It can be incredibly upsetting when you first learn about your loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. This debilitating disease has no cure and you may be feeling overwhelmed with different emotions. The best way to offer support for your loved one is to stay level-headed and to make sure they know you are there for them. Here is a guide about Alzheimer’s disease and how you can help your loved one cope with it.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease affects 5.5 million Americans and the symptoms usually appear when an individual is in their mid-60s. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating, progressive memory disorder with no cure. It is the leading cause of dementia and in time it destroys thinking and memory capabilities. At the moment there is no known cause of Alzheimer’s, but there are a few symptoms to look out for.

Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

Although signs of the disease range from person to person, memory-related issues are generally one of the first symptoms. In addition, people may experience issues with finding words in conversation, spatial issues and impaired judgment and reasoning.

Mild Alzheimer’s Disease

This is the stage in when most people receive their diagnosis. Individuals in the early stages of the disease can still carry out everyday tasks, but they may find that the tasks take longer to do. In addition, they could feel disoriented and find themselves getting lost and becoming unaware of how to get to places. In general, they will experience greater memory loss at this stage.

Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

This second stage will see an individual experience heightened confusion and memory loss, including problems with recognizing people close to them. They may require help with certain everyday tasks and could experience delusions and hallucinations. In addition, they may become paranoid and act impulsively.

Severe Alzheimer’s Disease

At this point the disease has spread throughout the brain and the person’s abilities are severely affected. People with the severe form of this disease have issues with performing everyday activities and communication.

Time to Grieve

Once your loved one has been diagnosed, they will need time to grieve. Everyone takes bad news in their own way and you may find your loved one displaying a range of emotions. At this stage, it is important to let your loved one know that you are there for them and that they can count on your support once they have come to terms with their diagnosis. Although an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis is overwhelming, it does not define who they are.

Safeguard the Home

Depending on the stage of the disease, individuals with Alzheimer’s can still live at home and experience a high quality of life. As a family member or friend, there are a few ways you can help them stay safe in their home environment. Help your loved one out by checking their property and removing potential risks. Minor alterations such as removing trip hazards from the floor or installing brighter light bulbs, can help them stay safe. You can also help them leave notes in their home to remind them to perform daily tasks. A daily schedule can also help too.

Activities of Daily Living

To live an independent life, a person must be able to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). These include being able to feed and dress themselves, personal care, continence control and using the restroom by themselves. People with Alzheimer’s may find these tasks more difficult, especially in the later stages of the disease. If you are worried about whether your loved one is able to complete ADLs self-sufficiently, then use the activities of daily living checklist to determine if they require additional assistance.

Help Them Plan

Talking about future plans can be a difficult task when the future feels unstable. However, planning for the future can give your loved one a sense of empowerment and can help to ensure they receive the care they want when they need it. Help them take control of their future by doing some research into different options. They will most likely require additional support and so they could benefit from home care services. In-home caregivers can help your loved one with ADLs. This option is great if your loved one wants to stay at home for as long as possible, or if they are living with you or someone else. Alternatively, they could opt for specialized care such as memory care services.

Memory Care Services

Memory care units offer specialized care for older people with memory-related disorders. In addition to helping people with ADLs and offering 24/7 access to medical professionals, these units also help individuals develop and maintain cognitive functions. Focus is placed on individuals retaining as much autonomy as possible and retaining a high quality of life. In addition, being part of a memory care community can offer an individual security and safety, and can provide you with peace of mind that your loved one is well cared for.

Financial and Legal Support

Keeping on top of finances can be tedious, but it can be especially difficult for someone suffering from a memory disorder. Help your loved one cope with their finances by going through it all with them and helping them get everything in order. Although the subject of money can be a sensitive topic, you may find that your loved one will appreciate your support in this aspect of their life. It is best to broach this subject with sensitivity.

In addition, speak to them about their legal matters such as power of attorney.

Designating someone they trust as their power of attorney can help to ensure their wishes are met in the future. Furthermore, they will benefit from drawing up a living will, if they haven’t done so already. Sorting out future healthcare and legal affairs can take time, and cost money too. Getting their finances and legal affairs in order while they are still sound of mind can help them stay empowered.