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Alzheimer's and other dementias, how to deal with them?
Dementia is characterized by the decrease in the functions and abilities of the people who suffer from them.
So the diagnosis between the types of dementia is characterized precisely by this distinction. This is a difficult process in which the doctor must do several tests before he can make a diagnosis.
It is important to make the distinction that not all dementias are Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's and aging, what is their relationship?
There is a belief that Alzheimer's is directly related to aging, however there are no causes for its appearance.
In general, there are more cases of Alzheimer's in people over 56 years of age, however it is not exclusive to this group. Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease difficult to go through for all those involved and family members.
People who suffer from it suffer a progressive cognitive deterioration, especially in functions related to memory.
However, this deterioration is progressive and generally impairs people's independence, unlike the normal reduction in mental functions caused by a normal aging process.
How should the family intervene?
Alzheimer's patients desire to be active, healthy, and independent for as long as possible, and this is where companions play a key role in helping to achieve these goals.
Being the companion of a person with dementia is not simple, the emotions of weakness, restlessness and frustration are typical in these cases, so it is essential that the companion also take care of their health.
Ways to get support
Organize meetings in which significant people monitor and share with the patient.
Generate a support system made up of relatives, friends and doctors who can assist you once any emergency appears, this to reduce stress as the pathology continues.
connect
Talk about the situation with other family members, connect with them and share your experience to produce a wider support network, receive encouragement and nourish yourself from the experiences of others.
Ask for help and accept it
Don't wait when it comes to asking others for help, as this can prevent many situations.
Don't take things personally
Among the signs that characterize this pathology is forgetfulness, which is why it is possible that you forget things that are relevant to you, but keep in mind that this is not a reflection of what the patient really feels, but a consequence of the loss of functions.
Maintain a healthy routine that includes a healthy diet, exercise, and regular doctor visits.
Accept the diagnosis
It is feasible that as a companion you recognize the diagnosis more quickly, however be patient, it is usual that the individual with Alzheimer's finds it more difficult to assimilate this situation.
Modern treatments that are available
The treatments can be basically combined into two categories, those that refer to pharmacological medications and those such as therapy that modifies the physical environment.
Regarding the medications we refer to, we find cholinesterase, this aims to stimulate the messengers that communicate and activate the brain functions of memory and reasoning.
It is mainly used for Alzheimer's patients, but it can also be prescribed for other dementias.
Memantine is another drug used to stimulate the chemical messengers of learning and memory. If the patient has any other symptoms such as anxiety or depression, medications should also be prescribed to keep them under control.
In the case of therapy, this can treat the anguish and doubts about the disease, as well as develop approach strategies and make the house a safe space to avoid accidents.
The modification of the environment is extremely important, since it helps to reduce the probability that I know of a situation that will harm the patient, it is generally recommended to keep kitchen utensils such as knives or scissors sheltered.
With positive reinforcement and adaptation of resources, it is possible to cope with this difficult disease.
Do not pretend to take care of everything, ask for help from professionals in different health areas and share the process with people who support you.
