u2019s disease has on a person varies greatly depending on the individual afflicted. Typically, however, the onset of Alzheimer’s is noticeable by a decline in a person\u2019s short and\/or long-term memory. In particular, vision and spatial issues, impaired judgment and a regular loss of words during mid-conversation.<\/p>\n In the initial stages of Alzheimer\u2019s, symptoms are sometimes accompanied by an inability to carry out daily chores at the same pace, as well as behavioral and personality changes, repetitive questioning and a tendency to wander away, disorientated. As Alzheimer\u2019s begins to take hold, significant damage occurs to parts of the brain that enable thought, reasoning and language. Often, older people also struggle with sensory processing. Memory loss tends to happen more frequently and for longer amounts of time and your loved one may begin to struggle to recognize you or other family members. This memory loss is often accompanied by an inability to retain new information or an inability to learn new things. Individuals suffering with Alzheimer\u2019s disease often experience increased difficulty in dressing, bathing and personal hygiene.<\/p>\n In the most severe cases, Alzheimer\u2019s renders the person completely unable to communicate and therefore entirely reliant on other people for their care.<\/p>\n Your first conversation with someone who has Alzheimer\u2019s, however severe their current symptoms are, can be a troubling, stressful and often deeply upsetting event. However, your duty to your loved one is to remain as calm and as positive as you can be, given the circumstances. When you talk, be careful to sit where your loved one can see and hear you as clearly as possible, where you are well-lit and directly opposite. Speak at a slower pace than usual and don\u2019t jump from topic to topic, ensuring you talk in short and simple sentences.<\/p>\n It is crucial and necessarily respectful to never talk to your loved one like a child; instead, be patient and show them unwavering respect<\/a> at all times. Avoid quick-fire questioning and instead take your time and even more importantly let them take their time, in answering.<\/p>\n However tempting it is to fall back on reminiscing about previous memories and adventures with your loved one, asking them if they remember a particular event can be a painful and frustrating question for someone suffering with Alzheimer\u2019s. Let them lead the conversation and if they reference a memorable event from the past, let them tell you about it and not the other way around. Always be patient and show sensitivity at all times. For example, if your loved one has forgotten that someone has died, there is no need to incessantly remind them.<\/p>\nSymptoms and Signs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Best Way to Communicate <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Professional Care Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n