Early diagnosis is key to implementing the best methods available to temporarily halt or slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. If someone you love has been diagnosed with this condition, you may not know what to expect as it progresses.
Although there is no
cure for Alzheimer’s, understanding each stage can help you work with your
loved one to manage the disease and keep some symptoms from getting worse over
time. Most importantly, knowing each stage can help provide the best quality of
life for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Our Continued Care
Retirement Community (CCRC) in Sussex County has outlined each stage of
Alzheimer’s and provided insight into the best ways to manage dementia.
Stage 1: Before any
symptoms are noticeable
Changes in the brain
can start happening before the person exhibits any symptoms, often 10 to 15
years before. While no treatments can halt the development of Alzheimer’s at
this stage, doctors recommend having regular screenings to help detect early
signs. Make sure to set up recurring appointments for your loved one. Also, set
reminders in your phone or calendar so you are prepared to take your loved one
to these appointments.
Stage 2: Basic
forgetfulness
We all forget things
occasionally, like where we left our keys or our cell phone, and this stage of
Alzheimer’s can often appear as the usual forgetfulness. However, you may
notice your loved one starts forgetting names of people, places, and things
that they usually would not have trouble remembering. You may notice it
happening before a licensed professional because nobody knows your mom and dad
like you do. You understand what can be chalked up to stress or lack of sleep
and what is a serious cause of concern. Trust your gut if something seems off
with your loved one, get them to a doctor as soon as possible.
Stage 3:
Substantial memory difficulties
This stage is beyond
forgetting the occasional name of someone you met last month. Although a common
excuse is to blame it on age, it soon becomes apparent that age is not the
culprit. Substantial memory difficulties include having trouble remembering
something you just saw or read, trouble with organization and making plans, and
noticeably struggling in social situations. At this stage, or even before this
stage, it’s important to start thinking about professional
memory care local to you and your family. Memory care centers are experienced
in managing Alzheimer’s and incorporating the latest research available into
methods that enhance care and provide meaning to your loved one each day.
Stage 4: Beyond
memory loss
Once significant
memory loss has set in, your loved one will be able to remember things like
their name and where they live, but their short-term memory will be markedly
worse. The ongoing damage to their brain cells makes recalling and
retaining information very difficult, and they can become irritable, stressed,
and withdrawn. Experienced dementia caregivers will have the patience and
flexibility to try different techniques to minimize stress, irritability and
other negative behaviors. They will also be able to share these techniques with
you and your family to ensure everyone has chances to connect with your loved
one in positive ways.
Stage 5:
Independence decreases
At this stage it’s
usually no longer safe for your loved one to live alone without full-time
assistance. It’s also common for people to struggle with daily tasks like
getting dressed, preparing food, and light cleaning around the house. If you’ve
opted for an in-home dementia caregiver, now is the time to really consider the
move into a memory care community where support is available 24-7.
Stage 6: Severe
symptoms
Everything becomes
more strained during this stage, including communication, expressing emotions,
and day-to-day activities. People in this stage will often become frustrated
with their loved ones and the people taking care of them.
Stage 7: Losing
physical control
During the final phase
of Alzheimer’s, the body begins to shut down alongside the brain. Your loved
one will need help walking, sitting up, caring for themselves, and they’ll most
likely need someone to take care of them around the clock.
Advanced
memory care in Sussex County, NJ
At United Methodist
Communities, our Tapestries® Memory Care is specially designed to support and
care for people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. All of our
residents are at different stages in their journey and we provide
around-the-clock support and security to ensure quality of care and quality of
life.
When your loved one is
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it affects your entire family. You may be wondering
how you’ll care for them as the disease progresses. For most families it’s not
possible for one person to take on the role of full-time caregiver. At a
certain stage, medical expertise is required to keep your loved one as
comfortable as possible — which is our ongoing goal at Tapestries®.
For more information
about Tapestries®
Memory Care in Sussex County, NJ, or if you have any questions about
assisted living, please contact United Methodist Communities today at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/
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