The American Academy of Neurology recently released a report concerning the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, and how difficult it can be to do this with accuracy. The issue is not in diagnosing dementia, but differentiating Alzheimer’s from other types of dementia. While Alzheimer’s is the most frequently occurring type of dementia, it is not the only type. An accurate diagnosis is vital if doctors and caregivers want to ensure that our elderly loved ones have the highest quality of life possible.
Things become even more complicated when you consider the fact that some types of dementia have similar or identical symptoms. Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia fall into this category. Traditionally, the main way that these types of dementias have been differentiated is with expensive and invasive procedures. Technology is helping to prevent costly and painful procedures from being necessary, though. New methods of diagnosing these diseases are emerging, making an accurate diagnosis of the specific type of dementia that your elderly mom or dad might be suffering from more affordable and much quicker.
This is a much bigger deal than it might seem. If doctors and other senior care professionals have an exact diagnosis when it comes to dementia, a more exact regimen of medications and other therapies can be prescribed, helping to customize the treatment and care that is given to help individuals with dementia live a more enjoyable life. What’s more, since the discovery of these new techniques has occurred, doctors are beginning to believe that frontotemporal dementia occurs far more frequently than once thought. In fact, it might account for up to 15 percent of all dementia cases.
Neither of these forms of dementia have a cure, but with proper treatment, the quality of life of those suffering from them can be improved. An accurate diagnosis will help make that a reality for many families, especially those that could not afford or justify a costly and invasive tool.
When you have a loved one that is suffering from Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia, having a strong caregiving service on your side is a must. You have many choices here, and in-home care remains one of the more popular picks for families. It is much cheaper than a nursing home, and it places less physical and mental stress on your elderly loved one because they can continue living right where they are.
The best type of care for your family’s personal needs will depend on what those needs are. Memory care plays an important role in the overall health and happiness of anyone that suffers from dementia. Be sure to choose a caregiver that is professionally trained and has experience working with individuals with dementia so you can ensure that your mom or dad is in the best hands possible. Medical care is an important part of helping your parent, but it is only a part of the picture. Feel free to contact Paradise In-Home Care today to see how our services might benefit you and your family in this respect.
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