Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect memory and other mental functions. These symptoms interfere with daily functioning. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Every hour, an average of nine Canadians are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’ve noticed any of the 10 early signs of dementia in one of your loved ones, you may be wondering what’s being done to help sufferers. There have been many recent advances in Alzheimer’s disease management. These advances can benefit both people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Researchers Are Working on New Medications
Right now, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. There are medications that can help ease the symptoms of the disease. Current medications can delay or slow the progression of symptoms or temporarily improve mental functioning. These medications can make a big difference in the lives of people with Alzheimer’s, but researchers are still working towards a cure.
Alzheimer’s is a complicated disease, so developing new medications is challenging. Many medications are currently being investigated. In the United States alone, researchers are investigating 77 medications. Other countries are also hard at work looking for new Alzheimer’s medications. Some of these medications may eventually make their way through clinical trials and get approved for sale.
People with Alzheimer’s disease can help researchers find new medications by participating in clinical trials. In clinical trials, participants get to test a new medication before it’s been approved. Participants may receive the newest treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, and they can help move Alzheimer’s research forward. If your loved one is interested in clinical trials, they can ask their doctor for more information.
Many New Technologies Have Been Developed
Modern technology is making life easier for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. New technologies like mobile apps and gadgets are being designed for Alzheimer’s disease management.
People with Alzheimer’s disease can use mobile apps to remind themselves to take their medications, have a shower, or perform other daily tasks. Apps can also be used to connect with other people who have Alzheimer’s disease. Apps can even be used as stand-ins for old hobbies. For example, people who aren’t able to keep an aquarium anymore could have virtual aquariums on their tablets. There are also apps for caregivers. Caregivers can use apps to track their loved one’s appointments, medications, or other information.
Gadgets can also improve disease management. One interesting new gadget is a pair of socks with integrated sensors. When a person wearing these socks gets up unexpectedly, a caregiver will get an automatic warning. This can be a beneficial new technology for Alzheimer’s patients who tend to wander.
Caregiving Strategies Are Advancing
Medications and technologies aren’t the only advances in disease management for Alzheimer’s disease. Caregiving strategies are also advancing. Dementia care researchers are always working to develop newer, better dementia care practices. These practices include new programs for care.
The Senior Gems® program is an example of a recent advancement in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. This program is still relatively new. It helps caregivers assess the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and provide individualized care for patients. The program focuses on what seniors can do, not what they can’t. This positivity is important for both people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Today’s Alzheimer’s caregivers are highly trained and can create customized home care plans. This customized care ensures every person gets the right level of care for their needs. Alzheimer’s care has come a long way from the one-size-fits-all care of the past.
If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, they can benefit from these advances. New medications, new technologies, and new caregiving strategies make life easier for people with Alzheimer’s.
