Alzheimer’s is a disease that we have all heard of but don’t know much about other than the fact that it is characterized by the loss of short-term memories, cognitive impairment and the gradual decline of mental ability. What many people don’t know is that this disease progresses slowly and there are several stages of it. Different symptoms show up at different stages. The reason why you should be aware of the stages is that if your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, then you will be in a better place to help and support them. The right action in the right stage can also slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s.
Read on to know more about the different Alzheimer’s disease stages to plan your loved one’s care better.
Since Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease, its progress can broadly be divided into 7 stages. However, there are no clear demarcations and the stages may differ from person to person. Here are some Alzheimer’s symptoms according to the stages:
Alzheimer disease usually affects people older than 65. A small number of people have “early-onset” Alzheimer disease, which starts when they are in their 30s or 40s. People live for an average of 8 years after their symptoms appear. But the disease can progress quickly in some people and slowly in others.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Unfortunately, Stage 1 is not associated with any symptoms. Early recognition of Alzheimer’s disease is very difficult. The brain chemistry change that happens can only be detected through a PET scan but will not trigger any symptoms. The signs show up years after the onset of the first stage.
The Alzheimer’s symptoms of this stage are minor and may be mistaken for memory losses that are considered as a part and parcel of ageing. You may notice that your loved one is forgetting names or misplacing objects too often.
Up to 40 per cent of people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from significant depression. Identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult since dementia can cause some of the same symptoms, consulting earlier is proven to be very helpful to control the disease.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
During this Alzheimer’s stage, changes in your loved ones’ behaviour become noticeable. They may:
During this stage, you can help by constantly jogging their memory (kindly), paying their bills, doing their shopping, fixing appointments for them and accompanying them as much as possible.
This Alzheimer’s stage is associated with an escalation of the stage 3 symptoms. Everyday tasks may become challenging for your loved one. Here are a few things you can expect:
From this stage onwards, you will need to keep an eye on your loved ones so that no one takes advantage of them or tricks them. You can help with household chores and financial calculations. Make sure they do not drive anymore.
This stage of Alzheimer’s can be accompanied by:
Lay out their clothes, draw a bath for them because these gestures do help them and yet make them feel like they are independent. From this stage onwards, never let them go out alone, place an ID card in their pockets or get the primary caretaker’s phone number and address engraved on their bracelet or clothes. Answer their questions kindly and with patience because they need to know that you are there and they are not alone. They may still retain memories of their childhood and youth. Ask them to tell you stories from those by-gone years.
During this stage of Alzheimer’s, your loved one will still recognise faces but may not be able to tell who you are. For example, a daughter may be mistaken for a sister. This is also when the person might start experiencing delusions such as getting ready for work even though they have retired for many years.
They may also have problems with:
Communicating with your loved one is very difficult and painful during this stage. However, you can help in little ways, by taking them to the bathroom, playing music to them, reading to them and constantly keeping them company. This is also when you should hire caregivers for your loved one if family members don’t have sufficient time.
During this stage of Alzheimer’s, a person is no longer able to control their body. They are not able to walk, sit, lie down or eat. From this stage, it is very difficult to give all the support that the person needs without the help of caregivers. Many people institutionalize their loved ones during this stage so that they get the care that they deserve.
Alzheimer’s is equally difficult for the family and friends than the person diagnosed with it because they have to witness the steady decline of their psychological abilities. Despite the pain, helplessness and challenges, it is crucial to be patient, kind and generous through all the Alzheimer’s disease stages. Consulting the doctor regularly, counselling for patients and caregivers can be very helpful in managing the condition and slowing down the disease progression. You must not get frustrated or lose your temper. Remember, they can’t help it, they are losing their memories and cognitive abilities.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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Epilepsy is more common than most people realize. In the general population, approximately one person in a hundred has epilepsy. Although epilepsy is often considered a disorder of childhood, it can begin at any age, and in some people, it persists from childhood to old age. Epilepsy can affect people of all ages and all nationalities. The causes of epilepsy vary according to the age of the onset of epilepsy.
The rate of newly diagnosed epilepsy is higher in elderly people than in middle-aged adults. The elderly are more sensitive than younger people to a variety of mental, physical and environmental stressors. They are also more likely to develop many medical, neurological and psychiatric disorders, some of which can make seizures more likely to occur. Such disorders include metabolic changes such as very high or very low blood sugar, very low sodium levels and endocrine disorders (for example, diabetes, thyroid or parathyroid disorders).
