Ask NAN blog

Teachings and tips for family caregivers navigating the needs of their aging loved one.

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Emotional Well-Being NAN admin Emotional Well-Being NAN admin

Comprender los cambios emocionales de la enfermedad de Alzheimer

Para comprender completamente cómo la enfermedad de Alzheimer afecta las emociones de un individuo, debemos comprender qué partes del cerebro afecta la enfermedad de Alzheimer y qué partes no. Ese desequilibrio conduce a síntomas emocionales comunes, que incluyen depresión y apatía, ansiedad, miedo y agitación. La capacidad de sentir miedo y ansiedad, junto con la incapacidad de controlar la respuesta emocional, crea la posibilidad de respuestas emocionales exageradas o malestar inesperado.

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Hacer de los juegos mentales tu nuevo pasatiempo

Para encontrar una manera de mantener activo y saludable el cerebro de su ser querido, comience pensando en los tipos de actividades o pasatiempos que más le gustan a su ser querido. No importa qué actividad sea, dedicarse a pasatiempos con regularidad mantendrá su mente y su cuerpo activos y, en algunos casos, les permitirá participar más profundamente en actividades sociales.

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Emotional Well-Being William Allman Emotional Well-Being William Allman

¿Mi ser querido está deprimido?

A medida que la enfermedad de Alzheimer cambia la capacidad de un individuo para recordar y pensar, también puede cambiar la capacidad de controlar las emociones. Hasta el 40 por ciento de las personas que padecen la enfermedad de Alzheimer también sufrirán una depresión significativa. Dado que es posible que su ser querido no pueda expresar sus sentimientos, es posible que se recurra a los cuidadores familiares para que le ayuden a identificar los síntomas de la depresión. La Escala de Cornell para la depresión en la demencia puede ayudar en esta situación.

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Emotional Well-Being William Allman Emotional Well-Being William Allman

Depresión y enfermedad de Alzheimer

El cuarenta por ciento de las personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer también sufre una depresión significativa, lo que amenaza la calidad de vida tanto de los pacientes como de sus cuidadores. A continuación se explica cómo obtener ayuda y planificar estrategias para afrontar este desafío adicional.

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Making Brain Games Your New Hobby

To find a way to keep your loved one’s brain active and healthy, start by thinking about the types of activities or hobbies your loved one likes best. No matter what activity it is, pursuing hobbies regularly will keep their mind and body active, and in some cases allow them to engage more deeply in social activities.

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Planning for a Funeral

It’s a curious aspect of American culture that while it is inevitable that everyone will die at some point in their life, no one seems very eager to plan for that eventuality. But, talking to your loved one now about funeral plans, no matter how far off, will save you a large amount of aggravation and uncertainty in the future.

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Emotional Well-Being William Allman Emotional Well-Being William Allman

Overcoming Difficulties in Bathing or Showering

No personal care activity is more challenging than helping your loved one bathe or shower. Because bathing is such a uniquely private activity, your loved one may not want your help. But for most of our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, the time will come when they need some assistance. To ensure success with this important activity, tailor your support to match your loved one’s ability.

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Emotional Well-Being William Allman Emotional Well-Being William Allman

If Your Loved One Wanders

While having your loved one wandering around the house might be challenging to you as a caregiver, it’s not necessarily unsafe. However, some wandering can be dangerous, including going into areas of the house such as stairwells, decks, hot tubs, or swimming pools. Also dangerous is your loved one leaving the house, yard, or property alone. To address the challenges of your loved one wandering, you can try some of these tactics.

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Emotional Well-Being William Allman Emotional Well-Being William Allman

Is My Loved One Depressed?

As Alzheimer's disease changes an individual's ability to remember and think, it can also change the ability to control emotion. Up to 40 percent of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease will also suffer from significant depression. Since your loved one may be unable to articulate their feelings, family caregivers may be called on to help identify symptoms of depression. The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia can help in this situation.

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