According to Alzheimer’s Association, it is vital for people diagnosed with dementia and their families to know the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s syndrome and the difference between normal age-related memory changes and the possible warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The Association has developed a checklist of top ten signs of Alzheimer’s.

Memory loss: Memory loss is the most common early signs of dementia. A person suffering from dementia begins to forget more often. The person then loses his capacity to recall any information as the syndrome progresses.

Difficulty performing familiar tasks: Completing everyday task in itself is a daunting task for people suffering from dementia. For instance, they may forget the steps involved in preparing a meal, making a telephone call or playing a game.

Problems with language: People with Alzheimer’s syndrome tend to forget simple words. They find speaking or writing very difficult to understand

Disorientation to time and place: People suffering from Alzheimer’s forget where they are and how they got there. As the disease progresses, they forget how to get back home.

Poor or decreased judgment: People with Alzheimer’s loose their judgment power. They may start dressing inappropriately, wearing sweaters on a warm day or very little clothing in the cold. 

Problems with abstract thinking: Complex mental tasks become impossible for people with Alzheimer’s syndrome.

Misplacing things: Misplacing things is one of the main signs of an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s syndrome. The person may put things in the wrong places. For instance, the person may put iron in the freezer.

Changes in mood or behavior: People suffering from Alzheimer’s syndrome display mood swings- from calm to tears to anger- for no reason.

Changes in personality: The person may become extremely confused, fearful or dependent on a particular family member.

Loss of initiative: As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer’s becomes passive. The person may sit in front of the TV for several hours and not wanting to do his/her daily activities.

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US researchers in their study figured out that people who are often stressed out or depressed are prone to memory loss. This can even lead to Alzheimer’s disease at an early age.
The researchers analyzed data from two major studies involving nearly 1250 elderly people who had no memory problems when the study was started. Nearly 480 people started developing mild cognitive impairment after up to 12 years of follow up. The participants were rated on the basis of how often they are prone to tensions and depression.

“What we’re measuring is a personality trait that we all have to greater or lesser degree. We all experience anxiety and periodic depression. This trait helps identify people for whom that are more characteristic than others,” said Wilson, whose study has appeared in journal Neurology.

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Alzheimer’s patients like any other patients need plenty of care, support, patience, and love. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease at home is a challenging task. This can be sometimes overwhelming too. The caretaker requires a lot of patients to take care of the patient. Here are few tips on how to take care of your Alzheimer’s patient at home.
Comfort and safety at home:
First of all, you should provide a sense of well being and safety to the patient at home. Hence, you home safety requires to be re-planned as to provide enough security for your patient. In addition to this, you need to change the environment of your home so that it becomes a safe haven for the patient. The following are the changes you should make at your home environment.

Communication:
An Alzheimer’s patient should not be left alone at any cost. As the disease progresses, your communication style needs to be changed.
Adjusting your communication style to the patient’s changing needs as the disease progresses. The patient needs plenty of time to organize his thoughts and put them together in order to communicate with you. So, you must be very patient. Don’t interrupt and wait until your patient responds to you. Speak clearly. Use eye contact and gentle touching methods in order to help the patient understand that they are being heard. Don’t argue or try to change the person’s mind, even if you believe the request is irrational. Be affectionate with the patient, if this feels natural. Try not to set up a cycle of paying attention only when the person displays problem behaviors. Break this negative cycle by being supportive of positive behavior.

Manage the behavior problems:
It is a fact that the person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may at times become aggressive, disappointing or maddening. All these are symptoms of this disease and you should not take it personally. Manage the behavior problems. Be best at your patience, kindliness and your supportive nature. Stay calm when they are aggressive.

Alzheimer’s patients, like any other patients, require your love, support and kind nature. Show them your love in the best possible ways! Take care of your Alzheimer’s patient!

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Alzheimer’s syndrome is tragic. The mere shattering the sense of self is enough for a disease to take a person’s life and this is what done by the syndrome. Let us fight this. Of course, a lot of research work were conducted and is still going on after the detection of this disease way back in 1901 when Auguste Deter was the first person to be diagnosed by Dr. Alois Alzheimer.

Alzheimer’s syndrome overtakes her entire brain and it seemed as if Auguste Deter had lost any ability to function on her own will.

This syndrome is deadly. A lot of preventive measures have found out to keep the disease at bay. One of the common preventive measures includes engaging the person in social activities. According to several studies, people who do not regularly socialize are more susceptible to an early onset of Alzheimer’s.

Talking about the nutrition for keeping Alzheimer’s away from you, Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s syndrome. It has been learned that the DHA fatty acid present in Omega-3 interrupts the formation of tau which is a protein that causes complications in the fibers of the brain. However, scientists say that this should be considered as a preventive measure and not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Another food related to preventing the disease is fish. This seafood is fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids. It is good way to start the day with an egg, which is also considered good to prevent the disease.

Recent research that shows that individuals can reduce their risks of Alzheimer’s disease by following a healthy diet regime. According to the study, your diet should include Omega-3 supplements. You should follow a diet plan including fruits, vegetables. Following the healthy food recommendations proves to be beneficial to individuals who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Moreover, the clinical trials and the resulting reports point clearly to the idea that early intervention and lifestyle will have the greatest effect on controlling and perhaps preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

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