Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia found in adults over 65 years of age. There is no cure for this disease, which worsens over time, and eventually leads to death. Alzheimer’s develops differently for every individual but there some common symptoms to look for in diagnosis. In the early stages the symptoms are often mistaken as age-related or stress concerns, such as difficulty remembering recent events. When Alzheimer’s is suspected, doctors will run tests to evaluate behavior and thinking abilities, and a brain scan is helpful when available.
As the disease advances, symptoms include confusion, irritability, aggression, mood swings, language trouble, and long term memory loss. Patients often withdraw from their families and society as the illness progresses, and they lose control of bodily functions, eventually leading to death. Alzheimer’s will affect each individual different, and it often develops for a period of time before becoming apparent and diagnosed. On average, the life expectancy following diagnosis is about seven years. The cause of the disease is unknown, but research indicates that there are plaques and tangles in the brain.
Although there is no way to reverse or cure the disease, there are treatment options that can slow the progression. Alzheimer’s is degenerative and irreversible so the patients must rely on others for assistance. Spouses and loved ones take on this role, but hiring a professional caregiver is a great option for many families. With the professional caregiving skills and knowledge, Comfort Keepers helps relieve the social, psychological, physical, and economic elements for these caregiving individuals. They also have a peace of mind knowing that our trained staff have the most knowledge and skills to provide their loved ones with maximum comfort and ease as they battle Alzheimer’s.
Comfort Keepers Santa Clarita
23900 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
661-287-4200