Alzheimer’s: The Rising Epidemic, Elder Care in Kansas City Can Help.

Activities and Communication Tips for a Better Quality of Life.

Alzheimer’s Disease has been a hot topic in recent headlines, and for good reason. The progressive, degenerative neurological disease for which there is presently no cure affects an estimated 35 million people worldwide – a 10 percent increase over 2005. According to the 2009 World Alzheimer Report, the number of people with Alzheimer’s is projected to double every 20 years, to 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050. Worldwide, the estimated annual economic cost of dementia is $315 billion. Every 70 seconds, someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. As the more than 77 million American baby boomers begin reaching the age of greater risk, this disease and its effects simply cannot be ignored.

Because many in our local community are affected in some way by Alzheimer’s or dementia, American Companion Care is helping raise awareness of the enormous impact of this increasing epidemic. The disease can take a physical, emotional and mental toll on patients, families and caregivers. As communication skills fade for a person with Alzheimer’s, caregivers often find it frustrating to support the person’s sense of self while trying to minimize skills that may be compromised due to the disease.

“With Alzheimer’s, a daily routine is essential,” said Natalie Schneider, President of American Companion Care. “Activities that are done regularly, even at the same time every day if possible, may help establish routine and increase the person's sense of stability. Following structured activity ideas that involve and interest the person w/ Alzheimer’s will help minimize the disturbing behaviors associated with the disease,” such as agitation, anger, frustration, depression, wandering or rummaging. Schneider offers the following structured activity ideas for helping Alzheimer’s patients experience a better quality of life:

• Motor: Take a walk, do chair exercises, stretch, or even do a dance using just the hands – the important thing is to encourage some sort of movement.
• Sensory: Listening to music on tapes or CDs (not the radio, as commercials can be confusing) while looking at old photographs, watching TV or movies, looking at picture books, sniffing perfume, soap and spices, or working on basic art projects are beneficial to the patient. Be careful to avoid sensory overload by eliminating competing noises.
• Interactive: Invite friends or relatives over for tea or coffee, reminisce, asking basic questions while looking at old photos, play simple card or board games, or try pet therapy (be sure to match the animal’s activity and energy level with that of the individual).
• Cognitive: Practice computerized memory exercises, do simple crossword puzzles or word finds, play games such as “Simon Says” or “I Spy”.
• Free Alzheimer’s Screening: can be found on our website, www.americancompanioncare.com/resources. This is not intended to replace a doctor’s diagnosis, but instead to help monitor change of a loved one.

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