5 things you need to know about caregiving for a parent with Alzheimer’s

Ever wondered how difficult life becomes for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease? It is not just the patients, it gets hard for people who take care of them too.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom, Alzheimer’s is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around the brain cell. A protein called amyloid begins to deposit, forming plaques around brain cells. Another protein named tau also contribute, forming tangles within the brain cells.

The NHS, however, also says the actual cause of Alzheimer’s hasn’t been found yet.

Oblivious about this disease? Well, we’ve got you covered
In a person afflicted by Alzheimer’s or dementia, chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, involved in sending messages or signals between brain cells see a dip. Gradually, different areas of the brain start to shrink.

A person who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s starts to forget things, their power to retain and recall decreases, and they often ask the same thing at a regular intervals considering that they are asking it for the first time.

There is no denying that if you are taking care of a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, your responsibility increases as the disease progresses. All you need to do is to keep calm and continue to take care.

If you have anyone in your family suffering from Alzheimer’s, then here are five ways that will help you take care of them.

1. Be compassionate
People with dementia are more likely to get confused and dazed about a number of things. Compassion and empathy become important while taking care of patients.

2. Be realistic
Dementia patients have both good and bad days. As a caregiver, one has to realise that it will hold true for an Alzheimer’s patient throughout their life and thus has to realistically foster the good days.

3. Be patient 
Some forms of dementia like Pick’s disease cause personality changes. Patients undergo neurological decline, thus developing behavioural issues and moods. Caregivers have to keep in mind that they need to handle such situations with calm.

4. Be ready with a future plan
Family caregivers should prepare for a time when their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s will need professional help. This involves both financial and logistical planning.

5. Be supportive
Do not be embarrassed of having an Alzheimer’s patient at home and never be afraid to ask for help. Support groups are immensely helpful.

Also, read: 6 lifestyle changes you absolutely must make your ageing parents adopt