Over the years I have had contact with Alzheimer’s/Dementia patients, their families along with other healthcare professionals. The care and compassion that is needed is immense; not at first, but as time goes on. Many times, loved ones are not aware that their parent may be developing this disease which for now is elusive. The signs are either not prevalent enough to trigger a trip to the doctor, or the family is not aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease.
More times than not the persons themselves “suspect” something is not “right.” They are forgetting more often and hoping that it is just a bad day. After all everyone forgets where they put things or miss a doctor’s appointment now and then. A staggering number of people start out with subtle interferences that are simply ignored. Patients don’t want to admit that they might be labeled as “losing it” if they tell someone. If they ignore what is going, concentrate harder, write things down to remember maybe this whatever “this” is will get better.
DISCLAIMER – I am a Registered Nurse, not a doctor and the information provided is from trusted resources. Should you need more information you can find them at the following references I have utilized:
- Alzheimer’s by Medicine X-USA on Facebook
- https://www.alz.org
- Alzheimer’ Disease Treatments https://www.aarp.org
- The 36 Hour Day by Nancy L Mace MA & Peter Robins MPH
- The Changing Brain by Teepa Snow MS OTRL FAOTA
- AARP – Dementia Resource Guide
- DailyCaring.com
- CDC.gov
- Medicare.gov
- Hadley Vlahos RN The In-between Unforgettable Encounters During Lifes Final Moments