When you or someone from you family is facing Alzheimer's disease, you want to be certain that you're getting perfect and up-to-date Alzheimer's information. It's easy to presume that you know what happens next or that you're helpless against its progression, but this thinking is just not accurate.
It is very important to get the latest Alzheimer's information because there are many doctors and researchers that are constantly looking for new medications and treatment options. Doctors do not yet have a cure for this dreaded disease, but they do have many medicines that can help delay the progression of the Alzheimer’s disease. Anyone that has an Alzheimer's patient in the family knows that time is valuable, as the disease is degenerative and gets worse over time. If you are doing the whole lot you can to delay that degeneration, you can protect the patient's health and mental faculties for that much longer. There is also a lot of Alzheimer's information regarding available medications and their effectiveness. Many have been found to delay the beginning of Alzheimer's and to protect the patient's cognitive abilities. Once only available in pill form, many are now available as a patch. This cuts down on many of their side effects and helps patients that have difficulty swallowing or staying on top of their schedule for medications.
Many caregivers and patients are also worried about the progressive stages of the disease. By getting accurate Alzheimer's information both can understand what to expect on each stage. Proper arrangements can be made, and medications can be adjusted (under a doctor's care of course).
The most up-to-date Alzheimer's information is naturally found online. There are many Alzheimer's organizations dedicated to not just the most recent information, but to the support of those who are caregivers too. They provide forums and boards to get help from others. They can even connect you with local resources for doctors, visiting nurses, home care, hospices, or specialists in the field of aging and Alzheimer's.
It's best if you get Alzheimer's information from an honest source though. Don't fall for any slick sales pitches that say that you can cure Alzheimer's with a certain herb or mix of vitamins. If you need support with finding a reputable site or organization, or aren't convinced about the information you're reading, consult with your doctor to be sure. Only he or she can be sure if the Alzheimer's information you're getting is correct.
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I agree with you that the most up to date Alzheimer's info can be found online.
Many community doctors--even though they may be neurologists, family medicine, etc. don't necessarily keep up with current research and treatments.
I had to push my mother's doctor into a diagnosis. I knew my mother had some form of dementia--I cared for her 24/7, and yet when we went to the doctor's, my mother could pull herself together and act charming. (Part of that is due to new stimulation). If they listened to her for more than 2-3 sentences, they'd begin to see the "holes" in thought and reason.
Family caregivers and loved ones must be vigilent. I know how hard it is to simply care for another person and on top of that you have to become an expert in Alzheimer's?
Maybe not an expert, but you certainly need to seek out expert advice.
It's worth the time on the 'net, the time to drive further, and seek out a doctor who becomes a partner in your loved one's care.
Thanks for this great post.
Carol D. O'Dell
Author of Mothering Mother: A Daughter's Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir
available on Amazon
www.mothering-mother.com
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