The Role Of Family In The Treatment Of Alzheimer’s Patients

The role that family plays in the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients can be quite complicated. It is a disease that affects not only the patients themselves, but also their relatives. It can include rejection, irritability and the inability to accept the reality that comes with it.

Unfortunately, there is still a great social stigma surrounding mental illness today. A favorable family environment is therefore essential for the mental health of the patient and those around them. What should families take into account? We will discuss some recommendations below.

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Thus, it is a neurodegenerative disease in which a person’s mental faculties progressively deteriorate and cause severe behavioral disturbances. It is characterized by, among other things:

• Amnesia.
• Changes in language.
• Loss of orientation.
• Difficulty planning tasks or solving everyday problems.

This cognitive decline is usually accompanied by changes in personality and behavior. In addition, a person’s ability to be autonomous and carry out daily activities is reduced. In fact, in the most advanced stages of the disease, they need almost constant help and care.

Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment that can help reverse or completely stop the course of the disease. However, there are palliative drug treatments that help reduce the intensity of some symptoms.

Non-pharmacological therapy and the family and professional support are just as important as the pharmacological treatment. These should be based on stimulating cognitive abilities and avoiding isolation to improve the mental health of patients.

According to the US National Center for Biotechnology Information, some of these strategies can improve people’s cognitive performance and thus increase their independence.

The role of family in the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients

The role that family plays in the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is very important. It is quite clear that the role played by the family in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is a fundamental pillar in the management of this disease.

Thus, a family’s attitude towards the patient has a direct influence on the patient’s acceptance of his illness. A loving, serene, proactive and collaborative attitude with the medical and therapeutic team throughout the family is essential as a point of reference for the patient and to convey trust.

How do you achieve this then? To do this, it is best to establish a routine that allows the patient to organize their daily activities. Below we provide more details.

The family environment and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

The role that family plays in the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients is crucial. Having a daily order and following certain guidelines can help us cope with the situation. Below are some recommendations:

• Establishing routines can be very helpful. This is because if the patient performs automated actions on a daily basis, he can feel more independent. For example, always respect a schedule of dinner and a bath before going to bed.
• Establishing direct communication, avoiding very complex sentences, looking the person in the eye, and remaining calm can help the patient feel better understood.

• Help them and find ways they can participate in activities. Do not treat them like little children. Even though they may have trouble applying basic skills, try to give them as much independence as possible.
• Be patient. Don’t take their mistakes or insults personally, they are a product of the disease.
• Keep calm and do not argue with the patient. It will get you nowhere and it will only cause more frustration for both of you.
• Show affection and empathy. Put yourself in their shoes.
• Help them keep their minds active at all times by doing activities that boost their cognitive abilities.

How’s this for the family?

Even taking all these aspects into account, families can still feel quite overwhelmed. It is also fundamental that family members caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease know and realize that they also need to take care of themselves.

They should also keep in mind that they need to get the necessary help for themselves. For example, some of the measures you can take include the following:

• Find support from the people you trust around you.
• Talk to your friends about how you feel and how the family member’s illness affects you.
• Give yourself space and free time.

In order to be able to care for someone else, it is therefore important that the people who provide this care are healthy themselves and therefore also take good care of themselves.

Support for Alzheimer’s patients and relatives

Both patients and families need support to face the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. The demand for care for dependents has increased significantly in recent years. Factors such as the aging of the population or changes in the family model determine this trend.

The good news is that there are many organizations committed to helping Alzheimer’s patients and their families. At the same time, many provide direct care, while others conduct research into prevention and treatment.

So what is the role of family in the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients? Remember that being empathetic and also thinking about the way you want to be treated can help you cope with the situation.

At the same time, it is also very important that you take care of yourself. That’s because good mental and physical health is essential to support your family member. So seek support from specialized centers and professionals to improve your quality of life and the quality of life of your family member.