Alzheimer’s can also cause changes in behavior both mentally and physically as well as trigger paranoia, anxiety, delusion and even hallucinations. It is indeed a horrible and awful disease.

The disease affects over 15 million elderly men and women worldwide and it is the most common form of dementia, with over 75% of cases diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The disease acts by shrinking and eating away at areas of the brain, especially the memory (hippocampus) and thinking (cortex) areas.

Alzheimer’s is a slow, gradual disease that isn’t as easy to detect as one would imagine. Indeed diagnosis can only fully be qualified with an after death brain-biopsy, but lapses in memory are the real first signs of the onset of Alzheimer’s with individuals usually having trouble remembering things like telephone numbers, recent events and even names to start with.

This is often put down to simple forgetfulness on the sufferer’s part or family members of the person involved and it isn’t until Alzheimer’s actually advances that people recognize something isn’t quite right as the disease starts impacting on the brain and subsequently the individual’s life.

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s at current and while there is a whole host of treatments available the disease isn’t reversible and nor can it be contained, it eventually eats away at the brain and will kill or help contribute towards death in time.

Some experts believe the destruction of brain nerve cells which causes a reduction in acetylcholine (a stimulator), with the damaged cells ultimately blocking the transmission of nerve signals to one another, to be one of the causes of Alzheimer’s.

Others believe abnormal proteins in the brain such as “plaques” and “tangles” are the instigators. These proteins get their name from how they appear on the brain under a microscopic lens.

Plaques are the result of a normal body protein called beta-amyloid that has been transformed into a toxic form of the protein which kills surrounding cells to form these plaque like fibers. The Neurofibrillary Tangle is similar to Plaques and is the result of a buildup of the protein Tau inside brain nerve cells.

This is a hot topic in the research world and some scientists believe these to be an effect of Alzheimer’s and not a cause. More research is ongoing and shedding new light on this area is seen as vital to understanding the disease in greater depth.

One of the causes we do know of is the aging process with the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubling every 5 years after the age of 65 and going on to reach upwards of a 50% chance of developing the disease after the age of 85.

We also know that genetics play an important role in Alzheimer’s with people who have a family history of the disease 4 times more likely to go on and develop some forms of dementia, although only 5% of all cases are a result of hereditary predisposition.

Environmental factors are also believed to play some kind of role in Alzheimer’s with one theory dating a few years back suggesting exposure to aluminum to be quite significant, but again, research has proven somewhat inconclusive on this.

One new area of research that holds some promise focuses on the neurons (brain cells). Despite an Alzheimer’s affected brain shrinking, the neurons don’t die, they become inactive and current research is trying to determine whether reigniting these dormant brain cells will reverse the disease or slow it down.

As with any disease, the key to finding a cure or better treatment methods is by understanding the causes and components of the disease. Thankfully Alzheimer’s is considered seriously enough in both the scientific and medical world to qualify for billions of dollars worth of funding and with most of the modern world under threat from Alzheimer’s, this is one area of health that is regularly under the microscope not only in laboratories but the media too.

Alzheimer’s Risk 1: Age

Age is the number one risk factor behind Alzheimer’s disease – the older you get the more likely you are to develop the disease. Most people suffering with Alzheimer’s are over the age of 65 and the risk factor doubles with every 5 years after 65, growing to nearly 50% for those over 85.

Alzheimer’s Risk 2: Hereditary/Genetics

People who have a history of Alzheimer’s disease in their family are two to three times more likely to develop the disease further on in life. The more family members who have suffered with the disease, the greater the risk. However most cases of Alzheimer’s is a result of both genetics and other contributing factors (see below) and the hereditary form (Familial Alzheimer’s) only accounts for about 5% of all cases.

There are certain genes that have been identified that increases the risk but there is no guarantee it will develop while other genes have been identified to practically guarantee Alzheimer’s developing but are so rare, only a few hundred individuals the world over carry these genes.

Alzheimer’s Risk 3: Gender

Women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s than their opposite sex due to the fact women live longer than men and therefore, due to the age risk factor, are more predisposed to the disease. But even discounting this, new research has shown that a lack of the hormone oestrogen in post-menopausal women is linked with Alzheimer’s. Indeed hormone replacement therapy may even increase a women’s risk factor of developing the disease.

