A question we can be faced with as our parents age, is does mom have Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s is a subtype of Dementia, and while they are similar, they are also different. Early symptoms of each are mild memory loss, however with Alzheimer’s, there is an unmistakable progression of symptoms. Common memory issues like forgetting names and appointments causes us much uneasiness. Fear of the unknown causes even more stress which can escalate into depression and anger.
While researchers have studied Alzheimer’s thoroughly, they have yet to find a definitive cause or cure. However, there have been advancements in treating the individual symptoms and slowing the progression of deterioration.
Reduce Clutter in the Home
To help keep your loved one stable, ensure a solid routine and reduce clutter in the home. You can pay close attention to the nature of the clutter, which will help you know when you may need to step in with more assistance. For instance, a pile of bills might mean your loved one has lost some math abilities. Issues with personal care usually come up as well, resulting in loss of normal grooming. It may be time for weekly trips to a salon to fill some lonely hours?
Lost keys, cell phone, wallet or time of day can also be signs of memory loss. There are tracking devices which can be applied to keys and the like and cell phones can be programmed to show where they are hiding by linking them to other devices such as computers or iPads. Duplicate keys should be given to family members. Lights should be turned on 12 hours and off 12 hours to keep the circadian cycle regular.
Personal Experience
Does Mom have Alzheimer’s? I vividly recall the day I took my Mother to her family physician when her memory started failing. As I sat through the normal diagnostic questions and tasks I realized, compared to the test results, that she was able to cover up her day to day slip-ups very well. When it came to numbers, it was apparent I needed to be taking over her checkbook and banking. Which meant it was time to see an attorney to create a legal way to accomplish that – “Power of Attorney.”
While my friends came to visit us on vacation in Boca Raton, their slightly confused Mother was alone in her apartment. Before traveling, they installed a video camera at her door and one inside her place, so he could check in. Additionally, a home care giver was hired to spend time with her in their absence. His Mother did not have Alzheimer’s, but she did have another type of dementia. It did not progress and she died of natural causes, not Alzheimer’s. With the help of care givers, nurses and hospice, my Mother too was able to stay in the comfort her home until her final days.
If you are searching for help with your mom or another loved one, Home Care One in Boca Raton offers affordable in-home care services in Palm Beach County.
