June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, so what better time to educate our readers and clients on Alzheimer’s disease and how to spot and cope with degenerative brain conditions. Whether someone close to you is already affected or you just want to learn more about the condition, read on for some information and advice about Alzheimer’s.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that is related to dementia. It breaks down connections in the brain between nerve cells, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty making simple decisions, speech problems, and general confusion. These symptoms worsen over time as more and more brain tissue is lost as a result of the disease.

Warning signs of Alzheimer’s

While Alzheimer’s cannot be cured, its progression can be slowed down and symptoms can be improved. This is more effective is the disease is caught early. With this in mind, here are some warning signs and symptoms you should look out for:

• Personality changes – Alzheimer’s alters the brain, which can manifest itself in changes to the patient’s personality. Sufferers may become more suspicious, hostile, irritable, and even aggressive. Unusual moods and behavior can be a warning sign, and depression and anxiety are common side effects.
• Forgetfulness – We all get a little more forgetful as we age, but if you notice a sudden change in a person’s memory and overall mental capacities, it could be a warning sign. Asking the same questions over and over or forgetting the names of people or objects they are familiar with are things to look out for.
• Frequent falling – Alzheimer’s can lead to problems with balance and spatial awareness, so sufferers of the condition are likely to trip or fall more often. This could also affect their ability to drive safely.
• Isolating themselves – The changes they are going through may cause sufferers of Alzheimer’s to withdraw themselves from activities and situations they normally enjoy.

How to cope if a family member has Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is not only difficult for the person diagnosed with it, but also for those close to that person. If a friend or family member develops Alzheimer’s, the best thing you can do is to be there for them and remain patient with them. You may find them more difficult to talk to as they find it harder to remember details and keep up with conversations, but it is important to still involve them so that they don’t feel too left out.

We also have a blog full of tips on how to look after yourself while providing care for your family members. If you need help with in-home caregiving in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad, then contact us today.

May is Stroke Awareness Month, so we’ve put together all the basic information you might need for understanding strokes and how to identify and prevent them.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is what happens when the blood supply to your brain, or part of it, is restricted. This means that your brain is not receiving the amount of oxygen and essential nutrients that it needs to thrive. The longer this supply is cut off for, the more likely it is that permanent brain damage can occur.

This condition is caused by the arteries leading towards the brain becoming blocked. A number of other health conditions increase the likelihood of this occurring, such as:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

However, anyone is at risk of suffering from a stroke, and it doesn’t just happen as we get older, either.

Identifying a stroke

When it comes to spotting a stroke before it’s too late, you will need to act FAST:

F – Face drooping

A – Arm weakness

S – Speech difficulties

T – Time to call 911

The first three are the main signals that are likely to occur first when someone is experiencing a stroke. When you notice these signs, it is important that you call 911 as soon as possible to reduce the long-term effects that the stroke has on that person. Other symptoms could indicate a stroke, such as numbness on one side of the body, blurred vision, confusion, and dizziness.

Preventing strokes

What can you do to reduce the risk of you or a loved one suffering from a stroke? Your lifestyle can play a big part in contributing towards a stroke. Smoking and eating a diet that’s high in fat and cholesterol increase the build-up in your arteries. So, some of the most effective ways of preventing a stroke are quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, getting more exercise, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.

If you suffer from any of the conditions listed above, or any other medical condition that is a known risk factor for strokes, then it is important that you always take your prescribed medication to keep this condition and its side effects in check.

Having in-home senior care or an assisted living service is a great way to make sure that a stroke is identified and acted upon quickly if it does occur. In-home care nurses can also help to advise you on living a healthier lifestyle and support you in making these important changes that could save your life.

If you’re in need of in-home care in the Piedmont Triad, then contact us at Home Loving Senior Care for help and support.