{"id":5914,"date":"2021-12-15T19:17:24","date_gmt":"2021-12-15T19:17:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/psychology\/how-to-treat-someone-with-alzheimers-7-tips\/"},"modified":"2021-12-15T19:17:24","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T19:17:24","slug":"how-to-treat-someone-with-alzheimers-7-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/psychology\/how-to-treat-someone-with-alzheimers-7-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"How to treat someone with Alzheimer's (7 tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\">\n<p>Alzheimer's disease (AD), also known as senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DSTA), is a neurodegenerative disease.  This course with a severe cognitive impairment to which behavioral problems are also added.  This disease is one of the most common causes behind dementia in older people and its effect on the patient and their environment is devastating, since Alzheimer's is an irreversible pathology that has no cure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It usually starts insidiously and the cognitive capacity of the person decreases with greater intensity.<\/strong>, which begins to be unable to remember, think and reason.  This condition usually begins to emerge after the age of 65, although there may be some cases with an earlier onset.<\/p>\n<h2>How does Alzheimer's disease affect a person?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>The discovery of Alzheimer's disease is relatively recent<\/strong>.  It was at the beginning of the last century, in 1906, when a German doctor named Alois Alzheimer examined the brain of a deceased patient who had shown memory, language and behavior problems in life.  What the doctor discovered was that there were strange lumps and tangles in his brain.<\/p>\n<p>Today we know that what this doctor observed were amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, both the result of abnormal protein accumulation.  On the one hand, the plaques are due to the fact that the proteins form an aggregate in the extraneuronal space, so that the neurons degenerate and the connection between them is difficult.  On the other hand, tangles constitute a protein aggregate that is formed within neurons.<\/p>\n<p>Plaques, tangles, and the inappropriate neural connections they cause are the three defining traits of Alzheimer's.  But nevertheless, <strong>obvious symptoms do not appear until several years have elapsed since brain damage began<\/strong>.  For this reason, we are talking about a pathology that is rarely detected in its early stages, since sometimes there is no clue that can indicate that something is wrong.<\/p>\n<p>Cognitive and behavioral symptoms often make an appearance when tangles and plaques form in particular areas of the brain and neurons stop working normally.  Being a degenerative disease, over time the neurons not only stop working, but end up dying.  The worst phase of the disease comes when central regions are affected for the formation of our memories, such as the hippocampus.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"\"><picture>\n    <span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative;max-width:100%\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;max-width:100%\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display:block;max-width:100%;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMzg4NSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNTY1IiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIvPg==\"\/><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"alzheimer-disease\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"intrinsic\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"alzheimer-disease\" src=\"https:\/\/medicoplus.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplustatic.com%2F6433%2Falzheimer-enfermedad.jpg&amp;w=1280&amp;q=75 1x\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"intrinsic\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/p>\n<\/picture><figcaption>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Regarding its visible features, <strong>Alzheimer's leads to considerable memory loss<\/strong> that progressively becomes more evident.  Neuronal death makes many areas of the brain unable to function, so the patient will be increasingly dependent on the rest.<\/p>\n<p>When we talk about Alzheimer's disease, we cannot forget the role of caregivers, especially informal ones, who care for the person because they have a family or emotional bond with them.  Meeting the daily demands of a degenerative pathology whose average duration is around ten years is a more than challenging task.  If you find yourself in this situation or know someone who is caring for a person with this disease, it is important to follow some guidelines to perform daily care correctly.  Therefore, in this article we are going to collect some tips to properly treat a patient with Alzheimer's.<\/p>\n<h2>Tips for caring for and communicating with someone with Alzheimer's<\/h2>\n<p>As we have commented, <strong>Alzheimer's disease is a very hard pathology not only for the patient, but also for his environment<\/strong>.  When a loved one stops remembering and begins to forget and depend on others for the most essential tasks, it is important that the people who will assume their care are prepared.<\/p>\n<p>Although there are people who dedicate themselves to the professional care of older people with this disease, the truth is that on many occasions it is their relatives themselves who assume this role.  If this is your case, continue reading, because we are going to collect some useful tips to face the day to day as a caregiver for a patient with Alzheimer's.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Try to make it more flexible<\/h3>\n<p>It is important that, <strong>even if there is a routine and order at home, learn to adjust it<\/strong> according to the state of the person with Alzheimer's.  The patient will go through moments of great emotional turmoil, but also others of calm and tranquility.  If a difficult task needs to be tackled, try to get it done when the person is calm.  Do not force him to do something in a moment of tension or confusion, as this will only serve to increase his discomfort and yours.  Take advantage of the moments of greater clarity to get him to do those more complex activities.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"\"><picture>\n    <span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative;max-width:100%\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;max-width:100%\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display:block;max-width:100%;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMjU2MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxNzA3IiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIvPg==\"\/><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"caring-person-alzheimer\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"intrinsic\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"caring-person-alzheimer\" src=\"https:\/\/medicoplus.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplustatic.com%2F6434%2Fcuidar-persona-alzheimer.jpg&amp;w=1280&amp;q=75 1x\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"intrinsic\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/p>\n<\/picture><figcaption>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>2. Lean on the professionals<\/h3>\n<p>Although you will be the one who addresses home care every day, that does not mean that you should not rely on the reference professionals.  