Alzheimer’s Risk 4: Medical history

People who have a previous medical history of suffering with certain conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Down’s syndrome, Aids, heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, Diabetes, strokes and other vascular related problems can be at risk from developing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Risk 5: Diet

A high in fat diet has been proven to adversely effect the body which in turn affects the brain and while diet specifically isn’t recognized as a cause of Alzheimer’s in itself, a fatty diet has been proven to cause high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure amongst other forms of vascular disease which are recognized risk factors of Alzheimer’s. It is always advisable to eat a healthy well balanced diet regardless. Vitamins E and C are believed to contain agents effective in protecting the brain from developing dementia.

Alzheimer’s Risk 6: Smoking

Smoking does untold damage to the body, especially the vascular system which as already covered above, is very important to the brain. Smoking can damage the blood vessels in the brain among other things, increasing the risk of getting dementia which can lead to Alzheimer’s of course.

Alzheimer’s Risk 7: Alcohol

Excessive drinkers of alcohol over a long period of time are at greater risk of developing a form of Alzheimer’s than non-drinkers for example. Heavy drinking can lead to Korsakoff’s syndrome, a brain disorder, which can cause memory loss and leave the brain susceptible to dementia.

Alzheimer’s Risk 8: Physical exercise/fitness

Overweight or obese people are at greater risk of developing vascular problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol for example which can all starve the brain of a healthy supply of blood. By keeping fit and exercising regularly, the risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s can decrease significantly.

Alzheimer’s Risk 9: Education

People who have been exposed to a high level of education for a number of years are at less risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who haven’t quite had a sufficient level of education, or are thought to be able to ‘deal’ with any abnormal changes in the brain much better. Scientists believe that longer education helps the brain develop stronger and more complex synapses (nerve-fiber connections that allow brain neurons to communicate with one another) which can help the brain cope with changes to the brain associated with Alzheimer’s. Basically mental stimulation such as learning an education is good for the brain.

Alzheimer’s Risk 10: Mental exercise

Research has proved that people with a high degree of social interactivity or with a wide range of hobbies and activities are at lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Mental tasks such as puzzles and crosswords help strengthen the brain’s capacity to deal with changes.

Alzheimer’s Risk 11: Head injury/brain trauma

Previous head injury or brain trauma is a common factor in people who suffer with Alzheimer’s and while it isn’t thought to cause or lead to the disease, it is recognized as a risk factor.

If you suspect you have Alzheimer’s or you suspect a loved one or a friend has the disease then the appropriate thing to do is to go and see your health care specialist where a thorough medical examination can be carried out along with other procedures to ascertain whether you or your loved one or friend is suffering with Alzheimer’s or not.

During consultation a host of procedures may be carried out such as a complete physical, psychiatric and neuropsychological testing, blood analysis, urine analysis, a chest x-ray, electroencephalography (EEG), computerized tomography (CT scan), electrocardiogram (EKG) and a mental status examination.

This battery testing is carried out to exclude any other or all other Alzheimer’s-like conditions that may be causing memory loss or dementia symptoms such as stroke, HIV or AIDS and Thyroid Deficiency for example.

Once other conditions have been ruled out the next step would be diagnosis to determine the stage or type of the Alzheimer’s disease, commonly called Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type or DAT for short.

Symptom 1: Loss of memory

The signature of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss and one of the first clues to the disease is forgetfulness, whether that be forgetting recently learned telephone numbers of forgetting about appointments not just occasionally, but on a regular basis for example. As Alzheimer’s advances the loss of memory becomes more deeper and complex where sufferers can forget their own name or fail to recognize loved ones.

Symptom 2: Difficulty accomplishing everyday tasks

Alzheimer’s sufferers can find everyday normal tasks such as using the telephone, preparing food and writing a letter for example both difficult to comprehend and accomplish, forgetting the steps or processes behind each of these ’simple’ tasks. This isn’t to be confused with someone struggling to work out a complex puzzle for example.

Symptom 3: Language difficulties

Alzheimer’s sufferers can have problems with language, forgetting everyday simple words or swapping words with unusual ones. For example “spectacles” can become “those things for my eyes”. Alzheimer’s disease can also affect a person’s writing skills with the writing reading disjointed or incoherent to the eye. This isn’t to be confused with symptoms such as mental tiredness or fatigue which can also cause people to forget words or write unusually. For instance, one reported example of language difficulties in an Alzheimer’s sufferer saw a pen described as a “thingy”, and when asked 3 times what the pen was, the sufferer replied “thingy” again and again.

