Alzheimer"s and dementia are traumatizing neurologic conditions that rob patients and their families of the things they know and love, so it’s important to lend a hand to those who may be suffering. Patients with advanced Alzheimer’s are essentially helpless on their own, so they need a well-educated and loving group surrounding them – especially their family and loved ones.
The first step is to become competent in knowing the signs of Alzheimer’s, which is more complex than it may seem. Some memory changes are normal with age, but certain signs cross over into territory where the possibility of Alzheimer’s or dementia becomes important to evaluate.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, of the estimated 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, roughly half don’t even know that they have it.
Here are some signs that memory loss may be more than just old age:
Doctors evaluate a person by considering a number of factors, though there is no one simple test to diagnose dementia. But once a diagnosis has been confirmed, it’s important to become familiar with providing mental support throughout the stages of the disease.
Addressing Their Primary Concerns
Even in the earliest stages of Alzheimer"s or dementia, you must continually evaluate their condition and address any big concerns. Your loved one’s safety is the main one, especially early on when no one is quite sure how severe the condition is. When the wisdom of maintaining solo independence becomes questionable, it can be a devastating realization for your loved one. They will need the support of both family and medical professionals in order to adapt.
Understanding the Progression of Alzheimer"s
Understand each stage of the disease, and know that all patients progress differently. It’s important that caregivers understand that the condition will probably worsen – meaning that you need to prepare to make some difficult decisions with little warning. Providing mental support throughout the process gives your loved one the ability to retain their dignity and identity for as long as possible. As the condition progresses, the type of mental support they need will continue to change.
Meeting Your Loved One’s Needs
As time passes, your loved one’s needs will change. Even though mental support is a must, their physical safety and overall health must be monitored as well. When it’s apparent that the patient can no longer live on their own, a decision will have to be made to make arrangements for proper care, either through an assisted living facility or personal care.
There are many misconceptions about the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Some think, “What’s the purpose of diagnosing or treating when there is no cure?” Dr. Ron Peterson, the Mayo Clinic director of Alzheimer’s research, cites a commonly held belief that there is nothing that anyone can do about it.
While there is currently no cure, there are definitely steps you can take to improve your loved one’s well-being. A study showed that lifestyle changes and proper care can actually postpone or prevent intellectual deterioration, which is reflected in current treatment guidelines.
Absolutely, you can play a positive, supportive role in the lives of loved ones suffering from memory issues.
Visit the Family Care Centers Medical Group offices in Fountain Valley, Irvine or Costa Mesa for any questions regarding you or your loved one’s health. Our urgent and primary care physicians are available and prepared to answer and all of your questions/concerns. Schedule a reservation with us today.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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