A neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline is known as Alzheimer’s disease. It is the most common type of dementia, which is a broader term for conditions caused by brain injuries or diseases that negatively affect memory, thinking, and behavior. These changes interfere with daily living too.

At first, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are mild, but they progress and become more severe over time. Alzheimer’s is often diagnosed when memory loss is the most prominent symptom, especially in the area of learning and recalling new information. The most prominent deficits in executive dysfunction (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral difficulties) would be to do with reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving. Most people get diagnosed with this disease after the age of 65, but early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can affect younger people with a family history of the disease, typically between the ages of 30 to 60 years. There is no cure for this disease, but there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

Ways to care for patients of Alzheimer’s disease
Taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient is a full-time job that’s typically not easy but can be very rewarding. Being a caregiver takes many skills, which include patience above all, along with creativity, stamina, and the ability to see the joy in helping someone to live the most comfortable life they can. Some practical tips need to be followed to take care of patients suffering from this disease:

Reduce frustrations : A person suffering from this disease might become agitated when one simple task becomes difficult. There are steps that one can follow to limit challenges and ease frustration:

Schedule wisely : Establish a routine to make every day less agitating and confusing.

Allow time : Allowing the person suffering from this disease to take more time than they used to take to complete a task can be helpful.

Involve the patient : Let the patient do as much as possible with the least amount of assistance.

Provide choices : Fewer options are better, but giving a patient of Alzheimer’s disease choices every day can work. For example, providing two outfits to choose from, or asking the patient whether they prefer hot or cold beverage and such can help.

Provide simple instructions : Patients suffering from this disease best understand clear, one-step communication.

Reduce distractions : Turn off the TV and minimize other distractions at meal time and during conversations to make it easier for the patient to focus.

Being flexible : Over time, people living with this disease become more dependent, but there is a lot one can do to maximize the quality of their interactions and reduce frustrations. For example, if the patient starts insisting on wearing the same outfit every day, consider buying a few identical outfits.

Creating a safe environment : Alzheimer’s disease impairs judgment and problem-solving skills, increasing the patient’s risk of injury. There are ways to promote safety:

• Prevent falls by avoiding clutter and installing hand bars or rods in critical areas.
• Install locks on anything containing medicines, dangerous utensils and tools, and such.
• Check the bath water temperature to prevent burns.
• Take fire-safety precautions.

A few simple tips and care and affection can go a long way in supporting Alzheimer’s patients.