Caring for a person with epilepsy requires knowledge on a variety of topics. For example, it is important that you know the type of seizure the person you are caring for has so that you are knowledgeable on the proper first aid for that seizure. It is also important that you understand the treatments they are receiving and are aware of the other treatment options. The support and care of a caregiver can be invaluable in helping the individual to make informed decisions, to maintain a positive attitude, to adhere to medical advice, and live a full and rewarding life.
Caregivers can be of great assistance in managing seizures and in ensuring the safety of the individual during and after the seizure. Most seizures last from seconds to minutes. This period results in the person temporarily experiencing fatigue, confusion, and/or a headache. Often the person will want to sleep. Talking reassuringly and staying with the person until he or she is re-oriented is important.
Also Read: What Can Happen If Epilepsy Medicine Doses Are Missed: A Guide to Understanding the Risks
A person who has been diagnosed with epilepsy may experience a range of emotions such as anger, frustration and depression. Concern for the future and negative responses from friends and family can leave a person feeling vulnerable and alone. Depression is more common in individuals with epilepsy than it is in the general population. This could be due to psychosocial factors, the seizures themselves, and/or to seizure medication. As a caregiver, it is important to realize that mood changes can be a side effect of seizure medication or that a person who is distressed or is experiencing isolation may act out negatively as the result of frustration or anger. Being patient, encouraging the person to talk about his or her feelings with someone, and recording behaviour changes to provide to the doctor, are all helpful ways to promote well-being. If a person with epilepsy seems uncharacteristically depressed, encourage a visit to the doctor to discuss these feelings. The doctor may make adjustments in the seizure medication in order to determine whether these issues are due to medication side effects.
Caregivers can assist the individual in complying with medical direction and can be actively involved in communicating with health care professionals.
While some people are not able to identify specific events or circumstances that affect seizures, others are able to recognize definite seizure triggers. It is useful to monitor seizure triggers so that seizures can be avoided. Caregivers can assist an individual with epilepsy by helping to assess what triggers seizures and by helping the individual to avoid them.
Some common seizure triggers include:
Also Read: Importance of Diet for Epilepsy: A Closer Look at Research-Based Findings
People with epilepsy can participate in most recreational activities and sports. These activities can enhance well-being and maintain health. There is some evidence that regular exercise may improve seizure control. Some activities are considered too dangerous and others pose some risk due to the possibility of head injury. Participation in recreational activities and sports should be discussed with the doctor.
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Caregivers can also facilitate the development of a support system for the individual within the community that involves family, friends, neighbours and professionals.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Having a family member with depression necessitates that you know more about depression so that you can recognize the severity and arrange for help if required. Moreover, these patients need constant encouragement for compliance with medication. They also need to be heard and not judged. To achieve all this, the caregiver must endeavour a lot of patience with the family member.
It is a complex condition. Several risk factors have been identified namely genes, hormone levels, environmental triggers, some medicines, death of a loved one, physical or emotional abuse. A circumstantial nervousness or sadness is not depression. However, when it lasts longer than two weeks, and the person is not able to overcome it, medical help should be sought.
Typically, depression includes these symptoms – feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness. At times, the person feels like crying profusely otherwise may keep getting angry and irritated over petty things. They may become restless and anxious or sluggish and feel lost. They often may complain of physical pains of some or the other kind. The person may be disinterested in any activity even the one which is of his or her interest. The person may frequently feel tired and fatigued. They either have problems falling asleep or sleep too much. Likewise, they overeat or don’t like eating at all which may lead to weight gain or weight loss. There is a deep-rooted feeling of being unimportant or good for nothing or some guilt for some incidents in the past that they are not accountable for. They find it difficult to concentrate, become indecisive and forgetful. They may have unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.
If the condition remains untreated or neglected, it may worsen, and the patient may have suicidal thoughts or even attempt suicide. Since the condition has many faces to it, awareness and education regarding the disease are essential for the patients’ family members.
Also Read About: Different Types of Depression
Be there for your friend and let them do the talking. Encourage them to talk about their illness, but don’t try to offer any immediate solutions. Your support is the most important thing that you have to offer. If a person is very depressed, it is important that they seek professional advice.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Firstly, as soon as you become aware of the condition strike a conversation with the person. Listen to what he or she has to say. Don’t judge them or give negative opinions. Let them know your observations and that you are concerned. If the person is not aware, convince him or her that depression is a condition that needs expert advice and treatment and that it is vital to see one. The person should be assured that the condition may not go away on its own and needs treatment. Once he agrees to visit a doctor, get the person to jot down his feelings and status of mind so that it is easier for him to explain to the doctor. If possible accompany the person to the doctor. Most of the times doctors also need inputs from the family regarding their behavioural patterns.
When the treatment starts, keep a quiet tab on the use of medicines. Initially, you may have to give the medication yourself to the patient. Gradually as the patient feels better, he gets more convinced that he needs the medication. After that, you can rely on him for taking his medicines and appropriate, timely refills.
Engage the person in activities that he or she used to like normally. Experiment on activities that lift their mood and keep those that put them off away. Stay around or ensure someone is around always. Don’t keep brooding over their condition with your other family members, friends, and relatives that may worsen their feeling of guilt or further frustrate them. Help them to make certain decisions or complete certain tasks that they find difficult without them losing their confidence.
Also Read About: Treatment for Depression – Therapy, Medication & More
Sometimes the person’s condition may worsen, and he or she may have a suicidal tendency. They would generally start talking negative things and about their wish of living no longer. They may even make multiple calls to people and talk as their last. They may start giving away things even the ones they loved. Would be wanting to be left alone. You must pick these hints and seek medical help.
As a precautionary measure, get rid of all things that the person can use to inflict self-harm. Don’t leave the person alone. Whenever you are in such a situation, seek help from an emergency and have people around to help in case something goes out of your control. Seek medical help immediately. You may have to hospitalize the patient for further treatment and care.
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The condition does improve with appropriate treatment, though it may take time. So most importantly one needs to keep one’s spirits high and remain hopeful and calm.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
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A study of more than 5000 adults with Diabetes highlighted the importance of family, friends, and colleagues in improving well-being and self-management. Family members are often asked to share the responsibility for disease management. They can provide many forms of support, such as instrumental support in driving patients to appointments or helping to inject insulin and social and emotional support in helping patients cope with their disease.
Through their communication and attitudes, family members often have a significant impact on a patient’s psychological well-being, the decision to follow recommendations for medical treatment, and the ability to initiate and maintain changes in diet and exercise.
Family members can feel distressed by their loved one’s diabetes due to limited knowledge about diabetes or not knowing how to support their loved one.
The family may also have misconceptions, such as believing that the patient knows more about diabetes than the patient actually reports or not understanding their loved one’s needs in diabetes management.
A diabetes caregiver should be made aware of the signs to identify any complications of eye, foot or kidney problems at an early stage and report to the physician. Paying attention to even loss of sensations or slippers slipping off the foot might be helpful to report at follow-ups.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Read More About: Tips for Diabetes Management
Knowledge about the disease, strategies to alter family routines, and optimal ways to cope with the emotional aspects of the disease are some of the aspects of diabetes self-management that family members need.
Educating family members about diabetes-care needs can help ease this strain by explaining why these changes are necessary, how these changes can best be implemented, and where to find additional information, such as healthy recipes or exercise routines.
Everyday care for diabetic patients includes “Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. Stop smoking, Keep track of your blood sugar.”
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The following 4 cornerstones of care are really important to pay attention to when taking care of a family member with Diabetes:
Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. People with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
If you have a child with diabetes, gradually teach him or her how to manage the condition: Although parents should always have a role in monitoring their child’s diabetes, as they get older, teens can take an increasing role in blood sugar monitoring and meal planning. Read more about symptoms of diabetes in children
Administering or tracking medications, encouraging changes to diet and activity levels, and ensuring regular monitoring as directed by a healthcare provider especially identifying any ulcers that don’t heal and reporting any changes in vision.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Read More About 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes
Need more information on diabetes and its related diseases? Ask Anya! Chat with Anya Bot here via Facebook and get more information on diabetes management.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
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Knowing and understanding the disease generally prepares one to manage things better. When your near one is diagnosed with cancer, initially it may be a denial phase for both of you, followed by acceptance. Accepting the facts is essential so that you can work towards taking care of the patient and his or her treatment.
As a cancer caregiver, it will be helpful for you to understand the disease condition and more importantly the stage at which the disease was diagnosed, the various tests and investigations that are advised by the doctor. This is important because the stage of the disease determines the kind of treatment the doctor would recommend. Based on the prescribed treatment, hospital stay, number of visits, side-effects, expenses, etc. will be decided. At times, surgery may be recommended followed by chemotherapy or radiation or vice versa.
Chemotherapy includes administration of various medicines to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Radiation also helps to kill the cancer cells. If either of these is given before surgery, its objective is to reduce the size of the tumor to make it operable. If given after surgery, it aims to eliminate residual cancer cells, if any. Some cancers may need multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation cycles.
Also, before each chemotherapy cycle, various laboratory investigations (diagnostic tests) may be required. This is important so that the doctor can decide whether the patient can tolerate the next chemotherapy cycle. If the results are unfavorable, the cycle may be postponed, and the patient may be kept under observation.
Sometimes the patient may have to be managed at the hospital after the treatment cycle is administered due to side effects of the anticancer medicines or radiation. Radiation or chemotherapy weakens the patient badly, and they need full-time care as well as motivation to carry on. As a cancer caregiver, it is vital to never lose hope even in sad moments.
Giving care and support during this time can be a challenge. Many caregivers put their own needs and feelings aside to focus on the person with cancer. This can be hard to maintain for a long time, and it’s not good for your health. The stress can have both physical and psychological effects. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Sometimes more than the diseased, you may feel the brunt of the treatment. Also, you may think that the initial cycles are taking a toll on the patient’s health. Do not get disappointed or lose hope. Do not hold the treatment. Your doctor is the expert who would give appropriate advice.
As a cancer caregiver, this what you need to remember:
Also Read: Exploring the Link: What Type of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin Levels?
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Having a family member with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) necessitates that you know more about the condition.
The disease initially and primarily affects the memory of the affected person. As the disease progresses other mental abilities like reasoning, decision-making, language, judgment is also affected.
Initially, the disease starts with mild symptoms of defects in the thought process. However, not all who suffer from cognitive difficulties develop AD. Based on the severity of the symptoms, the disease may be graded as mild, moderate or severe. Also, the disease may progress at a different pace in each affected individual.
Ways That May Help You To Support Your Family Member With AD
After confirmation of diagnosis, the patient is prescribed certain medicines. These medicines do help the patient by improving cognitive function. The doctor may also prescribe some medication to manage other symptoms like anxiety or aggressiveness. Compliance with the medication is essential to control the signs of the condition. The patient should be taken for periodic re-assessment of the disease.
In the initial or milder stage the patients generally repeatedly ask the same question or describe the same event again and again. They may forget the occasion they recently attended or the discussion they had. They also may tend to lose track of time or the day or week or month. They have difficulty remembering small things like spelling their name correctly. They tend to isolate themselves and demonstrate a lack of interest in anything. Due to the tendency of forgetting activities like banking, cooking, shopping, teaching become routine life becomes challenging. They may forget the usual way home from the office or nearby locations, so driving becomes difficult.
Since the patient may never accept that they have been diagnosed with AD, it is futile to convince them about it. Instead, the family members should focus on ways to tackle the newer problems that they anticipate due to the patient’s condition.
One may have to make alternative arrangement for the responsibilities the patient used to handle otherwise. Support may also be required to take the patient around to the doctor or for a walk or help with daily activities. Monitoring and ensuring the safety of the patient is necessary because they may unintentionally harm themselves, for example, they may use a knife as a comb or boil oil instead of milk for drinking. They may lose their way and be unable to reach back home.
In moderate cases, the patient may ask the same thing more repetitively, become restless or may suffer from unusual fears like fear of reading or bathing. Co-ordinated activities start getting affected like eating or simple activities like combing hair or clothing themselves or brushing teeth or walking. Their learned behaviour may be affected further like they may forget their driving skill or swimming. They may not be able to comprehend what is being told or may not be able to frame sentences or usually speak or read and write. They even may not be able to recognize family members or friends and neighbours. Some patients may become more aggressive
At this stage, they may need continuous monitoring and help. You may need to arrange support to manage them or become an Alzheimer’s caregiver yourself.
In severe cases, as the disease progresses, they become entirely dependent, since they almost completely forget the learned behaviour. Basic skills of swallowing or walking are wholly forgotten. They stop recognizing anyone.
In such severe cases, the patient needs complete medical care and may need to be sent to a specialized care centre.
At whatever stage the patient is, the Alzheimer’s caregiver has to gather a lot of patience and understand that it is the disease that is manifesting its symptoms. A dear one not recognizing you may be very distressing. Nevertheless, since there is no cure for AD, it is essential to accept that managing symptom and supporting the patient in his or her daily routine are a few ways one can help the patient.
Talk to them slowly framing simple sentences. Don’t be too assertive, listen to them. Be reassuring in case they feel unsafe and helpless. Tell them simple jokes. Use their favourite music or book to distract them if they are too agitated. Try to perform small tasks with them helping you like arranging books on the shelf or wiping dishes or stacking folded clothes.
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You may also want to talk to family members of other patients with AD or join a group so that you can get some practical tips on managing the patient. This may also help you to discuss particular problems which normally other people may not understand.
Closely tracking the patient’s condition, ensuring safety and caring for their general hygiene with periodic follow-ups with the doctor are some critical way in which you can care for your family member with AD.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
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