What is Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?

The decline in the brain’s ability to the extent that it starts to interfere with daily activities is termed Dementia. Memory loss, communication problems, focus issues, and visual perception loss are some symptoms noticed in dementia patients. The brain undergoes microscopic changes long before the early symptoms are seen. Alzheimer’s disease prevents the brain cells from operating as they should. As it spreads, brain cells lose their ability to work. Day-to-day activities like keeping track of personal items, paying bills, preparing food, remembering appointments or the name of your neighbor, etc., become difficult due to the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Memory, thinking, and behavior are affected by this disease. Around 60-80 percent of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease. It does not occur in the course of normal aging, but it progresses with age. In the early stages, a mild loss in memory can be seen. As it progresses, the person might lose his ability to communicate and respond to stimuli.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Early symptoms of the disease include

Difficulty in remembering newly acquired information.
Disorientation
Mood and behavior changes
Unfounded suspicions
Serious memory loss
Difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help in improving the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer’s. The disease cannot be cured, but a treatment plan can be developed in accordance with the symptoms exhibited by the patient.

How is Dementia Different from Alzheimer’s Disease?

Often, Alzheimer’s and dementia are terms that are used interchangeably, but actually, they are 2 different things. Dementia is an umbrella term that covers a range of symptoms due to which a person might lose the ability to perform daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is a common dementia, but there are other types of dementia too. Alzheimer’s is a specific progressive brain disease that affects learning, memory, and reasoning skills first. As it progresses, symptoms become more severe, leading to confusion, changes in mood and behavior, etc.

How to help a person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia?

While caring for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia, caregivers must set routines and allow for flexibility in schedules. As the disease progresses, simple tasks become more complex and time-consuming for the patient. Assistance might be required by seniors with Alzheimer's disease to carry out daily tasks. Make sure you let them do most of their tasks independently with the help of assistive devices. Have a set schedule for everything. Keep more important tasks for the time of the day in which they are most active. Patient safety is the most critical element when it comes to caring for dementia patients. Some of the areas that you need to consider include:

Declutter the living space.
Place non-skid fall mats on bathroom floors, beside beds, near stairways, and at thresholds.
Non-slip Slippers and socks help keep the patients safe and warm.
Install grab bars and handrails wherever necessary.
Check the water temperature before bathing to prevent burns
Keep sharp, toxic, and hazardous objects locked away from their reach.

Where can you buy Alzheimer’s & Dementia Products For Wellbeing Online?

At HPFY, we bring you a range of Alzheimer’s products for sale that will help caregivers improve the quality of life of patients. We have a wide range of best products for dementia patients, including bathroom safety aids, raised toilet seats, fall prevention products, independent dining aids, dressing and grooming aids, assistive devices, and much more at the best prices. Find here products from top manufacturers like Silverts, Performance Health, North Coast Medical Carex Health Brands, etc.