Aging is a natural part of life and not something to fear. That said, it's also true that some aspects of aging aren't as pleasant as others. Alzheimer's disease is a particularly troubling event impacting roughly 6.5 million people in the United States. While that may sound troubling, Alzheimer's can be managed like any other ailment, with patients still able to live rich and fulfilling lives. This is especially true in the modern age, where changes to lifestyle and habits, alongside other treatment options, can help people manage their symptoms more easily than ever. Explore three new insights about Alzheimer's outlined in the Alzheimer's Association's 2022 report with Senior Helpers of South Orange County to give seniors and their caretakers an idea of how they can do this.
1. Many struggles to tell Alzheimer's apart from old age
Slowing down a bit as we age is a fairly normal part of getting old. Unfortunately, many caregivers and family members have trouble distinguishing between the normal effects of aging and early signs of dementia-related ailments. In the report, it was found that both caregivers and doctors still struggled to understand older patients and tell the difference between getting a bit foggy from time to time and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). To avoid both misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses, it's important that people start to take a more active approach to inform themselves about Alzheimer's and related ailments.
2. Modifying lifestyle can really help prevent Alzheimer's
While the biggest risk factors for the disease are ultimately out of our control, doctors are saying there are some simple things seniors can do to keep cognitive decline at bay. Exercise, a good diet, staying away from tobacco, and keeping your brain engaged all help the body in various ways and, according to the research, have been found to delay the onset of Alzheimer's in up to 40% of cases. Keeping these habits even after a diagnosis has been shown to help manage symptoms, too.
3. Person-focused care is key
One of the main goals of the new AA report is to stress the need for person-focused care for Alzheimer's patients. This means treating a senior as a person first and foremost, as well as remembering that someone with dementia is still capable of having full and engaging conversations and experiences with others. Rather than a single template of care actions, adjusting how a caretaker interacts with a senior based on that senior's input is still crucial, even if they aren't always fully there.
Get Help From Senior Helpers
Caregivers have a tough job. Whether they're caring for Alzheimer's patients or not, it's a lot of work assisting others in their daily lives. This year's AA report dedicated an entire section to caregivers for Alzheimer's patients, highlighting how much work they do and how little help they receive. It's high time that changes, and Senior Helpers of South Orange County is here to do it. We provide top-quality care to seniors, including those with Alzheimer's. Serving all areas of Southern Orange County, ranging from Irvine to Santa Ana to Tustin and beyond, we can help with all sorts of activities and give you a well-earned break. Contact us today to learn more.