Back To Top 9 Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Treated And Cured
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimers disease. Medications are available that can control symptoms for variable lengths of time. These medications cannot stop or slow the progression of the disease. They alter the level of neurotransmitters chemicals in the brain that help the nerve cells communicate with one another. These medications will be prescribed if the physician believes its appropriate.
Watch this video from local expert, Dr Dilpriya Mangat
What Are The Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease, though different people may have different initial symptoms. A decline in other aspects of thinking, such as finding the right words, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, is a condition that can also be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s. In addition to memory problems, movement difficulties and problems with the sense of smell have been linked to MCI. If you have MCI, its important to see a doctor or specialist regularly to monitor any changes in memory or thinking .
Learn more about the signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Is Alzheimer’s Disease Hereditary
Just because a family member has Alzheimer’s disease does not mean that you will get it, too. Most cases of Alzheimer’s are late-onset. This form of the disease occurs in a person’s mid-60s and is not linked to a specific genetic mutation. However, genetic factors appear to increase a person’s risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which is rare, can be caused by mutations, or changes, in certain genes. If one of the gene mutations is passed down, the child will usually but not always have the disease. For other cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s, research shows other genetic components are involved.
Learn more about assessing risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Read Also: Can Chronic Stress Cause Alzheimer’s
What Kind Of Doctor Treats Dementia
In general, dementia and Alzheimers could be initially diagnosed by a primary care doctor, who is able to take the time for a full evaluation. There are specialists, such as neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, or geriatric internists, who can provide more definitive diagnoses and develop detailed treatment plans for patients. For the diagnosis of dementia, neuropsychologists also play a key role, though they are not usually involved in the actual treatment of the disease. If a patient has a confusing presentation of symptoms, a neuropsychologist can be very useful in establishing that a cognitive abnormality exists and in distinguishing between the different types of disease.
Can Dementia Lead To Death
This is a bit of a semantic question. Dementia doesnt cause death. But the life expectancy of a person with Alzheimers is about 10 years on average, from the very earliest symptoms to death, and it does vary. So, it shortens life expectancy, but the immediate causes are likely to be things like pneumonia, dehydration, or falls. Neurodegenerative causes of dementialike Alzheimers diseaseshorten life expectancy more than vascular diseases that cause dementiaindividuals with vascular dementia can be fairly stable over time.
Read Also: How Long Do You Live After Dementia Diagnosis
How Should One Approach Care For A Dementia Patient
Thats a very broad question that really depends on the cause of the dementia, the stage of dementia, and the individual circumstances of the person and his or her family. Not everyone is the same. In Alzheimers disease, once a diagnosis is made, the early care is usually focused on starting medications to address symptoms, plus antidepressants for depression, if necessary. The early care is also focused on helping the family set expectations for the future so they can address any legal and financial planning concerns. Driving safety may also need to be formally evaluated.
As the disease progresses, the care may involve more assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating and dressing. Home care, which has the added benefit of alleviating burden on the spouse and other family members, can be helpful at this stage. We may consider other medications such as memantine , which may be appropriate in the moderate stages of disease, or other psychotropic medications for specific behaviors, such as agitation. In the later stages of the disease, all of the above continues, but the care may also be focused on considering alternative living arrangements, such as assisted living, a memory care unit, nursing home placement, or hospice care. But, with appropriate services in place, many people with Alzheimers disease are able to live at home to the very end.
How Does Dementia Progress
Once a parent or senior loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, people with the disease and their family members must learn what is in store for them. Dr. Susann Varano, a geriatrician in Westport, Connecticut, states in the same article that learning about the typical course of this disease, will help families get prepared on all levels, including emotionally, financially and physically.
Carnarius shares that family members will also need to get legal paperwork in order, assign a power of attorney for the future and make other important decisions.
Read Also: How To Talk To Someone With Vascular Dementia
What Type Of Dementia Is It
Some people don’t ask this question because they don’t want to know. And some clinicians use the word “dementia” because the word “Alzheimer’s” scares people more.
As hard as it may be to hear, it can be helpful to know what to expect and to learn as much as possible about the specific type of dementia the healthcare provider believes is causing these symptoms.
Which Type Of Dementia Do You Think It Is And Why
Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and mental abilities. Alzheimers disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, but many other dementias can affect cognition. Frontotemporal dementia, for example, tends to affect behavior before it affects memory, while primary progressive aphasia attacks speech and language. Of course, a doctor may not know a patients exact dementia diagnosis because the symptoms of different dementias can overlap. A precise diagnosis may be difficult or impossible to make at first.
