190
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms, such as memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty in completing tasks at home or at work, confusion with time and place, usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Here are some recommendations to reduce Alzheimer’s risk factors:
- Regular exercise to stimulate the brain’s ability.
- Social engagement by maintaining a network of friends.
- Healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fish.
- Mental activity i.e. reading and learning new things.
- Sleep, particularly quality sleep for about 8 hours per night.
Each Alzheimer’s patient requires special care depending on the symptoms and the progression of the disease. However, living with Alzheimer’s disease can become a bit easier if the patient receives the required care at home.
To better take care of an Alzheimer patient, keep the below in mind:
- Establish a daily routine for the person with Alzheimer so the patient becomes familiar with his day-to-day activities, for example always have baths in the morning.
- Avoid changing locations since stability in the surrounding environment allows patients to establish memories i.e sleeping in the same bedroom, same house…etc.
- Keep their favorite stuff (watch, painting…) always at sight since they generate feelings and memories for patients.
- Encourage the patient to take care of himself/herself and give him/her enough time to do so.
- Plan the daily activities when the patient’s physical and emotional state is at its best.
- Allow the patient to socialize and participate with others.
- Opt for activities that best suit the patient’s abilities with simple instructions to make them familiar and satisfying.
- Provide the patient with proper nutrition and physical exercises.
- Remove any items from the surroundings of the patient that could be potentially harmful such as knives, matches, etc.
- Treat the patient as an adult and not as a child.
- Take care of yourself by resting and relaxing to be able to take care of your loved one.