Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys brain cells and affects a person’s memory, thoughts, and behaviors.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills as well as the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Symptoms of this condition typically begin to show in the majority of patients in their mid-60s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s and is very rare. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

A research from the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders from 2020 estimates that over 50 lakh Indians over 60 have dementia. India’s burden would be much higher due to unawareness about the condition, under reporting and lack of diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment allows patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease to maintain the highest levels of cognitive and functional ability possible.

Signs of Alzheimer’s disease

As Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness, the signs and symptoms appear gradually over a long period of time and then worsen. Multiple brain functions are impacted due to this condition. In most cases, mild memory issues are the initial indication of Alzheimer’s disease which get severe as the illness worsens. The additional symptoms include:

• Confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places
• Difficulty making decisions
• Problems with speech and language
• Personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding or suspicious
• Problems moving around without assistance
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Low mood or anxiety

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease

People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are usually cared for by family members, friends or trained medical assistants. Here are some expert recommended tips to assist caregivers:

1. Help make communication easier
   How you talk to the patient can make a great difference to his/ her response towards your care and your overall rapport. Good communication skills can give the patient a chance to participate in conversations and activities easily. Here are some strategies to make communication easier:
   • Maintain eye contact and smile
   • Address the patient by name
   • Use a relaxed body language
   • Speak with a soft, calming voice
2. Help them eat a nutritious diet
   Eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Limit intake of salt, sugar, processed and junk foods.
3. Boost their self-esteem
   Looking and feeling good can help alleviate some of the anxiety Alzheimer’s causes in patients. Make sure your patient has all the assistance they need to look their best.
4. Ensure the patient’s safety
   Is your house safe for your patient? Many everyday situations can make a person with Alzheimer’s feel unsafe or put them in actual danger. Follow these safety tips:
   • Place carpet or grip strips on stairs
   • Place covers over electrical outlets
   • Remove small rugs
   • Remove loose wires
   • Place handrails and mats in the shower
5. Plan right
   Schedule social gatherings and visitors for when your loved one is most capable of handling them. Too much stimulation or activity at the wrong time of day can be overwhelming for the patient.
6. Set a daily routine
   A daily routine and Alzheimer’s care go hand in hand, benefiting patients and caregivers alike. Whether it is going for a midday walk, solving puzzles, talking to loved ones or pursuing a hobby  provide patients with a sense of comfort and control over their lives and help them stay mentally and physically active.
7. Be patient
   Over time, a person with dementia will become more dependent. It is essential for the caregiver to be very patient and flexible and adapt your patient’s routine and expectations as needed.

Tips for Communicating

You can help family and friends understand how to interact with the person with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some tips:

• Help family and friends realize what the person can still do and how much he or she still can understand.
• Give suggestions about how to start talking with the person. For example, make eye contact and say, “Hello George, I’m John. We used to work together.”
• Help them avoid correcting the person with Alzheimer’s if he or she makes a mistake or forgets something. Instead, ask family and friends to respond to the feelings expressed or talk about something different.
• Help family and friends plan fun activities with the person, such as family reunions or visiting old friends. Video calls can be a great way to connect, too. Viewing a photo album together can help if the person is bored or confused and needs to be distracted. Family and friends could also create a care package or make a photo album or video to send to the person.

Remind family and friends to:

• Call or video chat at times of day when the person with Alzheimer’s is at his or her best.
• Be calm and quiet. Don’t use a loud voice or talk to the person as if he or she were a child.
• Respect the person’s personal space, and don’t get too close.
• Encourage a two-way conversation for as long as possible. Be patient when someone has trouble finding the right words or putting feelings into words. You can help them but try not to speak for them.
• Try not take it personally if the person does not remember you, is unkind, or gets angry. He or she is acting out of confusion.