WELLNESS TIP for November
November has been set aside as a month to bring awareness to ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE (AD).AD is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out even the simplest tasks of daily living. The onset of the disease is very slow and vague. Symptoms vary greatly with each individual. The initial symptoms might include mild forgetfulness and difficulty recalling names. There is a progression of symptoms from mild difficulty processing information to the inability to recognize friends and family. The final stage of AD includes the complete inability to remember, communicate or function.
It is estimated that about 4 million Americans suffer from AD. Symptoms can be seen in individuals as early as 50 years old, but as one ages the incidence of the disease doubles with every 5 years beyond the age of 65. A slow, progressive, and unpredictable decline could last for 10 years.
The family is usually the primary caregiver. Care of individuals with AD requires patience, understanding and consideration of the following areas of care.
- Create a safe environment
- Remove clutter
- Install locks on cupboards with toxic substances
- Install handrails on stairways
- Provide structure and routine
- Keep meal times
- Maintain the same time for a bath or shower
- Limit the number of visitors
- Keep everything simple
- Break the task down into steps
- Limit the choices
- Allow time without rushing
- Speak softly and calmly
- Use memory aids
- Write a simple list of the day’s activities
- Label drawers with the contents
- Use large clocks and calendars
- Anticipate and reduce wandering
- Plan a daily walk with the caregiver
- Provide an identification bracelet
- Carry a card with name, address and phone number on it
Used by permission from “Wellness Tip of The Week”© 2004 by St. Malachy Church written by JoAnn C. Kauss, RN, MSN.Seek information and assistance
Call Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pittsburgh Chapter at 412-261-5040
Call Alzheimer’s Association
at 1-800-272-3900
Go online http://www.alz.org
Use email: info@alz.org
