Alzheimer’s disease is really scary, and after a diagnosis, families may not know what to do to help the seniors they love. Learning as much as possible about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is a big part of making sure that seniors with Alzheimer’s get all the help that they need as the disease progresses. Alzheimer’s care providers can offer a lot of support to family caregivers and aging adults as they experience more symptoms and challenges.
Alzheimer’s Risk Factors
There is so much about Alzheimer’s disease that isn’t known, like how to cure it or exactly what causes it. But scientists have figured out some of the risk factors that might contribute to developing Alzheimer’s disease.
These can include being older than 65, being a woman, or having a family history of the disease. Other potential risk factors include high cholesterol, diabetes, declining cognitive health, and a history of smoking. Hearing loss and untreated depression also make the list.
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
Can seniors prevent Alzheimer’s disease? Science doesn’t have a definitive answer on that yet, but researchers do have recommendations.
Avoiding smoking, exercising for at least 150 minutes per week, and limiting alcohol are common recommendations. Eating a healthy diet, including lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, is also an important step to take. Staying mentally and socially active may also help, as can keeping up with doctor’s visits.
Alzheimer’s care providers can help seniors make sure they’re doing these things regularly.
Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
Once seniors are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, there is no known cure as of yet, but there are things they can do to slow down the progression of the disease. Doing what they can to maintain cognitive function is important, as is managing some of the behavioral symptoms, like paranoia and anxiety.
There are some medications that may help with memory loss, and seniors with Alzheimer’s disease need to improve sleep quality if possible.
Focus on Safety
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it’s more important than ever for seniors to focus on being as safe as possible in their homes. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families stay aware of safety concerns and put plans in place to resolve them. Alzheimer’s care providers can also stay with seniors, monitoring their needs and ensuring they’re supervised.
Get Additional Help Along the Way with Alzheimer’s Care
One of the mistakes that families can make after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is to wait to get help until things get more complicated. Bringing help in earlier allows everyone to get used to having Alzheimer’s care providers there, and it also makes life easier and safer for Alzheimer’s patients as their condition progresses.
There may be other types of help along the way that are necessary, too, like physical or occupational therapy to work through challenges that Alzheimer’s disease can bring with it.
Life with Alzheimer’s disease isn’t easy, but families don’t have to go through it alone. Alzheimer’s care providers can offer valuable education and support that families can lean on when everything starts to feel impossible.
Providing exceptional Alzheimer’s Care in Springfield, VA, for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
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