Though Alzheimer’s disease is most commonly known for causing changes in memory and behavior, this condition also destroys brain cells and leads to the loss of bodily functions, eventually resulting in death. If you have a senior loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there are a few things you should know about his or her potential life expectancy and the options for treatment.
Life Expectancy
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the average life span for a senior with Alzheimer’s is between 4 to 8 years after diagnosis. However, there have been seniors who have lived up to 20 years after experiencing their first symptoms of the disease. Life expectancy for seniors with Alzheimer’s also depends greatly on their age, when they were diagnosed, and if they have any other serious health conditions. Seniors with other medical issues often die earlier than those with no other health problems, and they frequently die from some type of medical complication like the flu or pneumonia. Alzheimer’s is eventually a fatal disease even if there are no other complications present. At some point, a senior with Alzheimer’s will pass away when all of his or her bodily systems fail due to the disease. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care Des Moines, IA, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Treatments
There’s presently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are medications approved by the FDA that have been known to alleviate some of the disease’s symptoms. These medications don’t stop the development of Alzheimer’s, but they can make accomplishing daily tasks easier in the early stages of the disease and help seniors manage symptoms of the disease. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading elderly home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Planning for Specialized Care
If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s, do your homework and be proactive. The first thing you’ll need to do is discuss life expectancy with your loved one’s physician and healthcare team. Though it may be a difficult discussion, planning and having reasonable expectations is necessary. Never forget the doctor has only made an informed prediction, and your loved one’s fate isn’t set in stone. After speaking with the doctor, consider arranging for customized Alzheimer’s care. A professional caregiver can provide mental and social stimulation for your loved one and help with a wide array of daily tasks. Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Des Moines families can rely on the caregivers at Home Care Assistance to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Using our Cognitive Therapeutics Method, our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (515) 264-2438 today.
