Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that impacts cognitive functioning. It involves the accumulation of amyloid plaque within the brain that ultimately causes brain cells to die. Memory is typically one of the first things that is impacted with Alzheimer’s, but balance, physical functioning, and other aspects of life are also negatively impacted by the disease.
When someone has Alzheimer’s disease, everyday tasks and conversations become increasingly difficult. Finding the right words to say and completing everyday things can become harder, and then ultimately, impossible. Having someone to help with things around the house can become a necessity. Meal preparation, cleaning up, bathing, changing clothes, and more may require supervision and assistance. The right kind of help can make life a lot easier for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
A new model of thinking has proposed that we look at Alzheimer’s disease not just as a neurological disease, but as an autoimmune disease. While this might seem counterintuitive based upon what you’ve just read, there are some benefits to this kind of thinking. It encourages those that are providing treatment to people with this disease to think not just about the brain, but about other systems within the body. The study encourages others to think of Alzheimer’s disease as an autoimmune disease that is attacking the brain. It isn’t just a brain disease, but rather a disease of the immune system within the brain.
Regardless of whether or not this is an accurate model, because it challenges us to think more holistically about Alzheimer’s, it can be a valuable thing. The team published their findings in the journal, Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, new research and studies like this are always pushing our understanding of the disease forward a little bit. As research advances, treatments improve and those that are suffering from the disease live a slightly higher quality of life for a little bit longer than they used to. There might be a cure someday, but there might not. Regardless, continuing to understand the disease and how to better treat it continue to be high priorities in the world of geriatric medicine.
Likewise, it’s important to continue to refine how the senior care industry works with those with dementia. The right care can make a world of difference for someone suffering from dementia. A professional caregiver may or may not have the right background to effectively care for someone with Alzheimer’s. A professional that specializes in memory care has a better understanding of the needs that come along with dementia, know how to best help these individuals, and be aware of the things that they should be on the lookout for to help someone with dementia live the best life that they possibly can.
If you’d like to learn how Paradise In-Home Care might be able to help you and your family, please feel free to get in touch. Memory care is a large part of what we do and we’d be happy to share some of our expertise with you.
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