Although most forms of dementia are chronic and untreatable, there are some treatable medical conditions that merely mimic them. For example, severe depression can cause many of the same symptoms. Do not assume that changes in personality or memory loss mean a person has dementia, or that the condition is untreatable. Seek medical care as early as possible.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does Alzheimer’s Last
What Is The Discharge Policy
Unfortunately in some cases, a resident can no longer be cared for in memory care due to several factors. Each community is somewhat different in its approach to this issue, and you will want to know what the discharge policy is. Here are some possible reasons for discharge:
- A resident is a danger to themselves or others. A resident might be asked to leave if there is persistent aggression, assault, or sexual acting out. The facility has a responsibility to protect its staff and other residents.
- A resident requires extensive ongoing nursing or medical care that the community cant provide.
- A resident requires too much physical assistance. For example, two people are needed to get someone out of bed each morning.
What Medications Might Be Helpful
There are only a handful of medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, including:
Ask your healthcare provider if any might be appropriate and beneficial, as well as what side effects to watch for with each particular medication.
Don’t Miss: Does Adam Levine’s Mom Have Alzheimer’s
Tips For Changes In Communication And Behavior For People With Dementia
Communication can be hard for people with Alzheimers and related dementias because they have trouble remembering things. They also can become agitated and anxious, even angry. In some forms of dementia, language abilities are affected such that people have trouble finding the right words or have difficulty speaking. You may feel frustrated or impatient, but it is important to understand that the disease is causing the change in communication skills. To help make communication easier, you can:
- Reassure the person. Speak calmly. Listen to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.
- Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.
- Respect the persons personal space.
- Build quiet times into the day, along with activities.
- Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house to help the person feel more secure.
- Remind the person who you are if he or she doesnt remember, but try not to say, Dont you remember?
- Encourage a two-way conversation for as long as possible.
- Try distracting the person with an activity, such as a familiar book or photo album, if you are having trouble communicating with words.
What Else Could It Be
While the healthcare provider likely considered this before the diagnosis was made, it’s still an excellent question to ask.
Many treatable conditions can be mistaken for dementia, including:
- Medication side effects
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Sometimes, these conditions masquerade as dementia or worsen dementia symptoms, so testing to eliminate these possibilities is essential.
Don’t Miss: Do Dementia Patients Hear Voices
What Are Staffing Ratios For Each Shift
The lower the ratio of staff:resident, the better a memory care facility can promote resident safety and well-being. Optimally, youre looking for a 1:6 resident to staff ratio .
However, according to payingforseniorcare.com, time and time again, relevant research has shown that assisted living communities with full-time RNs and direct care with in-house nursing staff have a direct impact on resident outcomes.
Back To Top 24 Are Routines Helpful For People With Dementia
The world is constantly changing for us and we can only imagine how this must feel for a person with dementia. This is complicated by the losses and the new challenges they experience as the disease progresses. Having routines and a structured schedule will help establish a sense of normalcy for the person. Many people find it helpful to have a routine that they stick to as closely as possible.
Don’t Miss: Do Parkinsons And Alzheimers Go Together
Questions Regarding Memory Care Policies & Fees
- Can my loved one stay here through the end of life or do they have to move if their care becomes too extensive?
- What types of care can your community NOT provide?
- What is the policy for a medical emergency/ER visit?
- Does a staff member go with the resident on ER visits?
- What is the policy for notifying family members?
- What is the discharge policy?
- Is the community all-inclusive or are there additional costs ?
- Can my loved one return to the facility should they require outside rehab?
- What happens if my loved one is no longer ambulatory?
What Is The Activities Schedule
Activities are vital to the well-being of memory care residents. However, not all activities will work well for everyone, as it can be challenging to meet everyones wide-ranging cognitive levels. Some communities attempt to divide residents into activity groups that have similar impairments.
For those that dont, ask about memory care activities and the availability of one-on-one time with your loved one if they need it.
Also Check: Does Terry Bradshaw Have Dementia
Is The Diagnosis That Of Alzheimers Disease Or Dementia
Alzheimers disease is one of several causes of dementia. Dr. Varano explains that If a physician says, you have dementia, its the same thing as saying, you have cancer.’ She says its critical to identify exactly which type of dementia it is. Is it Lewy body dementia? Is it vascular? etc. Some types of dementia progress faster than others, so it is vital to understand which type of dementia your senior loved one has, to be able to anticipate the course of the disease.
