Alzheimer’s’s disease: getting help to live better
225,000 is the number of new cases of Alzheimer’s’s disease diagnosed each year, adding to the 850,000 people already affected, according to the Opinionway survey for France Alzheimer’s.
Many of you are asking the same questions:
- How to live with this degeneration of neurons that gradually transforms the character of the patient?
- What support is offered to those affected?
- And above all, how to effectively support a loved one?
We have tried to provide some answers.
Alzheimer’s’s disease, a daily life that is forgotten
Words that can no longer be found, places that are confused, dates that are forgotten… The early signs of Alzheimer’s’s disease are difficult to distinguish from the normal aging of neurons that elderly people undergo. It is probably for this reason that the first signs can sometimes go unnoticed by relatives, who often blame themselves – wrongly – for not having paid more attention to their father or grandmother. Unfortunately, despite the prevalence of the disease in today’s society, we know little or nothing about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s’s. See also our article Difficulties related to age or symptoms of Alzheimer’s’s disease?
It is not just a few forgetfulness that constitutes Alzheimer’s’s disease, but a set of manifestations. It is when memory loss is associated with an increased difficulty in performing daily tasks such as cooking or tying shoelaces that one should start to worry. When the elderly person can no longer find their way in time or space, it is time to sound the alarm. Caught in its early stages, the disease, although not curable – Alzheimer’s’s remains incurable today – can be significantly slowed down through daily cognitive stimulation (sensory or memory) and the use of certain medications. However, the medical approach alone is not enough. The relatives of the patient must also invest in supporting them to provide the best possible care. This investment can sometimes be difficult, both emotionally and logistically, but can be alleviated by certain aids that are not always known to caregivers.
What support is available for those suffering from Alzheimer’s’s disease?
The Personalized Autonomy Allowance (APA) is probably the most frequently granted aid to people over 60 years old. Requested from the General Council of the department, its amount depends on the level of dependency of the elderly. Dependency is established based on the AGGIR grid, which ranges from GIR 1 (extremely dependent) to GIR 6 (autonomous). Its purpose is to financially support families that need home help – cleaning, shopping, personal care – to prioritize the patient’s home care for as long as possible.
Since Alzheimer’s’s disease promotes the loss of geographical and temporal references, it is essential to establish a rigorous and unchangeable routine for the patient and to avoid changes of location. However, sometimes care in a nursing home (Residential care home for elderly) is inevitable, and depending on the facilities, the APA can alleviate the financial burden that falls solely on families. In addition, subscribing to a supplementary health insurance plan such as the Micom Santé Plus offer or a dependency solution specifically dedicated to loss of autonomy, as proposed by Identités Mutuelle with its Micom Dependency insurance, can also be a lifesaver.
Indeed, the monthly cost of a dependent person is estimated at €2,500. This is a significant amount that can quickly deplete the assets of descendants. Therefore, subscribing to insurance policies that specifically offer dependency solutions can protect the patient and their loved ones with the payment of a lifetime annuity, for example, or the allocation of a capital for home adjustments to carry out the necessary work to adapt the housing to the person losing autonomy. Financial and social means that must, however, be supported by invaluable assistance from the surrounding community.
Supporting a person with Alzheimer’s’s
As Alzheimer’s’s disease attacks spatial and temporal references, the family must strive to mark the patient’s daily life with recurring activities while keeping the configuration of their home intact. However, this configuration will need to be slightly altered by removing rugs to prevent the patient from tripping, locking away cleaning products that could be confused with real drinks, or replacing the good old gas stove with induction plates. To stimulate their memory, relatives can ask the patient about anecdotes from their past (the day of their wedding or adventures from their adolescence) while trying never to put them in difficulty, for example, by questioning them about the day’s menu, which they will find more difficult to remember.
Implementing exercises for sensory or memory stimulation can also play a crucial role in maintaining the patient’s home care. Thus, Dynseo has established brain training programs Edith and Clint, the first memory game programs adapted to each individual’s cognitive abilities. The CLINT version is suitable for people with mild memory loss, while the SCARLETT program is perfectly adapted for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s’s disease. Evolving exercises that allow for daily and precise stimulation of the patient, Dynseo works with health professionals specialized in the prevention of Alzheimer’s’s disease.
Finally, Alzheimer’s’s disease is a disruption for both the individual and their loved ones. Therefore, free support has been established by France Alzheimer’s to relieve the caregiver. This can include free training to eliminate any doubts about the effectiveness of daily actions, support groups to relieve stress and share experiences, and sometimes even personalized follow-up.
Fighting against Alzheimer’s’s disease means doing everything possible to prevent it from gaining ground!
And to go further in supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s’s
SCARLETT, an easy and adapted game program for seniors
With the SCARLETT game program, you will find more than 30 adapted games to stimulate your beneficiaries and share good moments with them.
The home care toolkit
With the home care toolkit, you have all the necessary tools to stimulate your beneficiaries in a bag, with a mix of physical activities and digital activities. Your caregivers are happy to have a complete toolkit!
E-MEMORIES
Supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s’s
A practical guide to support a loved one with Alzheimer’s’s, including the SCARLETT games and following a personalized and adapted program
The emotional impacts of Alzheimer’s’s disease on loved ones
Living with a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s’s disease can lead to a multitude of complex emotions. Caregivers often have to navigate feelings of sadness, frustration, and loneliness. Here are some common emotional impacts:
- Sadness: The progressive loss of cognitive abilities of their loved one can cause deep sorrow.
- Guilt: Caregivers may feel guilty for not being able to do enough or for experiencing moments of respite.
- Anger: The behavioral changes of the patient can be difficult to manage, leading to frustrations.
- Fatigue: Physical and emotional exhaustion is common, especially if the caregiver does not take care of themselves.
It is essential for caregivers to seek support, whether through support groups, therapy, or wellness activities.
Online resources for caregivers of Alzheimer’s’s patients
Many online resources can help caregivers better understand Alzheimer’s’s disease and find support. Here are some recommended platforms:
- France Alzheimer’s: This site offers information, advice, and training for caregivers.
- Alzheimer’s’s Association: An international resource with articles, forums, and support tools.
- Dynseo: Offers games and cognitive tools to stimulate patients and help them maintain their autonomy.
- Support forums: Spaces where caregivers can share their experiences and support each other.
These resources can provide practical advice and valuable emotional support.
Adapted activities to stimulate Alzheimer’s’s patients
To help people with Alzheimer’s’s disease maintain their cognitive and emotional well-being, it is crucial to offer them adapted activities. Here are some ideas:
- Memory games: Use simple games that stimulate memory, such as puzzles or cards.
- Creative workshops: Encourage painting, music, or crafts to promote personal expression.
- Outdoor walks: Gentle physical activities like walking can improve mood and physical health.
- Reading illustrated books: Reading together books with large images can revive memories and encourage conversation.
These activities can help create moments of connection and stimulate the cognitive abilities of patients.
Scientific advances in Alzheimer’s’s research
Research on Alzheimer’s’s disease is progressing rapidly, with numerous studies aimed at better understanding the disease and developing new treatments. Here are some notable advances:
- Gene therapies: Studies are exploring the use of gene therapy to repair damaged brain cells.
- Immunotherapy: Clinical trials are testing vaccines that could help the immune system fight amyloid plaques.
- Early diagnosis: New imaging methods and blood biomarkers allow for earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
- Research on the microbiome: Studies are examining the link between gut health and brain health, opening the door to new therapeutic approaches.
These advances offer hope for the future and highlight the importance of continued support for Alzheimer’s’s disease research.
