How Alzheimer's disease differs from dementia and caregiving tips
People often confuse and interchangeably use Alzheimer's disease and dementia, but they are actually different. In fact, the difference between the two often causes confusion among patients and their carers.
In this article, we will explain the distinction between Alzheimer's disease and dementia, as well as how to care for a patient in various stages of the disease.
Difference between Alzheimer's disease and Dementia
Dementia is not a specific disease but rather an umbrella term for a variety of symptoms. Thus, when a person is diagnosed with dementia, they are generally diagnosed with a set of symptoms. This is similar to someone having a headache, for which the precise cause is unknown. It could be due to the common cold, tension, dehydration, migraine, cluster headache, or post-traumatic headache. Similarly, a person with dementia experiences symptoms without knowing their exact cause. These symptoms affect a person's ability to perform daily tasks.
Some of the common causes of dementia include:
1. A decline in memory
2. Change in thinking and language
3. Poor judgement and reasoning skills
4. Change in behaviour
5. Decreased focus and attention
On the other hand, Alzheimer's disease is a common form of dementia.
Alzheimer's is a specific disease, as opposed to dementia, which is a general term. It is characterised by progressively worsening dementia symptoms.
Alzheimer's is not a reversible disease, as it is degenerative and incurable at this time. However, there are options to manage the symptoms. Some causes of dementia, such as drug interactions or vitamin deficiency, are reversible or temporary.
Once the cause of dementia has been identified, appropriate treatment and counselling can commence. Until a thorough diagnosis is made, the best way to treat dementia is through communication, engagement, and loving care. Supportive services from home health aides and other carers can also be beneficial for those with dementia. As the disease progresses, assisted living or a nursing home might be required.
Guide for Alzheimer's carers at various stages
There are 7 stages of Alzheimer's disease, and as each stage passes, the disease worsens. Here is a guide for carers on how to provide homecare for Alzheimer's patients:
How Nurses Group Homecare assists with mild or early Alzheimer's symptoms
Even though early symptoms of Alzheimer's are mild and barely noticeable, the person might still feel fearful and uncertain about their future. The stigma around Alzheimer's disease might affect a person's self-esteem. The inability to learn new things and develop new relationships can only make your life terrible. Initial symptoms, such as memory lapses, may increase their anxiety.
How can homecare services help at this stage?
1. Practice acceptance:
Carers can help people accept reality, though it might be tough as during the initial stages people might show conflicting emotions such as denial over the diagnosis, anger, and frustration. Carers should understand that all these are normal and that everyone grieves at a different pace.
2. Make plans:
Carers should assist people in making future plans, such as financial, legal, and care provisions. Creating plans can also aid in regaining a sense of control, as the person will be aware that others are responsible for carrying out their wishes.
3. Look for additional support:
Though the family carer might be giving the best care, it is always better to seek professional help so that the burden on the family carer can be reduced and they can receive high-quality professional care at home as Alzheimer's progresses.
4. Take steps to slow down the symptoms:
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, there are ways in which its progression can be delayed. The carer should guide the patient by encouraging them to do regular exercise, manage stress, and keep the patient mentally stimulated so as to slow the progression of Alzheimer's.
5. Motivate patients:
Carers should help people challenge the stigma related to Alzheimer's. Even in the early stages of dementia, individuals should be encouraged to learn new skills, embrace self-improvement, connect with people, make new friends, or continue their favourite hobbies. As the person receives homecare services, the carer should encourage the individual to lead a normal life.
How Nurses Group Homecare helps to cope with moderate or middle Alzheimer's
At this stage, the symptoms are more pronounced, and the individual experiences frustration due to loss of independence, a growing need for care, or being embarrassed about emotional outbursts, confusion, or physical impairments.
Carers should be ready to respond physically and emotionally to the situations, as the individual's reactions and actions at times might be out of their usual character. The patient might not be able to follow the instructions of the carer and become unable to carry out their daily tasks. Even in such circumstances, carers should exhibit patience and composure in order to provide quality home care.
How can homecare services help at this stage?
1. Create a routine:
Whether you are a carer or someone receiving care, you should develop a daily routine that is easier to follow, such as eating meals, exercising, and sleeping at the same time each day. Routine helps establish a sense of order and predictability, which helps reduce stress and confusion. As the patient's needs are continuously changing, both the carer and the individual receiving care must be adaptable to daily schedule changes.
2. Leave space for independence but provide assistance when needed:
Carers, when providing homecare services to Alzheimer's patients, should avoid overstepping boundaries or infantilizing them. At this stage, Alzheimer's patients become defensive and refuse help as they start questioning their self-worth or feel like losing control over their lives. Welcome suggestions from the individuals, and ask them which tasks they are confident enough to handle themselves. However, as a carer, you should also understand their limitations and step in when necessary. For example, a carer can lay out their clothes for the individual but give them privacy to dress themselves. This gives them a sense of maintaining some level of independence.
3. Advice to develop new communication habits:
A person with moderate Alzheimer's will need extra time to recall words and process a conversation. While providing homecare services, carers should ensure that they speak slowly and convey one idea at a time to avoid confusion. Gently guide them if they make mistakes, and bring them back to the conversation if their thoughts wander. As a homecare provider, you should also be ready to answer the repeated question.
How Nurses Group Homecare helps to cope with late or severe Alzheimer's
In late-stage Alzheimer's in particular, round-the-clock care is necessary, leaving the carer emotionally and physically exhausted. Carers might be responsible for everything, including their personal care, domestic care, and managing their finances. In this stage of Alzheimer's, the patient starts becoming aggressive and wandering off.
How can homecare services help at this stage?
1. Watch for health problems:
Alzheimer's patients are prone to illness and injury, but they may be unable to communicate their suffering. Thus, homecare workers must be vigilant and look for non-verbal signs of distress, such as wincing or trembling.
2. Practice self-care:
Homecare assistants should prioritise their health; only then will they be able to provide high-quality care to Alzheimer's patients.
3. Find ways to soothe them:
Even in the final stages, sensory experiences such as familiar music, food, or pictures can be comforting. Find out from their families what their loved one enjoyed the most and try to provide it. For example, if a person loves to read, you can read them a book. These types of experiences will bring them pleasure and help alleviate some of their distress.
These are some of the ways that Nurses Group Homecare services can assist an Alzheimer's patient and their loved ones in managing the disease. If you are searching for a reliable care provider for a loved one, contact Nurses Group Homecare UK, as we are the finest care agency in the entirety of the UK.