Symptom 4: Disorientation of time and place

Alzheimer’s sufferers can get lost quite easily, even in their own neighborhood, forgetting how they arrived at their destination or how to get back to where they originally come from. Alzheimer’s disease can also affect a person’s sense of time or timing with some sufferers unable to differentiate between day and night. This isn’t to be confused with simply losing one’s way or getting lost in a ‘foreign’ neighborhood. One case of disorientation saw one sufferer become lost in their own home for example.

Symptom 5: Impaired judgment

One of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease is impaired judgment where by the condition can affect a person’s ability to judge to the point where the individual can for example wear winter clothing in the summer or fail to work out the true cost of grocery for instance. This isn’t to be confused with poor decision making. We all make poor, rash or ill-advised decisions from time to time, some more often than not or more than others. But in Alzheimer’s cases the impaired judgment is often blatant or obvious like wearing gloves and a scarf in hot weather for example.

Symptom 6: Abstract thinking difficulties

Alzheimer’s suffers can find more complex forms of thinking tasks quite difficult to compute, struggling to comprehend numbers for example, what they are used for, how to use them and what real value they hold. This isn’t to be confused with low intelligence or a lack of basic math skills. Such tasks as working out the equation of 2+2=5 can be difficult to an Alzheimer’s sufferer.

Symptom 7: Misplacing objects and items

Another sign of Alzheimer’s disease is the misplacing of objects and items such as putting a coffee jar in the fridge or dentures in the sock draw for example. This isn’t to be confused with misplacing things like one’s wallet or car keys. There is recorded evidence of sufferer’s misplacing such things as a packet of cigarettes in the fridge or other obscure places.

Symptom 8: Mood or behavioral problems

Alzheimer’s sufferers can experience extreme mood or behavioral changes such as happiness to sadness to calm to anger for no obvious or apparent reason. Some sufferers can also lash out violently without due course or reason. This isn’t to be confused with everyday ups and downs of life in general. For example one case of this symptom saw a sufferer laugh hysterically at bad news, while others have hit-out at their loved ones and not known why or even forgetting what they did moments later.

Symptom 9: Personality changes

Alzheimer’s sufferers can experience changes in their personality and can become confused, wary, paranoid, fearful, clingy, delusional or aggressive for example. While most people go through some personality changes especially as they get older, with Alzheimer’s sufferers it can be quite sudden and very out of character.

Symptom 10: Loss of drive and initiative

Alzheimer’s disease can affect a person’s drive and imitative resulting in the individual becoming extremely passive and non-committal where they can for example sit in front of the TV for hours on end watching the same channel, sleep at unusual hours for long periods and generally look disinterested in everyday activities. This isn’t to be confused with depression, boredom or tiredness.

If you, a friend or a member of your family recognize one or more of the above symptoms then it is advisable that professional advice is sought as one of the key stages of treating Alzheimer’s is early detection.

1. Alzheimer’s Stage 1: No cognitive impairment
2. Alzheimer’s Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline
3. Alzheimer’s Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline
4. Alzheimer’s Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline
5. Alzheimer’s Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline
6. Alzheimer’s Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline
7. Alzheimer’s Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline

Alzheimer’s Stage 1: No cognitive impairment

At this stage the individual will show no impaired memory functions and none will be evident under examination from a health care professional.

Alzheimer’s Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline

The individual will show mild signs of the disease such as memory lapses where the person affected will forget names, recent events, familiar words and the location of everyday objects such as pens, wrist watches and keys for example. This stage of Alzheimer’s isn’t usually detected during a medical examination and by friends and loved ones, or indeed the person affected by these ‘changes’.

Alzheimer’s Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline

This is the stage where some individuals (but not all) can be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s as certain symptoms become telling to others such as family and friends or work colleagues for example.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Word or name finding problems.
• Inability to remember the names of people when introduced to these new people.
• Inability to remember passages of text the individual has recently read.
• Inability to plan and organize functionally.
• Inability to perform in social or work environments to usual standards.
• Misplacing a valuable object or item and forgetting where that object is.
• Inability to write coherently with unusual words appearing throughout.

