If your senior parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you may feel overwhelmed by trying to understand how Alzheimer’s will affect your mom or dad. And that’s ok, it’s a lot of information to process.
The truth is that Alzheimer’s affects every senior differently. And there’s really no way to predict how it will affect your mom or dad as it progresses. But there are some changes that are very common that you should know about.
One of the best things that you can do for your mom or dad is get Alzheimer’s care. With in-home Alzheimer’s care, your mom or dad will get support from a compassionate caregiver who has training and experience working with seniors who have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s care providers know how to handle changes in your mom or dad and can help you understand them.
Some of the most common changes that occur in seniors as Alzheimer’s progresses are:
Personality and Mood Changes
One of the most common changes that seniors with Alzheimer’s experience is a change in personality. A senior who was once cheerful and kind may become easily irritated, anxious, or even aggressive. Some may become withdrawn and avoid social activities they used to enjoy.
These mood swings often happen because the disease makes it harder for them to understand what’s going on around them. They may also feel frustrated or scared when they forget things or get confused.
Memory Loss and Confusion
Memory loss is one of the first and most common changes caused by Alzheimer’s. As the disease progresses, your mom or dad’s memory loss and confusion may increase quite a bit. They may forget important details like family members’ names, their own address, or even the current year.
If that happens, don’t correct them. Correcting them can cause confusion and make them afraid because they don’t understand what’s happening.
Difficulty with Communication
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often have trouble finding the right words when speaking. They may forget common words, repeat themselves frequently, or lose their thought during a conversation.
Over time, your mom or dad may have trouble understanding what others are saying, making it frustrating for them to communicate. Because of this, they might stop talking as much or avoid social interactions.
Using simple sentences, speaking slowly, and being patient can help them feel more comfortable when communicating.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Alzheimer’s can also affect your mom or dad’s sleep schedule. Many people with the disease have trouble sleeping at night and may wake up frequently or have trouble falling asleep.
Some seniors become restless in the evening, a condition known as “sundowning,” which can cause confusion, agitation, or wandering at night. Others may sleep too much during the day and become less active.
Having a consistent daily routine, avoiding caffeine in the evening, and keeping the bedroom calm and comfortable can help improve their sleep.
Problems with Everyday Tasks
As Alzheimer’s progresses, it becomes harder for seniors to complete everyday tasks that were once simple. Your mom or dad may become unable to do things like brushing their hair or make a cup of coffee or start the washing machine.
If your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s care at home, their Alzheimer’s care provider can give your mom or dad all the help they need to be comfortable and safe, no matter what stage of the disease they are in.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care in Oak Ridge, NC, please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care.
Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today at (919) 676-1070
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