Alzheimer’s disease is one of the diseases caused by the deterioration of the function or structure of the brain tissue, which is often found in the elderly. Caused by a type of protein called amyloid, which when binding to brain cells will result in deterioration and atrophy of brain cells.
symptoms
People with Alzheimer’s have primary memory problems. will not be able to remember And learn new things, so often forget where to put things, despite trying to remember, ask repeatedly, say repeatedly, etc.
As the disease progresses, other cognitive impairments may occur, such as getting lost, being unable to calculate numbers, and being unable to manage basic daily activities on their own. have emotional problems and behavioral problems.
Patient care and understand them
The most problematic emotions and behaviors of the patient should be addressed first, as this will make caring for the patient easier.
What caused the patient’s mood or dissatisfaction? should find the cause, correct, or avoid Help reduce stress for patients. If the caregiver understands this point will not feel that they are not taking good care of the patients Stress will not occur.
Sometimes patients may express emotions that make caregivers feel frustrated. Caregivers need to understand that it results from the symptoms of the disease. It is not the patient who is dissatisfied, angry or intends to scold the caregiver. because before the illness the patient did not have such a personality
Help Alzheimer’s patients understand themselve
Patients should be explained about their health changes while still being able to recognize and understand their symptoms when they are mild. To make patients prepared and willing to cooperate in self-care.
Encourage patients to understand that there are many routines that patients can do independently. so that the patient does not feel inferior or a burden will make the patient proud feel valuable and have more confidence
Set a daily routine to suit the patient
Make a list of patients’ daily or weekly activities. to remind and allow patients to review by themselves
Set up a routine that is the same every day, on time, and does not change, so as not to confuse the patient. Labels may be used. Write their names on everyday items such as glasses, and toothbrushes, so that patients do not forget their own items.
Keep your home environment safe and don’t change it often. Designate a corridor between the patient’s room to various points. to be used regularly Do not place clutter or have things that cause accidents. There is a non-slip handrail. provide adequate lighting In order not to cause the patient to be paranoid or feel insecure until hallucinations occur.
Encourage patients to do activities with family Take them out for occasional outings. Or take them to meet the patient’s friends to help the patient relax. don’t feel abandoned or lonely
Take care and help the patient to exercise as appropriate. Increase muscle strength, reduce joint stiffness.
In case the illness is not severe may invite patients to play games such as computer games, tablets, and calculators, or invite them to pray together Avoid provoking or trying to force the patient too much. because it will make the patient disgusted and cause resistance.
Communication with patients
When talking to the patient Always call the patient’s name. for familiarity and as a reminder of the patient’s memory to remember their own name.
Speak slowly with short, simple, straightforward, and pronounced clearly. not yelling or speaking loudly Body language should be used as well, such as making eye contact, and smiling, as well as using objects used to make speech easier to understand, such as watches, and photographs.
Keep telling stories in the past that the patient is familiar with, chronologically from the past to the present, such as children, friends, and places the patient has visited. or about the work that the patient had previously done
Do not interrogate questions that the patient will not be able to answer. will make the patient anxious Blame themself for being flawed
Precautions and prevention
Eat food from all 5 food groups, avoiding saturated fat foods. and high cholesterol
Control your diet, don’t let your body weight exceed the standard.
Refrain from smoking and avoid being in a place with cigarette smoke.
exercise regularly
Be careful of accidents to the brain.
Take good care of your physical health. annual health check Periodically monitors and follows up on underlying diseases. If you have any symptoms of illness, you should see a doctor early.