Advice for Alzheimer's

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, every day nearly 16 million Americans find themselves in a tough role they weren’t ready for — caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. A common term for these people is “informal caregiver.” 

They’re “informal” because they aren’t paid or professional care providers. Rather, they’re loving family members doing their best to help their loved one. Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease. 

Over time, it robs people of their memories, thinking skills, and ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Today, nearly six million Americans live with this degenerative and incurable brain disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that just over 16 million are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. And the value of care provided by these informal caregivers was a staggering $232 billion in 2017. 

But Hedieh Davanloo, MD, sees the very real human toll the disease takes on these caregivers. Dr. Davanloo is a board-certified geriatrician with USMD Arlington North Clinic.

A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating medical problems of older people. “It’s sad because the loved ones want to do everything they can. Many times they try to do it alone. This is exhausting and not always effective,” Davanloo said. 

“They get worn out because they’re often sleeping in the same room as their loved one and not getting enough rest. Or their loved one is agitated and uncooperative. It’s very difficult.”

Dr. Davanloo specializes in caring for Alzheimer’s patients. She also tries to help family caregivers, too. “Just knowing what to expect can help them plan ahead and be ready,” she said. “It helps them cope with the situation.”

Make sure he or she is taking the right medicine

It’s not uncommon for patients to be on the wrong medication or the wrong combination of medications. 

“Just correcting their medicines or clearing up bad drug interactions can help stabilize their memory. It also can help with problems like depression, fear and restlessness.”

If you have questions, talk to your loved one’s doctor. Ask if all of the medicines work together. 

Use music to help soothe emotions 

Play music that your loved one likes or has liked in the past. “Music can help patients express themselves physically, which can reduce frustration.”

Don’t shoulder the burden alone

“Caregivers hang in there as long as they can, and then they reach a place where they are exhausted. They shouldn’t feel guilty about it. It’s completely normal.”

For some, it may be time to consider a nursing home. Yet, many Alzheimer’s patients are able to be at home with the help of professional in-home care. In-home care (by the week, day or hour) is a good solution.

And, there are professionals who specialize in caring for Alzheimer’s patients.                                

There is a variety of in-home care to choose from. Insurance may even cover some services. For example:

• Spending time with your loved one, offering conversation and taking them on outings
• Helping with bathing, getting dressed, using the toilet, eating, exercising
• Shopping, cooking meals and taking care of the house
• Offering more specialized care, such as physical therapy, wound care, and giving injections and medicines. Note: This type of care must be done by a licensed health professional.

Take care of yourself

Learning someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease can spark a flood of emotions that may include anger, fear, anxiety, frustration, grief and depression. It’s critical that you take care of yourself so you can cope with it all. Here are a few suggestions:

• Make sure you eat right, get enough sleep and exercise. 
• Have a support system — people who you can turn to. 
• Ask family members for help caring for your loved one. Make a schedule so you’ll know who will do what when — and when you will have time off.
• Join an Alzheimer’s support group. You’ll get education about caring for an Alzheimer’s patient, and connect with others who understand.

Remember, a nursing home is not always a bad solution. “There can be a lot of guilt associated with deciding to place a loved one in a nursing home. But a nursing home can be very helpful,” said Davanloo. “Think of the positives it can offer.”

A nursing home can make your family member gets good care around the clock. It can offer a range of activities and keep him or her engaged. Some nursing homes even set up outings or day visits at home with family members.

(This type of activity will depend on the stage of their illness.)

Finally, know that you’re not alone. There are people who understand what you’re going through and can give you the support you need.

If you have a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s, Dr. Davanloo is here to help.

Source

Alzheimer’s Association facts and figures report. Alzheimer’s Association. alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures. Accessed January 14, 2019.

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.