Alzheimer's Disease with the Elderly
Alzheimer's Disease is the most form of dementia which is affecting our elders on First Nations now more than ever within the past decade. It is most heartbreaking and saddened to have to see a loved one go through this. The best possible care are given to the elders on reserves, but eventually they do have to be put in an old age home because of 24 hour care.
This disease includes confusion, disturbances in short-term memory, problems with attention and spatial orientation, changes in personality, language difficulties and unexplained mood swings. Normally these symptoms are very mild and presence of the disease may not be apparent to the person experiencing the symptoms, loved ones or even health professionals.
Alzheimer's Disease doesn't affect every person the same way, but symptoms normally progress in these stages. If a person is employed, memory loss may begin to affect job performance. They become angry and frustrated. The disease progresses in stages. Stage 1 (mild) which I mentioned earlier. Stage 2 (moderate) the person is clearly becoming disabled, may need assistance, forget their personal history, become more disoriented and disconnected with reality. Have trouble recognizing familiar people. Stage 3 (severe) people lose ability to feed themselves, speak, can not control bodily functions, such as swallowing or bowel and bladder control. In a weakened physical state, patients may become vulnerable to other illnesses, such as skin infection and respiratory problems, particularly when they are unable to move around.
A physician with extensive knowledge and experience in Dementia and memory problems can perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether someone has dementia, and if so, its causes. Other specialists may be called upon for a better diagnosis. Proper medication may be able to slow the progression of the disease and delay cognitive decline. These drugs are generally more effective the earlier they are administered.
Meegwetch, Arlene
References: www.alzheimersdiseaseresearch
It's truly horrible to watch someone move through the stages of Alzheimer's disease; particularly when they are not being adequately cared for. Even when they are placed in long-term care, they are not always being supported. Nurses and support workers flock in and out, but they are often left alone and isolated. For those who do remain at home and are looked after by family, there is much sacrifice on the families end. What would you suggest is an appropriate and empowering way to work with those stricken by the disease?
ReplyDelete-Kayla T.
This is always such a sad topic to read about. It is an especially sensitive topic for me because I used to work in a retirement home and would see residents going through this. I would also see the families trying to deal with it. It is hard for the person going through it and it is hard for their family and friends. The most you can do is try to not confuse the person with Alzheimer's. Just agree with everything they are saying and try to keep them calm and happy. For the families and friends it is best to just keep visiting with the person and just try and keep them entertained and happy. This disease is irreversible but that does not mean that the person who they once were is gone forever.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra