Knowing the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease is important because it may lead to an early diagnosis, experts say. According to the Alzheimer's Association, early diagnosis enables patients to: Plan ahead for the future. Potentially take part in a clinical drug trial. Start treatments that may help maintain independence for a longer time and possibly improve symptoms. Be involved in decisions about their care, living options, financial and legal matters. Cultivate relationships with doctors and care partners. Take advantage of care and support services that make it easier for patients and families to manage the disease. Alzheimer's disease, a progressive…
Techniques for managing Alzheimer's aggression such as re-directing the person's attention or medication can certainly help. However, the key is figuring what is causing the outburst. Agitation and aggression are typically caused by one or more of these five factors: Cognitive Impairment You may overestimate what your parent is capable of accomplishing i.e. performing a task they are not able to complete. Thus, they get upset and frustrated, causing an outburst. Consequently, you must adjust expectations to their abilities. Plus, Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease. Therefore, your Parent's abilities will decline over time. So, expectations must be shifted continually. Psychological…
When you become a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease your life changes drastically. From often-repeated questions to bizarrely compulsive behaviors to personality changes, you must deal with many bewildering, frustrating, and worrying behaviors…and you must also face the knowledge that your loved one’s condition is degenerative (and ultimately fatal). No two cases of dementia are the same, but many do share similar characteristics, and there are practical ways to deal with so-called “problem” behaviors. Here are five of them, as well as how you can most effectively respond: PROBLEM: Compulsive Behaviors. Your loved one may constantly check…
Providing asset protection, support and guidance to families, I realize that the cost of care is not usually understood. Our typical client is not aware that planning for care is similar to planning for a child's education; there is a need to plan ahead or you may not end up where you want to be or end up paying too much. The need for planning is becoming more important as our nation's demographics are evolving to a situation that has never been seen before. The nation's population of senior citizens is about to rise to historic levels. By year's end,…
Typical age-related memory loss and other changes compared to Alzheimer's Signs of Alzheimer's Typical age-related changes Poor judgment and decision making Making a bad decision once in a while Inability to manage a budget Missing a monthly payment Losing track of the date or the season Forgetting which day it is and remembering later Difficulty having a conversation Sometimes forgetting which word to use Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them Losing things from time to tim If you notice any of these signs or any of the signs in the 10 Warning Signs of…
The common symptoms of mild stage Alzheimer’s disease are: Having trouble following multi-step processes i.e. cooking recipe. Getting lost, even in places where they are familiar. Having trouble performing household chores i.e. cleaning, laundry, etc. Avoiding social situations or having trouble remembering names, appointments or recent events. You can help your aging parents and/or loved one by taking the following steps: manage your loved one’s money to remove the stress and anxiety of bill paying etc. write reminders to your loved one in the same place i.e. calendar or notepad keep a list, near the telephone, of the names and…
If you are a caregiver who is taking care of a loved you need to be aware of the difference between mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease. As with the progression of the disease, the care level increases. The following are signs of moderate stage Alzheimer’s disease: Needing help bathing, showering, choosing clothes, brushing teeth or getting dressed Needing help setting the table or getting out of a chair Developing poor or sloppy table manners Getting suspicious, angry, or easily upset or having difficulty expressing oneself or understanding others Feeling restless and wandering, especially in the afternoon or evening. When your…
While it is important for everyone to plan for the future, it is especially important for a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. When diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, family, friends and loved ones should help the person take the necessary steps to contact an elder care lawyer to help the family begin developing a long-term care legal plan. The sooner the legal planning begins, the person with Alzheimer’s, will be able to participate and help in the decision making. This legal planning may include making plans for health care and long-term care coverage, making plans for finances and property, and placing…
Learning to cope with Dementia, maintaining a loved one’s dignity as they become more dependent… most of us are not equipped to navigate these issues. Moreover, uninformed (even though well-intentioned) legal, financial and medical decisions can have negative and long-lasting impact. We help family members ensure the best care for their loved ones by: Eliminating confusion around medical, legal, and financial options Preventing a crisis and unnecessary hospitalizations Reducing miscommunications among family members, with the loved one, and with other professionals Creating a comprehensive life care plan that anticipates and addresses problems Acting as a liaison to families at a distance,…
Are you unsure whether an aging relative’s behavior is due to normal aging or other serious factors? Yes No Has there been a sudden or gradual change that you have been noticing which causes you to wonder if your aging family member can continue to live safely at home? Yes No Do you live a long distance from your aging relative and find it difficult to visit regularly and assess what’s happening? Yes No Do you travel frequently and find that there is no one else to check on your parents…
Frederick, MD 
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