[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-alzheimers-as-a-family-member\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-alzheimers-as-a-family-member\/","headline":"How To Deal With Alzheimer\u2019s as a Family Member","name":"How To Deal With Alzheimer\u2019s as a Family Member","description":"When presented with a life-changing diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s disease for a loved one, you can have many questions as a […]","datePublished":"2022-06-06","dateModified":"2022-06-06","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"Developer","url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Fox Trail Memory Care","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","width":474,"height":250}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/HOPE.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/HOPE.png","width":432,"height":130},"url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-alzheimers-as-a-family-member\/","about":["Alzheimer's Disease"],"wordCount":765,"articleBody":"When presented with a life-changing diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s disease for a loved one, you can have many questions as a family member. You may have noticed the early signs and found it daunting thinking about the next steps and the impact they will have on those affected.As a family member of someone with Alzheimer\u2019s, you do not need to feel alone. More than 6 million people live with Alzheimer\u2019s in the United States, with a projected rise to 13 million by 2050.You can breathe some relief to know there are memory care communities that help to give some suggestions on what actions you should take now that your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s.What is Alzheimer\u2019s?Alzheimer\u2019s disease affects memory, thinking, and in time, behavior with a loss of personal compassion and choice. It\u2019s the progressive form of dementia commonly diagnosed over 65 years.Alzheimer\u2019s is a brain disorder that starts with microscopic changes in the brain. Nerve cells or neurons connect with each other to form communication networks involved in thinking, remembering, and learning.Scientists believe plaques, which are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid, and tangles, which are twisted fibers of another protein called tau, block or disrupt the communication between nerve cells. The damage to nerve cells leads to irreversible changes in the brain.How Does Alzheimer\u2019s Present?Alzheimer\u2019s progresses slowly with people forgetting recent events but can sometimes remember past events. The symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s in its early stages may be mild. As the disease progresses, people experience more symptoms.We all forget things from time to time. The following mild to progressive symptoms can present in people with Alzheimer\u2019s, but they are not a diagnosis:Difficulty with ordinary daily activities such as getting dressedExperience mood swings such as anger, anxiety, and depressionForgetfulness and memory failureConfusion and frustrationPoor judgmentPoor hygiene and hygiene issuesPoor coordinationFeeling disoriented, agitated, wandering, or getting lost easilyLack of interestTrouble focusingTrouble communicatingIf you notice these symptoms in a loved one, consult a doctor to determine the cause.Ways to Deal with Alzheimer\u2019s as a Family?The effects of an Alzheimer\u2019s diagnosis are challenging for anyone, whether you as a family member will be the primary caregiver or not. By sharing your concerns and finding motivation, solutions, and resources together, you will be more equipped to cope.Talk About ItStart the conversation with your family about how this illness affects a person\u2019s life. Be aware of what changes to expect as the disease progresses.Hold discussions about how you can help while giving them a sense of independence. Talking about the illness together helps everyone involved prepare for what is ahead with patience and understanding.Get SupportGetting support from your family, friends, and health care providers can help ease you into understanding the world of Alzheimer\u2019s disease and bring much-needed resources and advice.Family and friends may be eager to help and show support but not know precisely how. Keep in touch with and update family and friends to let them know when and how you need help.Be Prepared for the Changes\u00a0Learn more about the disease and know what to expect as the disease takes its course and symptoms progress. As a family member, you can plan and prepare for any changes when they happen. With progression, more time, energy, and care may mean looking for home care options, health care aides, or care living.Keep Them as Healthy as PossibleSupporting their health will make them feel better and help them with memory and behavior issues. Taking the correct medication, eating right, and exercising ensure physical well-being.Take Care of YourselfAs a caregiver and family member, you may be feeling a lot of stress or sadness. Emotions are normal and expected, but to prevent burnout and depression, remember to take care of yourself. Your health and well-being will help you be there for your loved ones when they need you.Help for Family MembersNot all cases of Alzheimer\u2019s are the same. In some instances, caregiver support may include respite care or memory support.However, with its progressive nature, it will become less likely for the person with Alzheimer\u2019s to take care of themselves. As a family member, you may need to decide about long-term care at home or consider Fox Trail Memory Care in New Jersey. Contact us and let us guide your loved ones through their day-to-day life with a compassionate approach."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How To Deal With Alzheimer\u2019s as a Family Member","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-alzheimers-as-a-family-member\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]