When you are a family caregiver for a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to learn as much as you can about the disease in order to give them the best level of care possible.

Understanding the disease may make it easier for you to have empathy for your loved one’s condition and provide the physical and emotional support that they need.

You will also be better equipped to ask for help when you need it, as you will know what you can and can’t handle on your own. Learn more about the psychological and emotional impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia, how to support a loved one with dementia, and how to get the professional help you and your loved one need.

Symptoms and Progression of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia progress over time. In general, each disease progresses through several stages until changes in your loved one’s brain and body worsen to the point that they need around-the-clock care.

Here is a look at some of the symptoms your loved one may exhibit during each stage of the disease:

Early stage or mild Alzheimer’s or dementia – Your loved one may be able to function independently and still drive, work, and participate in social activities. However, they may experience memory lapses, changes in personality or behavior, and frustration. The most common symptoms are:

Having trouble finding words or remembering names
Feeling frustrated in social situations or unfamiliar environments
Having trouble performing or remembering tasks
Losing or misplacing items
Forgetting changes made to normal routines or schedules
Having trouble following conversations or staying engaged
Demonstrating difficulty with planning or organizing

Middle stage or moderate Alzheimer’s or dementia –This stage is the longest and can last for many years. Your loved one’s symptoms will get progressively worse over time and they will require a greater level of care. They may exhibit worsening changes in behavior and more frequent mood swings or personality changes. The most common symptoms are:

Forgetfulness, especially of events or personal history
Being moody or displaying personality changes or mood swings
Expressing discomfort or frustration in social situations or unfamiliar environments
Being confused about where they are, what they are doing, or what day it is
Needing assistance with activities of daily living, such as choosing clothing or handling personal hygiene
Developing trouble controlling their bladder or bowels
Wandering or getting lost

Late-state or severe Alzheimer’s or dementia – This stage has severe symptoms, and your loved one will need around-the-clock care. The most common symptoms are:

Inability to complete the tasks of daily living like toileting, grooming, personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, and eating
Losing awareness of their surroundings
Forgetting their recent experiences
Losing their memory of friends and family members
Having trouble communicating, remembering words, or following conversations
Losing their ability to walk or get around on their own
Experiencing worsening health problems

How Will Alzheimer’s or Dementia Affect Your Loved One?

Your loved one may have trouble coming to terms with their diagnosis and the symptoms of the disease. They may develop coping strategies such as:

Setting up prompts or reminders
Asking frequent questions
Putting labels or signs on things at home or work
Using humor to avoid the reality of the situation
Changing their diet or exercise routine
Asking for help more often
Joining new social groups or beginning new hobbies

H3: Physical, Psychological, and Emotional Impacts of Dementia

The way your loved one reacts to their diagnosis and symptoms will depend on their personality, age, health, and lifestyle. They may have an easier time adjusting if they have the support of friends and family and access to physical and mental healthcare.

While some people may not want to acknowledge their diagnosis, others may make major life changes to either get the most out of the life they have left, or try to change or slow the progression of their disease.

Here are some of the physical, psychological, and emotional impacts of Alzheimer’s and dementia:

Physical impacts of Alzheimer’s and dementia – As your loved one’s disease progresses, they will experience worsening physical symptoms. These physical symptoms can affect your loved one’s emotional and mental health as well.

They may become restless, agitated, suspicious, angry, withdrawn, and depressed. They may lose control of their emotions and have outbursts. They may also begin to lose their ability to walk, hold or use objects, and take care of themselves.

It’s important to regularly evaluate your loved one’s abilities and physical health and work with your loved one’s physician to make adjustments to their medication and care plan.

Psychological impacts of Alzheimer’s and dementia – An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can have a dramatic effect on your loved one’s identity and sense of self.

They may have trouble coming to terms with how their life will change and may resist the idea of becoming more reliant on family, their partner, or healthcare providers.

They may also enter a period of mourning as they know they will have to say goodbye to activities and hobbies they love as well as their sense of freedom and independence.

If possible, arrange for your loved one to join a support group or begin meeting with a therapist, counselor, or spiritual advisor.

Emotional impacts of Alzheimer’s and dementia – The disease can also affect your loved one’s emotional state and social life, including how they interact with and treat others. They may withdraw from family and social obligations and isolate themselves.

They may worry about becoming a burden to others and want to distance themselves from those who can help. They may also be in denial about their diagnosis and stubbornly insist that they can continue to handle everything.

However, others may face the disease head-on and begin making practical preparations. Some people will update their will, meet with attorneys and physicians, and talk about their needs and wishes with their loved ones.

They may take an active role in their care plan and talk with loved ones about what they want to happen as their disease progresses.

Recognizing the Signs Your Loved One Needs Advanced Care

Over time, as your loved one’s disease progresses, they may end up needing a higher level of care than you and their in-home caregiver can provide.

When this time comes, it’s important to be prepared and ready to discuss your loved one’s transition into an assisted living facility. Your caregiver or your loved one’s physician will be able to recommend a local assisted living facility that specializes in Alzheimer’s care or dementia care.

These facilities can provide around-the-clock medical care as well as mobility assistance, comfort, security, assistance with the activities of daily living, and opportunities for socialization and cognitive care.

Schedule a Consultation for Alzheimer’s or Dementia Care

At Placita In Home Care, we have a team of compassionate, skilled caregivers with training and experience in Alzheimer’s and memory care.

We can provide customized care services in the comfort of your own home, so that your loved one can remain with their belongings and pets. We offer varying levels of care and services based on your loved one’s needs.

We also offer respite care for family caregivers. When it is time to discuss the transition into an assisted living facility, we offer free assisted living placement services.

To schedule a consultation for in-home Alzheimer’s care or dementia care in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.