The
first time that I really learned about Alzheimer's disease was when
my mother-in-law was diagnosed with it. She was in the beginning
stages of it. My mother-in-law was kind and yet and outspoken woman.
I remember during her beginning stages she would just keep us
laughing.
1.
What It Is?
The
Mayo Clinic defines Alzheimer's disease as a progressive disease that
destroys memory and other important mental functions. They further
add that with the progression the brain cells degenerate and die.
Note:
* * *Incident* * *
I
recall one incident when one of the caregivers was returning from the
store with my mother-in-law. We laugh about the incident now,
although we were not laughing at the time. The caregiver called my
daughter and explained that my mother-in-law forgot who she was and
was saying, “This White woman is kidnapping me.” My
mother-in-law knew the caregiver, but in a matter of minutes forgot
who she was. The caregiver called my daughter. My daughter then
talked to my mother-in-law over the phone and told her, “That lady
is helping you, you need to stay in the car, she is bringing you
home. Thank goodness my mother-in-law listened to my daughter and
obeyed her.
Because
of the memory loss is it utmost important that an Alzheimer patient
be watched if there is the possibility of the patient walking away.
I hate to hear over the news of elderly patient's walking off and
going unnoticed. I also recall another incident my daughter and I
were talking. A bell was always kept on the door, so if my
mother-in-law attempted to walk off unnoticed we could hear the bell.
As my daughter and I talked all of a sudden we heard the bell. My
mother-in-law was out and walking very fast. We literally had to run
to catch her. I had not idea an elderly Alzheimer person could walk
that fast. That was definitely a learning experience for me. As her
stages progressed my daughter was able to find an alzheimer nursing
home for her.
2.
Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
Did
you know there are several stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. The 7
stages of Alzheimer's Disease are normal Outward behavior, very mild
changes, mild decline, moderate decline, moderately sever decline,
severe decline, and very severe decline according to Web,M.D.
3.
Communication With Alzheimer's Patient
My
daughter, who had training with Alzheimer patient's, told me one day
as I was talking to my mother-in-law, “Mama you can't talk to her
like that.” “That can agitate her.” I was not aware of that
at the time. According to the Alzheimer's Association.Orgs., they
emphasize not to make assumptions about the patient’s ability to
communicate.
4.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's
If
you have a relative or friend that exhibits some of the following
symptoms, you might want to take them to the doctor for a diagnosis:
frequently forgets conversations, can no longer manage checkbook or
problem solving, cannot remember how to get home, or experience rapid
mood swings. These are just a few of the possible symptoms according
to Helpguide.org.
5.
Can Alzheimer’s disease be Prevented?
According
to Helpguide.org., researchers have found you may be able to prevent
or delay Alzheimer’s by following 6 pillars in your daily life.
They are as follows: regular exercise, social engagement, healthy
diet, mental stimulation, quality sleep, and stress management. To
me it sounds like your lifestyle plays a very important role.
You
may be able to reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease by 70 to 80%
according to Dr. Neal Barnard in an Abcnews article. He emphasizes
the importance of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains as
part of your diet. He further suggests cooking with stainless steel
or cast iron cookware. I love my whole grains and my cast iron
skillets. I can honestly say I even fill the difference in my body
when I eat whole grain. So although there is no guarantee of
prevention of Alzheimer's there are a few things you can do and I
call these things (preventative maintenance).
Photo
Caption: Commons, wikimedia.org. Public Domain
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6 comments:
My mother had Alzheimer's so unfortunately I am familiar with it. :( It is one of my fears that I will get it. I try to follow most of the 6 pillars but I can't make myself get a good night's sleep even though I try, so that worries me. I have to leave it all in the hands of God. Whether I get Alzheimer's or not, I will still be his cherished daughter. Thanks for shedding light on this debilitating disease. Maybe one day there will be a cure and no one will have to suffer through it again.
Very informative and detailed explanation. Thanks for joining us in Bloggers Pit Stop - Pit Stop Crew
Thanks for this helpful article on Alzheimer's and the example of your MIL. Our Menaka would like this post featured on our next Blogger's Pit Stop. Well done.
Kathleen
Thanks so much for linking up your post at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 43. Shared.
Some great food for thought. Thank you for sharing this information.
Having worked with such patients, it is very sad. Thanks so much for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 41.
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