Caring for someone with Alzheimer's
 
      Alzheimer's Disease is often referred to as Senile Dementia. There is no cure for it and none is likely in the near future, but prospects for it's management have improved..
      New drugs are being developed which seek to slow down the rate of mental decline. Amongst othes investigations has been diet. It has been intimated that a good 'vindaloo' curry can help delay the onset of dementia

      Each of us is an individual with a life history, abilities, likes and dislikes. When a person develops dementia, it becomes particularly important to respect them as a person and support their sense of identity.
 

  • Focus on the persons strengths and abilities. Suggest activities they can still manage and enjoy.

  • Dementia affects thinking and reasoning, but emotion and feelings are often unaffected. The person with dementia may feel sad or upset at times. It is important to acknowledge and respond to these feelings.

  • Be aware that the person with dementia may not communicate verbally but they may show their feelings in their facial expressions.

  • The person with dementia is an adult - don't treat them as if they were a child.

  • As a general rule, try to put yourself in the place of the person with dementia. How would you like to be treated.

 
Other conditions can be confused with Alzheimer's:
  • Depression
  • Underactive thyroid gland
  • Parkinsons disease
  • Infections
  • Constipation
  • The effects of medicines such as strong painkillers, blood pressure treatment or tranquilisers
  • Brain tumors
  • Emotion upsets
  • Poor sight or hearing
  • Even small amounts of alcohol
 
      A doctor will probably do some tests before coming to a diagnosis of dementia. Assessments of memory and other mental abilities and brain scans may also be used. Sometimes the doctor will want to observe changes that take place over a period of time before making a diagnosis. This may be frustrating, but is well worth the wait to be certain the diagnosis is correct.

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