If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll want to ensure he or she receives high-quality home care. Roseville home care providers are available round-the-clock to provide care and support. However, you may encounter many misconceptions surrounding the disease, which can make it more difficult to provide appropriate care. Learning more about the truth behind these common myths is one of the first steps toward making informed care decisions.
1. Alzheimer’s Is Part of Aging
Normal forgetfulness such as misplacing items is a common part of aging, but forgetting things like the month or year or how to drive to a familiar location can indicate Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, which means it worsens over time and can make daily activities more difficult to complete, which may mean Alzheimer’s care in Roseville is necessary. Age-related forgetfulness typically isn’t progressive and doesn’t interfere with daily activities.
2. Alzheimer’s Only Affects People Over 60
While Alzheimer’s disease does occur most frequently among people over the age of 60, it is also present in those as young as 30. Called early-onset Alzheimer’s, the condition is most common among people aged 40 and older. The condition is characterized by the same symptoms as Alzheimer’s, including forgetfulness and personality or behavioral changes. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is often undiagnosed even if symptoms are present, as most families and physicians don’t expect the disease in younger adults.
3. Alzheimer’s Is Preventable
Many myths state aluminum, some kinds of dental fillings, and vaccinations can cause Alzheimer’s. While doctors aren’t sure what the exact causes of Alzheimer’s are, a combination of lifestyle choices, environment, and genetics is thought to contribute to the development of the disease. Making healthy lifestyle choices such as a change in diet is recommended to prevent many types of diseases, but a healthy lifestyle can’t specifically eliminate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Natural Treatments Are Effective
Gingko biloba, ginseng, and other natural treatments have a reputation for preventing or treating Alzheimer’s disease. In reality, Alzheimer’s is a complex disease most effectively treated using prescription medications and other therapy recommendations provided by a licensed medical professional.
After your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the following days and months can be challenging and uncertain. However, you don’t have to face the future alone. To ensure your loved one stays safe and comfortable at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We offer Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Roseville, and all of our caregivers are trained in the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, an activities-based program that helps slow cognitive decline in seniors with memory related conditions. For more information on CTM or our other senior care services, call one of our qualified Care Managers at (916) 226-3737 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.