Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to changes in the brain caused by the buildup of a protein called beta-amyloid, which accumulates in the temporal lobe, leading to inflammation and the progressive death of neurons.<\/p>\n

Mexico’s Ministry of Health notes that approximately 1.3 million people in Mexico live with this disease, accounting for around 60% to 70% of dementia diagnoses.<\/p>\n

Given how common this condition is, people living with Alzheimer’s often need the support of a primary caregiver. For these caregivers, Dr. Pablo Le\u00f3n Ortiz, adult psychiatry specialist at ABC Medical Center, shares some helpful tips for providing proper care.<\/p>\n

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• Routines: it’s important to maintain consistent routines when caring for these patients, for example, keeping bath time, meals, and bedtime at the same time each day. This helps reduce agitation and keeps the patient calmer throughout the day.<\/li>\n
• Reminders: helping the patient use reminders, such as planners, notebooks, or priority lists, is a great tool to help their day feel structured, while also keeping them oriented and calm.<\/li>\n
• Planning: it’s a good idea to plan activities the patient enjoys and incorporate them into their daily routine; this could include drawing, doing a hands-on activity, or similar options.<\/li>\n
• Medication organization: keeping a reminder system for medications is essential, whether through pill organizers or calendars, so neither the caregiver nor the patient misses a dose at the right time.<\/li>\n
• Preserving independence: whenever possible, if the patient is still able to carry out certain daily activities, such as combing their hair or getting dressed, they should be encouraged to continue doing so without the caregiver stepping in. If the patient struggles with a task, they shouldn’t be forced to do it, instead, offer help if needed.<\/li>\n
• Appropriate clothing: while this may not seem important at first, it becomes more relevant over time. Comfortable clothing makes daily life easier for both the patient and the caregiver, so avoid shoelaces, drawstrings, or anything difficult to put on or take off.<\/li>\n
• Shower safety: it’s important to set up the shower area properly, using a bench or chair the patient can sit on to help prevent falls. Installing grab bars is also recommended to avoid other accidents.<\/li>\n
• Being gentle: when helping the patient with any activity, it’s important to remain gentle and respectful. It’s also important to guide them through each step they need support with, avoiding forcing them to do things they don’t want to, and preserving their independence as much as possible.<\/li>\n
• Mealtime routine: meals should follow a consistent routine, ideally at the same time each day and, if possible, in the same place, creating an environment that feels as familiar as possible for the patient.<\/li>\n
• Accepting memory loss: it’s very important, as a caregiver, not to push the patient to remember things they clearly can’t recall. Insisting can cause stress, which isn’t helpful in this situation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  The reality is that being the primary caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult and exhausting, which is why it’s essential to pay attention to your own physical and mental health as well, notes Dr. Le\u00f3n.<\/p>\n

  Keeping these 10 tips in mind can make caregiving easier and more manageable and can also help prevent the burnout caregivers often experience. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek help yourself.<\/p>\n

  At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to changes in the brain caused by the buildup of a protein called beta-amyloid, which accumulates in the temporal lobe, leading to inflammation and the progressive death of neurons. Mexico’s Ministry of Health notes that approximately 1.3 million people in Mexico live with this disease, accounting for around 60% to 70% […]<\/p>\n

  Read More… from How to Care for Someone with Alzheimer’s<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":294204,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[947,3000],"tags":[3345,3527,3340],"class_list":["post-619323","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-digital-magazine","category-neurology","tag-home-care","tag-mental-health-2","tag-neurology"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n