What to do after your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer s disease
Did you know that several studies reveal that facing a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is traumatizing, especially if it involves a parent? Well, knowing that your mother or father will struggle can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. And since you will have to assume the role of the caregiver, you might find it difficult to manage. Up next, we’ve discussed the initial steps you need to take after your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Our insights are meant to help you understand more about those emotional events.
What happens after your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?
This is a common question among caregivers, especially when we’re talking about an only child caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s. At first, it can be a piece of shocking news, as learning your loved one will face the struggles of a debilitating brain illness can make you suffer. Our advice is to always ask for a second opinion from a different doctor. If the diagnosis is the same, you can proceed to discover additional facts about Alzheimer’s disease.
So, experts say it is crucial not to rush the diagnosis of such illness. You should take your loved one to a specialist in such illnesses or neurologist. Doing thorough testing to confirm Alzheimer’s is essential so that other health problems with similar symptoms are eliminated. Some of the most frequent health issues that mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s include thyroid problems, strokes, and drug interactions.
When your parent’s diagnosis is confirmed, we encourage you to look for Alzheimer’s care solutions and recommendations. There are plenty of approaches and information on the topic you might find it useful to cope with the news.
How to cope with your parent’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis?
As a caregiver for a parent with dementia, you will experience a lot of emotions. Psychologists say that it is ok to feel a lot of anger, considering that something terrible has happened to a loved one. Also, you might find out that you are struggling with depression. If you are in this situation, you should seek professional help. Discussing with a specialist can help you ease the burden.
Our top recommendation to coping with your parent’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis is to start your journey by understanding the stages of the illness. Alzheimer’s is a progressive form of dementia. This signifies that the symptoms tend to get worse in time. There are three stages of dementia: early, middle, and late. You can get a deeper understanding of your parent’s disease by discussing those stages with the medical practitioner. This can help you plan for the future and get your loved one the best care.
The bottom line
We know that learning that your parent has Alzheimer’s disease is distressing. And this is why we encourage you to reach out for help. No matter the stage of dementia, we have a team of professionals that can help you offer the best Alzheimer care for your parent. In-home senior care can be tailored based on your parent’s needs.