Do not be shy about asking your questions in consultation, since the experts are a fundamental pillar to cope with the care process.  Knowing the disease and having all the information available about it will give you greater competence to care for the patient.  What's more, <strong>You can also contact specific associations and support groups for patients and families<\/strong>, where they can guide you and give you the close help that you need so much.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Take care of communication<\/h3>\n<p>Although people with Alzheimer's may show difficulties in language, that does not mean that communication should not be taken care of. <strong>It is important to follow some minimum guidelines when speaking to the person<\/strong>.  It is essential to use her name to address her and get her full attention when you speak to her, as well as using a warm, friendly and leisurely tone.<\/p>\n<p>Try to allow time for him to find the words he wants to say, do not rush him into expressing himself and empathize with his difficulty.  If at any time he is not able to find the words he wants to say, you can ask him to point out things so that you can name them in his place.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Encourage enjoyable activities<\/h3>\n<p>A fundamental point to favor the well-being of the person with Alzheimer's is to provide spaces of relief and entertainment for them.  Try to plan activities that are simple, adjusted to your ability, and that are enjoyable for you.  Examples might be doing some exercise, dancing, flipping through a photo album, or playing a simple board game.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, it is also very interesting that <strong>the person is involved in those domestic tasks that they can still carry out<\/strong>.  For example, you can propose to set the table, clean the dishes, or cook a simple recipe.  This will help them feel useful and integrated into the environment, something essential in the course of the disease.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"\"><picture>\n    <span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative;max-width:100%\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;max-width:100%\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display:block;max-width:100%;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMTIwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI4NDciIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIi8+\"\/><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"communication-alzheimer\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"intrinsic\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"communication-alzheimer\" src=\"https:\/\/medicoplus.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplustatic.com%2F6435%2Fcomunicacion-alzheimer.jpg&amp;w=1280&amp;q=75 1x\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"intrinsic\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/p>\n<\/picture><figcaption>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>5. Rearrange the house<\/h3>\n<p>When someone with Alzheimer's lives at home, it is important to take some steps and changes.  Of course, it is not possible to apply all of them at once, so try to be patient and gradually apply some of them.<\/p>\n<p>An essential aspect is to avoid making drastic changes at home, as these can contribute to generating a greater feeling of insecurity and strangeness in the person.  Too <strong>it is important to limit the danger throughout the house<\/strong>, so you should avoid furniture with crystals or sharp corners, unstable seats and any obstacle that may make it difficult for the person to walk through the house.<\/p>\n<p>Especially important is to keep controlled the electrical appliances and any dangerous devices, such as objects with fire, toxic or sharp.  The person with Alzheimer's can use them and forget to turn them off or hurt themselves with them, with what this can mean.  This same control should be applied to windows, doors and access to balconies, to which control devices can be applied that prevent the patient from opening them without help.If you live in a community, it is interesting that you inform the neighbors of the community. condition of the person, so that they know how to treat you and what to do if they find you confused or scared.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Take care of the stimuli<\/h3>\n<p>At home it is important to measure the stimulation to which the person with Alzheimer's is exposed.  It is necessary to avoid loud noises and sounds.  It is helpful to turn off the television when it is no longer being watched, as it can lead to lightheadedness and confusion.  A particularly object  Problematic for people with Alzheimer's are mirrors.  These can generate anguish by not being recognized, so it is recommended to cover or avoid them.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It is useful that there is a large clock in a common area of \u200b\u200bthe house and a visible calendar in which the days are marked<\/strong>.  You can also use simple posters (better with drawings), which serve to indicate where everything is.  If the person has multiple tasks to do, you can use a whiteboard to write them down.  Try to be concise and leave only a few, without overwhelming the person with too many things to do, as this will confuse them.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Handle the tough times<\/h3>\n<p>As we discussed earlier, people with Alzheimer's can go through moments of calm, but also <strong>difficult times where they may find themselves lost, confused, and even angry<\/strong>.  Although it is important that you rely on professionals to know the best way to deal with these moments, we can tell you that it is always important to validate and respond to the person's feelings.  Do not downplay his discomfort and try to offer alternatives to calm him down: do something he likes, go out for some fresh air ...<\/p>\n<figure class=\"\"><picture>\n    <span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative;max-width:100%\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;max-width:100%\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display:block;max-width:100%;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMTg3NiIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMjUwIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIvPg==\"\/><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"stimuli-alzheimer\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"intrinsic\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"stimuli-alzheimer\" src=\"https:\/\/medicoplus.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplustatic.com%2F6436%2Festimulos-alzheimer.jpg&amp;w=1280&amp;q=75 1x\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"intrinsic\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/p>\n<\/picture><figcaption>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-center kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;5914&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Rate this post&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;0\\\/5 - (0 votes)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;How to treat someone with Alzheimer\\u0026#039;s (7 tips)&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 4px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; 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