Alzheimer’s Disease Tools for Senior Caregivers

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible disorder of the brain.  It develops slowly, causing destructive changes in the brain.  As the disease progresses differently in each person, it can sometimes be sure to know how advanced the disease may be in the beginning.

Alzheimer’s disease is most common in seniors age 65 and older but can develop in people who are younger with the average age of onset around age 57.  Alzheimer’s disease involves more than just forgetting as it will affect the way a person thinks, talks and behaves.

There are three stages of Alzheimer’s disease:  Early, Middle and Late.  Each stage has some definite signs and symptoms and may last for several years.  Some Alzheimer’s patients die within a few years.  Others will live for many years.  President Ronald Reagan received caregiving services for his Alzheimer’s disease for ten years.

Alzheimer’s disease caregivers can monitor these signs of the disease for each of the three stages.  In the early stages of the disease someone may be able to cover up some of the signs and in the later stages they may require reminders for everything from eating to toileting.

Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease Signs:

• Poor Concentration
• Short-term Memory Problems (forgets if they ate lunch)
• Depression
• Forgetting Person, Place and Thing (such as names, dates and how things work)
• Problems Making Decisions
• Personality Changes

Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Disease Signs         

• Episodes of Being Lost, Even in Familiar Places
• Speech Problems – Forgetting Words
• Tendency to Follow People Around (Shadowing)
• Behavior Problems (No Filters)
• Shuffling Walk with Stooped Position
• Episodes of Repetitive Behavior (Pacing)
• Desire to Place Items in Mouth
• Difficulty Following Directions
• Difficulty Sleeping at Night

Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease Signs

• Weight Loss
• Loss of Balance and Ability to Walk
• Loss of Short and Long-term Memory
• Loss of Speech (May Begin to Groan and Scream)
• Inability to Perform Basic Skills Such as Eating or Drinking
• Failure to Recognize Others
• Confusion of Who People Are (Thinks Wife is Daughter)
• Respiratory Infections

The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown although research continues.  The progression of the disease can be slowed with medications called cholinesterase inhibitor, with the three most common prescribed being Aricept, Exelon and Razadyne.  The medications produce varying results in each person.  Namenda is prescribed for the more severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  High doses of Vitamin E also may be prescribed.

Caregivers may obtain complete caregiver training through a 10-hour online Caregiver Certification training course.