alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. as many as 360,000 canadians have the disease. it is considered progressive and starts with mild memory loss eventually worsening into other symptoms such as getting lost in familiar places, having difficulty completing tasks or handling money, and mood and personality changes.
typically, it is considered an older adults’ disease, as age is the most well-known risk factor. that said, other risk factors can drive the onset of of alzheimer’s disease, including family history, brain changes that occur prior to the onset of symptoms and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.
alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed based on noticed symptoms. typically, people around the person who is dealing with alzheimer’s will begin to see changes in their memory, communication abilities, and daily function which could drive them to having tests. the tests used to diagnose alzheimer’s disease include brain scans, cognitive assessments, psychiatric evaluations, and blood tests.
there is currently no cure for alzheimer’s disease, and treatment avenues revolve around managing the symptoms to improve the quality of life for those who have it. treatments typically involve medications designed to improve cell communication within the brain to improve symptoms.
other ways to care for someone with alzheimer’s involve creating a safe and supportive environment. this can be done by:
• helping them arrange finances for autopayments
• keep tracking on their mobile phone
• track daily schedules through a large visual calendar
• removing excess clutter around the house
• ensuring there are alarm sensors on doors and windows
• reduce or remove mirrors in the home as they can be scary of confusing for someone with the disease
• keep routines steady – for example, setting appointments for the same time and day of the week every time
• keep medicines, keys, and other valuables in the same place at home so they are always easy to find
research continues to investigate what goes into the development of alzheimer’s, and new treatment avenues for those that have the disease.
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