What’s the Life Expectancy for Someone with Alzheimer’s?
Elder Care in Cheney WA
There are so many questions people may have when a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It may be difficult to sort out those questions or even begin asking them. One of the most common questions, though, is the life expectancy for somebody with this form of dementia.
There is no cure for this disease at the moment.
Even though researchers are hard at work trying to find a cure, there is none. It is considered a terminal disease. The average life expectancy for somebody diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is between eight and 10 years, and that’s upon diagnosis.
A person may be dealing with some of the earliest effects or signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease for one to two years before they are officially diagnosed.
Why the delay?
In most cases, the memory loss that begins during the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s is relatively minor. After a few months or a year or so, it may begin to affect daily life. Some of the most common types of memory loss include having difficulty keeping track of conversations they just had, keeping track of appointments they have, using the wrong word at different times and not even realizing it, and so on.
What’s more important than life expectancy?
Many family members may want to know just how long they can expect their loved one will still be with them, but what’s far more important is quality of life. As a person deals with the various signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, they will face increasing challenges in the years ahead.
Some of those challenges can be keeping track of appointments, staying safe, avoiding wandering, and eventually requiring more and more physical support and assistance as well.
Getting proper care early is essential.
In order to help a person maintain a high quality of life through this particular disease, it’s important to consider all options with regard to care services. Hiring an experienced home care aide is one of the best things people can do for a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
It’s easy to assume they don’t need any help at the moment, especially given their physical capabilities and relatively minimal issues, but an experienced caregiver will help an elderly client develop a routine and even focus on mentally stimulating activities. Some research indicates that mental stimulation can help delay the onset of more serious aspects of memory loss when associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Cheney WA, contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088.
His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.
This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.
- Are You in Good Hands? 5 Key Qualities That the Best Caregivers Should Have - December 3, 2019
- Emergency Preparedness: A Checklist for Older Adults and Seniors - November 29, 2019
- 6 Fun Fall Activities That Seniors and Caregivers Will Love - November 27, 2019