When your senior mom or dad is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. There’s a lot of information to learn and process. Alzheimer’s affects everyone differently, so the progression of your mom or dad’s Alzheimer’s could take a long time or be very quick. If your mom or dad is living alone, it’s a good idea to get Alzheimer’s care at home for your mom or dad as soon as possible after their diagnosis. Alzheimer’s care at home can help them live safely and comfortably at home as the disease progresses.

You should also start learning as much as possible about Alzheimer’s and how it affects the rain. Knowing as much as possible about the disease will help you prepare for the impact it will have on your senior loved one.

The first thing you should know is what the stages of Alzheimer’s are and how to recognize them:

 

Alzheimer’s Care Tips: Early Stage (Mild)

The early stage of Alzheimer’s typically lasts anywhere from 2-4 years. It’s in this phase that most seniors are diagnosed. So, your senior parent could be in this stage for several years, depending on how early they are diagnosed. The symptoms of the early stage of Alzheimer’s include:

• Memory Loss: Difficulty remembering recent events or conversations.
• Confusion: Trouble with planning, organizing, and managing daily tasks.
• Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places.
• Difficulty with Problem-Solving: Struggling with tasks that require complex thinking or decision-making.
• Language Issues: Difficulty finding the right words or repeating oneself.
• Changes in Mood and Personality: Mild changes such as increased anxiety or depression.

 

Alzheimer’s Care Tips: Middle Stage (Moderate)

The next stage of Alzheimer’s is the middle or moderate stage. This stage can last up to a decade but typically lasts between 2-4 years. The symptoms of this stage of the disease include:

• Significant Memory Loss: Forgetting personal history, important events, or familiar people.
• Increased Confusion: Difficulty recognizing loved ones, understanding time and place, and managing complex tasks.
• Difficulty with Daily Activities: Needs assistance with activities like dressing, grooming, and using the bathroom.
• Behavioral Changes: Exhibiting changes in behavior such as aggression, agitation, or delusions.
• Wandering: Increased risk of wandering or getting lost.
• Problems with Communication: Struggles with language and may not follow conversations or lose track of topics.

 

Alzheimer’s Care Tips: Late Stage (Severe)

Once your mom or dad enters the late stage or last stage of Alzheimer’s, they typically have 1-3 years left, depending on their health. The symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer’s can be difficult for family members to deal with. Remember that Alzheimer’s care at home can help your mom or dad at any stage of the disease.

The symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer’s include:

• Severe Memory Loss: Little to no recognition of family members or friends and loss of ability to recall recent events or personal history.
• Loss of Physical Abilities: Significant decline in motor functions, leading to difficulties with walking, sitting, or even holding one’s head up. Increased risk of incontinence.
• Speech and Language Loss: Limited ability to speak or communicate effectively. May only be able to use a few words or sounds.
• Difficulty with Basic Needs: Requires full assistance with daily activities such as eating, personal hygiene, and mobility.
• Increased Vulnerability: Increased susceptibility to infections, such as pneumonia, due to a weakened immune system.

 

 

If your senior parent was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and you’re overwhelmed trying to take care of your mom or dad, call to learn more about Alzheimer’s care at home today.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care in Altadena, CA, please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890