ACT NOW RNs Memory Care & Alzheimer's

Memory Care

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WHAT can you do if you're concerned a loved one is facing alzheimer's?
Symptoms

Alzheimer's typically develops slowly but some signs to watch for are:

  • mild forgetfulness more often than typical
  • trouble remembering familiar names or people
  • forgetting current events
  • forgetting to do routine tasks
  • difficulty reading or conversing
  • irritability or agressiveness
  • personality change

 
Diagnosis

It's easy to be frightened when a loved one shows signs of dementia but don't avoid going to the doctor. There are many treatable conditions that have some level of forgetfulness or personality change as a symptom.

Some of these treatable causes include:

  • nutritional deficencies
  • urinary tract infections
  • depressions
  • drug interactions
  • metabolic changes

A doctor will do a comprehensive exam to determine if there are other conditions that may be causing these symptoms.

 
Treatment & Care

There's no known cure for Alzheimer's or dementia but scientist have found a few medications that can help control the symptoms. People with Alzheimer's should work closely with their physician to get the right treatment for their situation.

 

Family Caregivers

On-going Alzheimer's research has developed useful behavioral approaches that encourage greater independence and reduce disruptive behavior.

Visit AlzOnline for more information on caregiver support and useful strategies.

The Alzheimer's Foundation and Alzheimer's Association are also great resources for caregiving strategies.

 
Helping with
Memory Disorders

Helping People With Progressive Memory Disorders is a family and caregiver resource guide by Dr. Leilani Doty and explains how the brain and memory work.

 
10 Warning Signs

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing several of the following signs, visit your doctor for a throrough examination to rule out other possible causes:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work,
    or at leisure
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  • New problems with words in speaking, reading, or writing
  • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
  • Decreased or poor judgment
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities
  • Changes in mood or personality

 
Importance of
Early Detection

Don't delay visiting a doctor to get a definitive diagnosis. Early detection is beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's in the following ways.

  • Getting the maximum benefit from available treatments and maintaining independence for a longer period
  • Having more time to plan for the future and the care needs you and your family will face
  • Getting the care and support services your family and loved one's need
  • The possibility of increasing your chances to be included in on-going Alzheimer's research and
    new drug trials

 
Progression of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's affects people differently. The duration of the disease can vary from three to twenty years with some people experiencing a rapid decline while others progress more slowly. Memory and thinking skills are affected first but, as the disease progresses, other parts of the brain are affected as well and eventually a person with Alzheimer's will need total care.

Check with the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Foundation for the most recent information on Alzheimer's research and care strategies.