Coping with Alzheimer's Disease

One of my greatest fears when I get old is to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. This is the most common cause of dementia.

Some of the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease are:

1. Age, the probability of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s nearly doubles every five years after age 65;
2. Family History, there’s a possibility of getting Alzheimer’s disease for those who have a parent or sibling that has developed Alzheimer’s diseases. If more than one close relative has been affected, the risk increases even more; and
3. Lifestyle Factors, as most people say, it’s best to have a healthy diet and regular exercise, avoid smoking and drinking.

Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible but there are medications that may somehow help with slight memory loss in the early stages.

In a hospital setting, a nurse has to always remind the patient about the time and date. Sometimes a nurse has to put a picture outside the door for the patient to remember his room. Nurses even provide emotional support for the patient to make him feel special and worthy.

This has emotional and physical impact on the part of the family. At the same time, it is tiring and exhausting because it’s not that easy taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s disease. But still, we have to show them how much we really care for them and support them in whatever way we can do.

Read about managing stress and other areas of healthy living.