June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This month, we wear purple to help bring awareness to the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, and participate in walks to raise money for research.
One important tool in raising awareness is helping educate people on the signs and symptoms of cognitive impairment. While many of us find ourselves forgetting a name once in a while or searching for the right word in a conversation, there are specific things to look for when it comes to dementia.
Signs of mild cognitive impairment:
– Missing an appointment
– Asking the same question repeatedly
– Forgetting names, places and common words
– Difficulty following instructions
– Confusing dates and times
– Apathy
Every day, more than 2,000 older adults may transition from mild cognitive impairment to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. If you are worried about your loved one, it is important to take them to their doctor and have them tested.
Slowing the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, there are medicines that can help slow the progression, and other things you can do to help stall the onset of the disease.
Encourage exercise. Regular exercise has many health benefits. In addition to helping lower blood pressure and improve blood sugar levels, exercise can lessen symptoms of depression, which also occur in tandem with dementia. It might even slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Reduce clutter and noise. Making small changes around the home, such as keeping a quiet environment and de-cluttering the living space, can help make it easier to focus for someone suffering from dementia.
As for Help When Needed
At Piedmont Home Care, every month is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Our talented team of professional caregivers are trained to work with people who need assistance due to Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia. We understand the challenges of caring for a loved one suffering from cognitive impairment, and know how important it is for caregivers to have respite. You can only take care of others if you take care of yourself first.
If you or your loved one is suffering from mild cognitive impairment, call us at Piedmont Home Care today. Working together, we can help set up a care plan to help those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia live with the best possible quality of life.