Alzheimer’s Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline

This is the stage where under careful medical examination, the individual shows clear deficiencies or signs of deterioration in some or all of the following:

• Impaired memory of recent occasions or current events.
• Impaired ability to perform abstract mental tasks such as counting backwards from 100 in 7s.
• Impaired ability to perform tasks that require planning such as a meal or managing finances.
• Decreased memory of personal experiences or history.
• A subdued or withdrawn state of mind in social or mentally challenging situations.

Alzheimer’s Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline

This is the stage where individuals start to show major gaps in memory function and a decline in cognitive thinking. At this stage everyday assistance is often essential to the individual.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Inability to recall personal address, date of birth, their own telephone number or where they went to school or college.
• Inability to determine time, date of day, what week or year it is and even what season the calendar is in such as summer or winter for example.
• Impaired ability to perform less challenging abstract tasks such as counting backwards from 20 in 2s.
• Require assistance in choosing correct clothing for the calendar season such as summer or winter. Often sufferers will choose winter clothing for the summer and vice versa for the winter.
• Can recall their own name, names of children or loved ones with a high degree of knowledge.
• Don’t require assistance when eating or using the toilet for example.

Alzheimer’s Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline

This is the stage where impaired memory function begins to worsen further, affecting the individual’s personality and again, sufferers will require extensive daily care.

Symptoms to look out for:

• A loss of awareness of recent events, experiences and surroundings.
• Impaired ability to recollect personal history although most can generally remember their own name.
• Impaired ability to remember their spouse’s name or caregiver, although most can generally recognize familiar faces from non-familiar faces.
• Require assistance in getting dressed. Some sufferers will for example, put their shoes on the wrong feet or wear their pajamas over their clothing.
• Experience disruption to sleep/walking cycles. Some sufferers will wander in the night and become lost, even in their own homes.
• Require assistance in using the toilet.
• Suffers increasing episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence.
• Experiences personality and behavioral changes such as paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and compulsive or repetitive behavior like tissue shredding for example.

Alzheimer’s Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline

This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s where the individual concerned will lose the ability to speak, respond to their environment and lose the ability to control body movement.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Frequent inability to recognize speech and therefore talking becomes impaired.
• Assistance required for eating and using the toile and frequent incontinence issues.
• Inability to walk or sit without assistance or support, to smile and to support their own head. Movement also becomes rigid as muscles seize and reflexes slow and swallowing becomes impaired too.

1) In developing countries Alzheimer’s is the 4th leading contributor of death in the elderly – behind heart disease, cancer and strokes.

2) Over 15 million people worldwide are believed to suffer with Alzheimer’s disease – a number expected to double by 2030.

3) Alzheimer’s is one of the toughest diseases to truly diagnose with an accuracy rate of between 85-90% due to sharing similar traits with other diseases such as Aids, Parkinson’s disease and brain cancer among others.

4) A biopsy of the brain after death is the only definite diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

5) Alzheimer’s is one of the fastest growing diseases of the 20th century and has grown 10-fold in the last 10 years.

6) The risk of developing Alzheimer’s grows with old-age, doubling every 5 years beyond the age of 65.

7) The disease is more common in women due to the fact women live longer than men.

Alzheimer’s is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor who discovered the disease in 1906.

9) Rare hereditary forms of Alzheimer’s disease can strike people in their 30s and 40s.

10) Those suffering with Alzheimer’s will live on average of 8 years or 20 years from the onset of the disease, depending on age of first diagnosis.

11) Those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s survive half as long as those who don’t suffer with the disease.

12) Treatment, research and caring for Alzheimer’s sufferers is a $100 billion dollar industry.

13) There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

14) Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of Dementia, affecting 75% of all cases.

15) Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that only gets worse, there is no coming back from it or containing the disease.

1 – Alzheimer’s is not a fatal disease

Myth! Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease in that it can contribute to death, or the cause of death. Sufferers will live an average of 8 years or 20 years from the first point of showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s – half as long as those not suffering from the disease. Alzheimer’s isn’t immediately life threatening, it is a slow and gradual disease that affects other parts of the body too. Because many sufferers who do die can also have suffered with other illnesses and diseases, it can be quite difficult to determine whether or not Alzheimer’s actually played a greater role in the death.

