Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
Seniors and their loved ones often have difficulty coping with the increasing demands of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than five million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, it is estimated that every 67 seconds, another American develops the disease. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it can have devastating effects on seniors and their loved ones. In more advanced stages, many patients require personal assistance with daily tasks like grooming, meal preparation, and schedule management.
At Your Side is dedicated to providing our clients with specialized and tailored Houston dementia care plans. This way, clients and their loved ones can spend less time on care management and more time focusing on the health and vitality of their families.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a specific medical condition. The term refers to the broad range of symptoms caused by damage to the areas of the brain that control functions like memory, thinking, and reasoning. There are several types of dementia. Dementia is progressive, meaning that the symptoms onset slowly and continue to worsen as time passes. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the illness. However, a specialized and targeted care plan can help to reduce or prevent some of the issues caused by dementia.
What Is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It affects the regions of the brain associated with thinking, behavior, and memory. It’s a progressive disease, meaning the symptoms become present slowly and continue to worsen as time passes. The disease manifests itself differently among different patients. This means that each patient has a unique experience – some may show symptoms that others do not, and some pay progress more slowly or quickly than others.
Symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer's
The types of symptoms experienced will vary among individuals, as well as the speed at which they become evident to individuals and their loved ones. Generally speaking, dementia symptoms will worsen depending on the stage of the individual’s condition. The more advanced the condition, the more severe the symptoms will be.
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty remembering information, such as routes, messages, or names
- Misplacing or losing possessions or placing them in illogical places
- Frequent repetition of questions or statements
- Increasing difficulty with daily tasks, especially those requiring organization and planning
- Confusion in regards to location or time
- Trouble finding the right words during conversation, as well as reading and writing
- Mood and personality changes, such as irritability and anxiety
- Development of other conditions such as depression
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed through the use of a complete medical assessment by a physician or specialist. Early diagnosis is a key factor in receiving and benefitting from treatment, which is why it’s important for those who suspect symptoms to schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. During the assessment, the medical professional will evaluate factors such as the patient’s medical history and current mental, physical, and neurological status. Tests such as brain imaging and blood tests may be performed to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
DementiaWise Certified
DementiaWise is At Your Side's customized and proprietary home care program for seniors with dementia. The program uses the most effective and advanced techniques for caring with individuals who suffer dementia. Our staff has received intense training, including nurses, caregivers, and administrators. DementiaWise aims to systematically alter the manner in which in-home caregivers deliver care dementia clients.
Dementia Care Professionals
If you of your loved one become overwhelmed with the demands of dementia care, it’s okay to ask for help. Our team of compassionate caregivers is specially-trained, experienced, and knowledgeable to handle a diverse range of dementia daily care. Call us at (281) 335-4882 to discuss your family’s Houston dementia care needs.
Whether your loved one needs assistance only a few hours a week or around-the-clock, our team is happy to help! Call (281) 335-4882 to learn more about the transition care services offered through At Your Side Home Care (Southern Metro Houston, Texas).