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Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder named after German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in the year 1906. Dementia is a general term used for the depicting loss of memory and other intellectual abilities which are serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people. Alzheimer’s disease first causes progressive cognitive deterioration which involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. It is later accompanied by declining activities of daily living and by neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease often find it difficult to remember names of the people they know and tend to forget recent happenings. They might not recognize even their family members and may have trouble doing activities like speaking, reading or writing. Sometimes the condition of Alzheimer patients becomes so severe that they wander away from home.
The human brain contains 100 billion nerve cells or neurons. Each of these nerve cells communicates with each other to form a network like structure. These nerve cell networks coordinate the neural activities such as thinking, learning, remembering, smelling, hearing & seeing. To do their work, the brain cells operate like tiny factories. In Alzheimer’s disease, parts of the brain cell’s factory stop functioning properly. Scientists are still unsure as to where exactly the trouble starts from.
Causes of Alzheimer’s disease
The greatest known cause for Alzheimer’s is increasing age. The statistics reveal that the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles about every five years after age 65. The other major cause of Alzheimer’s disease is family history or heredity (genetics). When Alzheimer’s disease tends to run in families, either heredity (genetics) or environmental factors or both may play a major role. Alzheimer’s disease may also be caused by a serious head injury or severe heart diseases that damage the heart or blood vessels.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
There are no medical tests currently available to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with definite accuracy. The first step in following up on the symptoms is to go and see a doctor with whom the patient feels comfortable. The patient’s mood and mental status is evaluated along with a detailed review of the patient’s medical history. Later on a couple of clinical diagnostic tests are performed to ascertain conclusive evidence on whether the patient suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or not.
Home Care and Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are looking for new treatments and care techniques to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to take ample care of yourself if you have to take care of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease because taking care of Alzheimer patients can be quite challenging and overwhelming. You can talk to other people who have taken care of Alzheimer patients within their own family. But the most viable option is to get in touch with professional caregivers who are specialized in providing home care support to people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Home Helpers is a premier provider of home care services for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. At Home Helpers, we have specialized home care providers trained to safely help your loved one with the activities of daily living. Our professional health care services are provided by experienced certified companion aides. Consider our home health care services to take the strain off your back.
Home Helpers’ clients enjoy the benefit of selecting only those services that are needed:
Companionship – A smiling face, a helping hand, ears to hear and a voice to encourage. From conversation to cards, reading aloud to going for walks, our Caregivers focus on providing social and physical stimulation to keep people active and engaged.
General Assistance – Everyday living activities such as housekeeping, laundry, preparing meals, sorting through the mail or organizing personal affairs often present challenges to people. Our caring staff can assist with household responsibilities making life easier for you and your loved ones.
Personal Care – Dressing, grooming, hygiene and transferring from a bed to chair, or chair to a toilet are things that most people take for granted. These and other personal care activities can often be challenging to people as a result of age, illness, or injury. Our Caregivers can provide the assistance and encouragement to help people receive the level of care that is needed.
Transportation – Whether getting to and from appointments, running errands, visiting the beauty parlor/barber shop or enjoying lunch at a nearby restaurant, it seems like our clients are always on the go. Our Caregivers assist clients in preparing for an outing, provide transportation, accompany them while away from home, and help them get settled as they return.
Serving Hinsdale, IL and Surrounding Areas.
(888) 889-6532
Home Helpers provides home care in the following Chicago suburbs: Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Countryside, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Indian Head Park, LaGrange, Lombard, North Riverside, Oak Brook, Riverside, Westchester, Western Springs, Westmont, Willow Springs and Willowbrook. Other Chicago suburbs may be covered.