What Are My Loved Ones Needs
The first step to finding the right memory care facility is identifying what your loved ones needs are. Do they need assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating or dressing? Do they have chronic health conditions that require regular injections or medications?
These questions will help you understand what the absolute necessities are and once you know what is essential for your loved one, youll be able to prioritize those qualities and keep them at the top of your checklist.
Theres a handful of questions you can start with, including:
- Does my loved one require 24-hour supervision?
- Does my loved one get lost, wander, or seek exits frequently?
- Does my loved one show difficult behaviors?
- Does my loved one need help using the restroom?
Once you begin to answer some essential questions, youll be on your way to narrowing down the facilities that can accommodate those needs.
You May Like: How Long Can You Live With Alzheimer’s
Supporting Dementia Caregivers At The End Of Life
Caring for people with Alzheimers or another dementia at the end of life can be demanding and stressful for the family caregiver. Depression and fatigue are common problems for caregivers because many feel they are always on call. Family caregivers may have to cut back on work hours or leave work altogether because of their caregiving responsibilities.
It is not uncommon for those who took care of a person with advanced dementia to feel a sense of relief when death happens. It is important to realize such feelings are normal. Hospice care experts can provide support to family caregivers near the end of life as well as help with their grief.
If you are a caregiver, ask for help when you need it and learn about respite care.
What Medicine If Any Do You Recommend
Medication can help with memory issues and alertness momentarily, but it wont stop the condition from progressing. If the dementia is mild or moderate, medications such as donepezil , rivastigmine , or galantamine may be used, as well as memantine if the dementia is moderate to severe.
Medication to treat heart issues can help individuals with vascular dementia slow the progression of their cognitive impairment. Inquire about any potential side effects and any negative responses to any medications, herbal treatments, or vitamins your love one is now using.
Recommended Reading: Can You Find The Camel Alzheimer’s
The Kinds Of Questions To Ask A Memory Care Facility
The move to memory care can be overwhelming for both you and your loved one. Stay flexible through the process but ask the right questions before and during the move for a successful transition.
Categories:
At What Stage Do Dementia Patients Forget Family Members
Stage 6 is the final stage. A person with stage 6 of dementia may forget the names of close loved ones and have little recollection of recent events. Stage 7 is the most severe stage of Alzheimers disease. It is characterized by a loss of memory, confusion, disorientation, agitation, hallucinations, delusions and hallucinations of other people.
People with stage 7 dementia may have difficulty walking, talking, swallowing, or breathing. They may also have problems with their eyesight, hearing, speech, balance, coordination and coordination of movement. Some people may not be able to speak or understand what is being said to them.
You May Like: Does Alcohol Consumption Cause Dementia
What Other Types Of Treatment Could Help
There are many supportive treatments that may help, although there is no known cure for most types of dementia. Nutritional and emotional support are very important. Counseling or psychotherapy may help someone come to terms with having dementia as well as alleviate depression or anxiety. As well, exercise may slow the progression of impaired thinking, and occupational therapy can teach people new ways to cope as their condition changes.
What Is The Total Cost Of Memory Care
Its no secret that cost is a major consideration when selecting a memory care facility. There are a variety of factors that affect the total cost, including amenities, level of care provided, and location.
As you evaluate costs, be sure to ask how monthly fees are determined, the cost structure, and any additional fees you need to know about.
As you search for memory care near me, youll have the right questions to guide you toward the best dementia care facility.
Read Also: San Antonio Alzheimer’s Care
Going To The Hospital: Tips For Dementia Caregivers
A trip to the hospital can be stressful for people with Alzheimers disease or another dementia and their caregivers. Being prepared for emergency and planned hospital visits can relieve some of that stress. This article suggests ways to help you prepare and tips for making your visit to the emergency room or hospital easier.
Do You Have Any Clinical Trials That You Recommend
This point might not come up right away, but its worth asking after trying other meds. A clinical study may be worth exploring if your loved one has severe or unpleasant side effects from their drug or if you arent getting the expected outcomes. Then, based on your loved ones condition and overall health, the doctor may be able to provide some recommendations.
Don’t Miss: Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center
Check The Licensing Authority In Your Area Or State
Once you become interested in a facility, be sure to check the licensing authority in your area or state to determine the history of the facilitys inspections.
- When was the last state or county inspection conducted?
- Were there any deficiencies or citations? What were they?
- Have there been any complaints from residents or families?
- How have these been addressed? If necessary, ask the facility to address any concerns you have with the inspection findings.