2 – Alzheimer’s is part of the aging process

Myth! Alzheimer’s is an illness, not a natural part of aging such as wrinkles, gray hair or hair loss for example. Indeed not everyone will go on to suffer with this disease, in fact most don’t. This myth comes from the idea that memory loss, the signature of Alzheimer’s, was once attributed to old-age with the belief that like the body, the mind slows down. While this is true, the mind does indeed slow down and old-age can cause “forgetfulness”, experts now recognize severe memory loss however as the sign of serious illness such as Alzheimer’s.

3 – Drinking from aluminum cans or eating meals cooked in aluminum pots and pans can cause Alzheimer’s disease

Myth! Research, testing and debate has proven inconclusive on this subject and experts don’t believe aluminum intake or exposure to be a risk factor behind Alzheimer’s disease based on this. Although further research is being carried out. Human contact with aluminum whether via the environment or through such things as cans of Cola or cooking utensils made from the material is unavoidable. However our intake of aluminum is very low due to the insoluble forms it often comes in. It is believed that the average human intake of aluminum is anywhere between 30 and 50 mg per day which is very low and not considered harmful at all. Testing on rats which share most of our genetic makeup believe it or not has shown that exposure to greater intakes of aluminum, double the average, didn’t effect the cortex (thinking) area or the hippocampus (memory) area of the brain significantly enough to cause alarm.

4 – Aspartame can cause Alzheimer’s disease

Myth! Scientific research has found no link between Aspartame – an artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in some foods and drinks – and Alzheimer’s disease. Although some scientists do believe that Aspartame is a neurotoxin, something that can affect the central nervous system. That is a controversial claim and further research and study is being carried out, but no, Aspartame doesn’t cause Alzheimer’s or lead to memory loss.

5 – A bang to the head can cause Alzheimer’s disease

Myth! While research and study has shown that the disease is quite common in people who have suffered with some form of head injury at some stage of their life, there is no real direct link that head injuries are a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, although previous brain trauma is clearly now identified as a potential risk factor.

6 – I’m not at risk because no-one in my family has ever suffered with Alzheimer’s disease before

Myth! Statistics show that you are more likely to develop the disease if there is no real history of the disease in your family. There are two types of Alzheimer’s disease; familial Alzheimer’s disease and sporadic Alzheimer’s disease. Familial Alzheimer’s is a hereditary form of the disease and is passed on through the genes, however this form only accounts for 5% of all cases. Sporadic Alzheimer’s is much more common and is caused by many factors.

7 – Only old people get Alzheimer’s disease

Myth! While 90% of all cases occur in people over the age of 60 and that with age, the risk factors grow, people in their 30s, 40s and 50s however have been known to develop the disease. Scientists believe those who do show signs of Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier than usual age are more than likely to be the victims of FAD or Familial Alzheimer’s which is a hereditary form of the disease passed on through the genes.

8 – Men are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s than women

Myth! Alzheimer’s disease affects both men and women that is true but it is believed to be more common in women. The reason for this claim scientists is due to the fact that women live longer than their opposite sex so are more likely to develop the disease at some stage of their life.

9 – Alzheimer’s disease can be cured

Myth! Sadly there is no known medically proven cure for Alzheimer’s disease or treatment that can stop the progression of the disease. However some drugs have temporarily proven sufficient in helping with memory loss and other thinking difficulties associated with Alzheimer’s. Research and study is plentiful and with modern medicine, new techniques and more and more money being pumped into finding a cure, scientists are one day hopeful that they can develop a tangible method of treatment for the disease.

10 – Alzheimer’s is a death sentence

Myth! While Alzheimer’s can lead or contribute to death, the disease isn’t nor shouldn’t be considered a death sentence because it isn’t. Some sufferers learn to live with their condition and with the help of loved ones and good treatment, sufferers can enjoy life just as much as those who don’t suffer from the disease.

Approved Alzheimer’s Drugs

There are 4 types of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FAD) to treat Alzheimer’s, such as:

• Donepezil (Aricept)
• Tacrine (Cognex)
• Galantamine (Reminyl)
• Rivastigmine (Exelon)

These are oral drugs available via prescription and are used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. They belong to a class of drug called cholinesterase inhibitors and work by blocking the enzymes that destroy Acetylcholine (chemicals that are used by nerve cells to communicate with one another). The destruction of these nerve cells are what can cause memory loss or dementia.

