May 26, 2008

Mental Care and Proper Alzheimer's Treatment

Everybody caring for an Alzheimer's patient knows this condition affects much more than just their memory. Alzheimer's patients exhibit angry outbursts, paranoia, restlessness, and even delusions. Knowing that, it's clear why Alzheimer's treatment must include care for their mental health as well as their physical.

From time to time just reminding the caregiver that the patient's behavior is part of the disease can go a long way toward helping them with right Alzheimer's treatment. It's easy for a caregiver to get discouraged when the patient asks the same questions repeatedly, but they can remind themselves that it's not the patient's mistake that they really don't remember that they a moment ago asked that question and just got an answer.

Part of the appropriate Alzheimer's treatment for the mental problems associated with the disease may also include making their surroundings as comfortable as possible. Alzheimer's patients often suppose that someone is stealing from them if they can't easily find their checkbook or other papers. Putting those types of things out in the open and labeling it obviously can help with such troubles. Arguing with them about any of these problems will not help Alzheimer's treatment, as the patients are not responding to logic or reason. This also is part of the disease and not something they're doing purposely.

It's thought that Alzheimer's treatment also does better when the patient is as physically healthy as possible. Even though vitamins and exercise will not cure Alzheimer's, they can help the medications that a patient is taking to respond better. Regular exercise also helps with blood circulation which helps the brain to function and heal itself better overall. Like all other organs of the body, the brain needs a supply of fresh oxygen to keep itself healthy.

Moreover it is helpful to remember that some patients respond well to their Alzheimer's treatment while others do not respond as well. Extra care and patience is needed on the part of caregivers when the patients exhibit extreme anger issues or outbursts. Some are even known to be so impatient that they start to tear up papers and other objects, much like a puppy that's trapped indoors. These things can evidently try the patience of the caregiver. Everyone who needs help with the Alzheimer's treatment for their particular patient should approach their doctor about their needs and ask for help. It can be readily available for both the physical care and the mental care of the patient as well.

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