The Visiting Angels Senior Care Agency in Gilford, NH Answers Everything You Need to Know About Alzheimer’s Disease
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease, affecting nearly 3 million people every year in the U.S., is a degenerative brain disease marked by a loss in memory and other important brain functions. You’ve probably heard of the disease, and that’s because it’s so common in older adults.
If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you’re probably trying to find out more information about the disease and what your options are for treatment. Our senior care agency experts here at Visiting Angels of Gilford have prepared this handy FAQ guide so that you have an easier time navigating this difficult life moment.
The topics covered are “What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?” “What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?” and “What can Visiting Angels of Gilford do for me?” and much more.
Is there a difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
One of the first things you might be wondering when you’re learning about dementia and Alzheimer’s is “what is the difference between the two?” Here’s what you need to know: Dementia is a blanket term for brain disorders such as Alzheimer's. Every form of dementia is marked by memory loss.
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, with some estimates saying that nearly 80% of dementia sufferers are suffering from Alzheimer’s. However, it is very important to note that while everyone with Alzheimer’s has dementia, not every dementia patient has Alzheimer’s.
What are the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease?
Over the years, doctors and experts studying the disease have been able to pinpoint some of the biggest risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. However, professionals still haven’t discovered the exact cause of the disease, and research continues. Here are the three biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s:
Genetics: Studies have shown that people who have relatives with Alzheimer’s have a higher chance of developing the disease themselves.
Age: Advanced age is a risk factor for the disease, with most patients being older than 65 when they are diagnosed.
What are the main symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
Memory loss is, of course, one of the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but here are a few others that you can keep an eye out for.
- Difficulty finishing thoughts or sentences
- Suddenly acting more irritable, angry or depressed than usual
- Confusing the names of loved ones or friends
- Increased difficulty in solving very simple problems
- Loss of everyday items and confusion about where they were last seen
What can I do if my loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s?
Luckily for patients of Alzheimer’s and their loved ones, there are many options for treatment. As patients age, they typically need more and more help, especially from specialists. Family caregivers are sufficient when the disease is first diagnosed, but as time goes on, families may start considering our senior care agency to help give their loved ones even better care than they can provide.
Visiting Angels is dedicated to making the lives of Alzheimer’s patients as comfortable as possible, and our specialists are trained in doing just that. Our services and home care options are customized for each patient and are developed with the family to best suit a patient’s needs.
Call our senior care agency to request a free, no-obligation in home assessment.