November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and during this time communities, health organizations, caregivers and their families come together to share the most current information, support one another, raise awareness and raise funding for further research of this disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and it impacts hundreds of thousands of new individuals each year. It is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the areas of the brain responsible for thought-processing, behavior and memory, as well as the neuron’s ability to carry messages to different parts of the brain. When neurons that carry these messages are unable to send important signals, daily independent living becomes increasingly difficult. Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, one’s ability to recall information (an earlier sign), communicate effectively and complete routine tasks worsens over time. Symptoms more typically arise in older adulthood, though a smaller percentage of the population experiences its affects as early as their forties and fifties. The everyday lives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s are profoundly affected with physical, emotional and cognitive impacts.
Many families seek a helping hand when caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s. Aqua Home Care is a company committed to matching those in need of support with the quality care they need right in the comfort of their own homes, and we have helped many individuals and their families affected by Alzheimer’s over the years . With experience, compassion and dedication, trusted caregivers from our registry go above and beyond to provide the effective, quality in-home care their clients need and deserve. When a loved one is displaying warning signs of Alzheimer’s, consulting with a medical professional is imperative. Early indications include:
- Memory loss – difficulty retaining new information and remembering significant dates and events; frequently misplacing items
- Difficulty completing routine tasks – driving, paying bills, cooking, bathing, etc.
- Confusion – forgetting where one is or how they got there or the current day/month/year
- Communication issues – difficulty with expression either verbally or through writing; trouble following a conversation
- Withdrawal – one may retreat from social interactions and events due to symptoms
- Personality changes – feelings of anger, depression, fear and anxiety can cause changes to one’s mood and overall emotional state
If someone you love is displaying any of these signs, please seek medical care right away. A doctor will be able to review medical history and symptoms, run tests for underlying conditions and conduct assessments for Alzheimer’s. It can be deeply concerning watching a loved one exhibit these symptoms, as well as very frightening for the person experiencing them. While there is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s, medications and strategies can help with managing symptoms. Should you be seeking in-home care for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, our Aqua Home Care team is here to help with trusted support, quality service and compassionate care.