These drugs may slow down the process or improve memory and other Alzheimer’s related symptoms. Note: Treatment may cause side effects and may not be suitable for all, please consult with your professional health care specialist first.

Alternative Alzheimer’s Treatments

There are a number of alternative treatments that some claim to help with Alzheimer’s suffering, such as Ginko Biloba and Huperzine A, both traditional Chinese medicines. Because these forms of treatment aren’t approved by the FAD or are clinically proven through research and study, it is always advisable to consult with your health care specialist first.

Alzheimer’s Support & Care

One of the best forms of treatment and arguably the most effective is the help, support and care of loved ones, friends or professional caregivers. As Alzheimer’s advances those affected will come to rely on others and this network of support is essential in any case of the disease.

Just 10 short years ago there weren’t many options open to sufferers but today much more is understood of the disease and the options are quite varied. Many find a combination of treatments to be most effective while for others some form of treatment will have an adverse effect. Again, we stress, consult with your health care specialist first.

Good luck!

As Alzheimer’s progresses the individual affected by the disease will come to rely on the help and support of others to perform everyday tasks such as getting dressed, using the toilet and eating for example. Those affected may also require greater medical care too.

If you are suffering with the disease you will need to make provisions for this, planning with your family or friends along with your health care specialist in advance of the eventual progression of Alzheimer’s.

There are a few options open to the affected individual or their family and friends, such as:

Alzheimer’s Care Option 1: Looking after your loved one or friend yourself

Many family members or friends of someone affected by Alzheimer’s quite legitimately feel they are the right person or persons to take care of the individual concerned and make it their responsibility to be the caregivers, feeling it is their duty to do so.

This is quite a popular option preferred by many as the costs of professional care can be quite a financial burden and furthermore many feel at unease, loved ones and the actual sufferer, just handing over the task of caring to what they consider to be “outsiders”.

However this option doesn’t come without it’s problems – for many have to give up their jobs or put aside their own lives in order to provide the sufficient care needed of the Alzheimer’s sufferer.

During the first stages of the disease home help in the shape of popping in to the home of the affected to check up on the individual or to perform minor tasks like bringing home some grocery or cook a meal is often all that is required.

But as the disease advances the ability to take care of oneself becomes greatly reduced and most families move their loved one into their own homes or in extreme cases, move in with the Alzheimer’s sufferer to give the individual “round the clock” care.

In such cases special modifications to the home may be required and modifying one’s own lifestyle to fit in with the needs of the affected person will also have to be made. This can create a great burden on the caregiver and in some Alzheimer’s cases the demands required to take sufficient care of the affected simply can’t be met without professional assistance in some form or another.

This is where home help can be quite a savior. There are many forms of assisted help such as respite care, professionals who can come in and give you time off so to speak by taking the weight of burden off your own shoulders like sharing tasks for example. Other forms can come in the shape of daytime care where a caregiver comes in during the day while you are at work to care for your loved one or friend.

Alzheimer’s Care Option 2: Residential care

At some stage of the disease residential care may have to be considered as the demands placed on the home carer prove too demanding to fulfill or the sufferer themselves need more structured and better equipped care.

These days there are many purpose-built communities specifically designed for Alzheimer’s sufferers with apartments designed to make living conditions easier for the affected all within close proximity of professional assistance, like a warden or a caretaker if you like. Other forms of residential care can come in the form of nursing or retirement homes.

Alzheimer’s Care Option 3: Hospice care

As the disease enters it’s final or more severe stages where death is a real possibility and the need for greater medical care or assistance is required, then a care hospice is arguably the finest option open to the Alzheimer’s sufferer as this option can provide “round the clock” professional medical care, nursing assistance and also provide the sufferer with the right environment to live in as they enter the final passage of life.

Alzheimer’s Care Conclusion

As ever, all options must be seriously considered and a great deal of planning, financial or otherwise, is often required as taking care of the affected is the most effective form of Alzheimer’s treatment along with actual medical treatment.

If you are considering care assistance here are some questions to ask:

• Are you or the person affected fully capable of caring for yourself or themselves without assistance?
• Do you or the person affected have another disability, handicap or illness that restricts your or their ability to take full care of yourself or themselves?
• Can you afford professional care? Are you covered for professional care? How with the costs of Alzheimer’s care be covered?