Alzheimer’s Disease Facts You Should Know Today
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people in the United States. If you are helping to care for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or want to help your elderly loved one to lower their risk of getting this disease, there are some facts that you may want to know.
Elder Care in Manassas City VA: Dementia
Other Conditions
Other serious conditions often are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that around 60% of patients who have Alzheimer’s also have either high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Studies show that those conditions may trigger the start of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, having Alzheimer’s disease can further aggravate these conditions. This is why it is highly recommended for people who have Alzheimer’s to get the best care and support possible. If you can’t be around all the time for your elderly loved one, don’t worry. You can hire elder care providers to help out.
Active Learning
Research shows that active learning could help to reduce one’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for elderly adults to keep learning. They can challenge themselves with new hobbies or activities, take a class online, or learn a new language. Do your best to get your elderly loved one to learn something new at least a few times every week.
Loss of Smell
The National Institute of Health stated that one of the symptoms of this disease is a loss of smell. Studies actually have shown that losing one’s sense of smell could be one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease. If your elderly loved one has lost their sense of smell, it is important to have this assessed by their doctor.
Seven Stages
If you are caring for your elderly loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, it is helpful to know more about the seven stages of this disease. The first two stages will include normal forgetfulness. Generally, the third stage is when mild cognitive impairment will occur. At this stage, your elderly loved one may start repeating phrases or questions. They may have a difficult time concentrating, as well. During stage four, your elderly loved one will probably be diagnosed with this condition. After this stage, things will progress. Stage five is when someone with Alzheimer’s disease will usually need help from elder care providers.
Brain Structure Changes
You should also know that Alzheimer’s disease does affect the brain. The hippocampus and cerebral cortex shrink and the ventricles in the brain enlarge. These brain changes are what causes the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
These are some of the Alzheimer’s disease facts that everyone should know about. If you are caring for someone with this disease or trying to help them prevent this disease, hopefully, this information will help you.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Manassas City, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care.
Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
Sources
Health.usnews.com
Medlineplus.gov
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