Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects thought processes, memory, and emotions, ultimately affecting the ability to live independently. Living with Alzheimer’s can present challenges for individuals when it comes to daily activities, including eating, dressing, bathing, and getting around.
As the disease progresses, your loved one may need assistance and memory care as they begin to lose their memory and ability to carry out daily tasks they once did. Assistance and medical care can provide them with a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It’s a neurodegenerative disease that gradually impairs cognitive functions, such as memory, language, and reasoning. Some experts estimate that more than 6 million Americans 65 or older are living with Alzheimer’s.
Several changes occur in the brain that can lead to dementia. While the precise cause remains undetermined, it’s believed that the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits (amyloid plaques) and bundles of fibers in the brain can cause damage. This, in turn, leads to the loss of functioning neurons and connections between them.
Alzheimer’s occurs in different stages, each accompanied by its own set of symptoms. These symptoms encompass cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairment.
Memory loss is one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease and is referred to as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). During this stage, individuals may experience a slight decline in their ability to engage in instrumental activities of daily living, such as:
Individuals with mild-stage Alzheimer’s disease may experience challenges in problem-solving and have difficulty completing familiar tasks like handling money, paying bills, or remembering appointments. They may repeat questions, wander, or get lost even in familiar surroundings.
They may also experience changes in mood, behavior, and personality.
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, its impact on daily life and routine activities becomes more apparent. The once-automatic actions that comprised a typical day now require a conscious effort. While symptoms differ from person to person, this stage of the disease often involves a decline in non-memory aspects of cognition like language, reasoning, and conscious thought.
Damage to these areas of the brain may look like:
During the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s, memory loss and confusion grow worse, affecting one’s ability to recognize family or friends. They may also find it hard to learn new things when performing multi-step tasks like dressing, eating, or bathing.
Simple acts like tying shoelaces or buttoning a shirt become complex puzzles. Alzheimer’s gradually erodes the ability to execute these tasks independently, necessitating assistance and patience from caregivers and family members. During this stage, loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease may experience hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia and behave impulsively.
Late-stage Alzheimer’s extends to the social realm, impacting the ability to engage in meaningful interactions. Communication becomes a labyrinth, with loved ones struggling to express themselves and comprehend the words of others. Hobbies and recreational activities, once a source of joy, may fade into the background as the condition takes center stage.
As Alzheimer’s disease becomes more severe, the damage to the brain can cause significant brain tissue shrinkage. At this stage, an individual living with Alzheimer’s disease is completely dependent on others for care. Since family members are not trained professionals, your loved one may require professional care, specific programs, and support services designed for memory care to enhance their quality of life.
If you’re a family member of someone living with early-stage Alzheimer’s, here are some tips on how to help them with their activities of daily living:
If you have a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, know that the progressive nature of the disease can affect their ability to perform daily living tasks—tasks that they used to be able to manage on their own. Understanding the challenges of Alzheimer’s is vital for supporting their quality of life with patience and compassion. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, early diagnosis and the proper support can help your loved one lead a quality life. If you provide care to a family member who needs additional support with their activities of daily living, contact us at Juniper Village at Williamstown. Our memory care neighborhood offers the essential elements that can make a difference in the lives of those with dementia: connectedness and a sense of home.
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