Alzheimer’s is a difficult illness to discuss, but in honour of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September, we’re discussing important facts, highlighting valuable tips and giving suggestions on how to cope with a loved one who might suffer from this illness.
Alzheimer’s Disease can be a scary topic of conversation but it’s an important conversation to have. While we understand more about Alzheimer’s Disease today than ever before, there’s still a lot we don’t know about it. We think it’s valuable to discuss what we do know, raise awareness about this illness while also offering support for those who are dealing with it.
7 important facts about Alzheimer’s Disease
1. The most common form of dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The term dementia is used to define brain diseases related to memory loss and diminished cognitive skills.
2. Women have a higher risk
Nearly twice as many women suffer from this illness compared to men. Alzheimer’s Disease also gets worse more quickly in women than it does in men. Brain shrinkage tends to be more severe in women than in men with the disease. Researchers suggest that brain changes in women with Alzheimer’s may be due to other causes.
3. Your heart and your head are closely related
Heart disease can raise your risk of getting Alzheimer’s. Other conditions that cause heart disease are also linked to a higher risk of getting the illness, including:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- diabetes
- poor diet
- non-active lifestyle
4. Education can lower your risk
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the more active your brain is, the lower your risk of getting Alzheimer’s, especially as you get older. You can do activities such as:
- taking classes
- learning languages
- playing musical instruments
- group activities or interacting with others also may lower your risk
5. Unique among causes of death
The Alzheimer’s Association states that Alzheimer’s is the only one of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. without any methods for preventing, curing, or slowing it down. Research into a vaccine continues. But so far there are no sure ways to prevent the illness but there are medications that can help relieve some symptoms.
6. Linked with a loss of sense of smell
A person with Alzheimer’s may lose their sense of smell, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Several studies suggest that changes in your sense of smell may be an early sign of the illness. It’s important to note that changes in your ability to smell may also be due to other causes such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- brain injury
- sinus infection
7. Life expectancy varies
The time it takes for Alzheimer’s to progress varies from person to person, so it’s hard to predict how long someone with the condition will live. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports that older adults usually live three to four years and younger adults who get the disease may live with the condition for 10 years or more.
Prevention tips to keep in mind
There is no cure or scientific way of preventing Alzheimer’s, however, studies suggest that the best thing you can do to prevent the illness is to live a healthy lifestyle. Now we don’t mean that you should completely change your lifestyle and become unrealistically strict, but it would be a good idea to make a few changes, like:
- Avoid smoking.
- Control vascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Eat a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. It’s rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean protein, particularly protein sources containing omega-3 fatty acids.
- Be physically and socially active, including engaging in aerobic exercise.
- Take care of your mental health by avoiding high levels of stress and getting any help you might need.
- Use thinking (cognitive) skills, such as memory skills or doing fun games and puzzles that keep your mind active.
There is no guarantee that if you do the above, you won’t suffer from Alzheimer’s, but it is vital that you try and live as healthy a life as you possibly can.
Read more: Why are second opinions so important?
How to cope with a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is not an easy illness to be around, and it’s especially difficult to watch a loved one suffer with it. We know this is very difficult on you, so these are a few suggestions on how to cope:
1. Educate yourself about the disease
Learning as much as you can about the progression of this illness and what to expect can help you empathise with and understand your loved one.
2. Develop predictable routines and schedules
As the disease progresses it is more important than ever to have set routines and schedules. This can help to eliminate confusion and frustration for your loved one.
3. Do not argue with your loved one
Arguing with your loved one about a forgotten memory will only upset them and further frustrate you. Be willing to let most things go and have patience with them.
4. Give them independence when possible
As tempting as it may be to do everything for your loved one, it is important for them to do as many things as possible by himself or herself, even if you need to start the activity.
5. Have fun!
Your loved one can still have fun. Trips to local museums, parks and even the zoo can be enjoyed by someone with Alzheimer’s.
6. Maintain a current list of medications and dosages of medications
This will ensure you always know when their next dose of medication will be and you will be able to accurately share any medication information with doctors or other caregivers.
7. Plan daily time for physical exercise
It’s important to focus on the health of your mind, but also your body during this time. Physical exercise can help, especially if you plan time for it each day.
8. Rely on family members and other loved ones when needed
After everything you have done to support your loved one, remember that you also need support for yourself as well. Turn to family members and other loved ones when you need them.
9. Remember that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is not a death sentence
Many people with the disease live more than 20 years following diagnosis. Take advantage of the time you have left with your loved one.
10. The person is more than the disease
When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it can be devastating to them and their loved ones but they are still the person you always knew.
11. Take a deep breath!
Caregiving is a big responsibility but you are doing a great job. Remember to take care of yourself too. When caregivers do not care for themselves they can experience caregiver burnout.
Be sure to take a few minutes to yourself every day and do the things you enjoy doing. As difficult as it sounds, do not let yourself become consumed by your loved one’s illness.
Your Health Insurance Family,
Oneplan
