How can you prevent Alzheimer's from getting worse?

When you receive a younger-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis, you may experience extreme anxiety about the future, along with feelings of shock and anger. However, there are strategies to deal with the diagnosis, adjust, and carry on with your life.

How can you prevent Alzheimer's from getting worse?

What is early-onset Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that causes behavioral and mental changes in addition to a reduction in cognitive function, including memory loss. Even though older folks are the ones who get the disease most frequently, it can start in your 30s. Alzheimer's disease is said to have an early onset when it strikes a person younger than 65. Five to ten percent of instances of Alzheimer's disease had an early or younger beginning.

At any age, receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis can be upsetting, but a case with early onset can be harrowing. You can wonder if the illness would wreck your hopes for a love relationship, stop you from progressing in your profession, or put an end to all of your future ambitions. If you have a family, you probably worry about their financial security, well-being in the future, and even whether they will think you're a self-sufficient adult.

Alzheimer's disease cannot be cured, but you are not powerless. There are numerous strategies to help you, your loved ones, and your friends get ready for the future while also managing the diagnosis. Additionally, there are actions you can do to delay the onset of symptoms and prolong the duration of your quality of life.

What are the causes of Alzheimer's?

It's unclear what exactly causes Alzheimer's disease to develop in its early stages. Since the illness appears to be sporadic in most cases, family history is not a factor. On the other hand, uncommon deterministic genes ensure the onset of the illness, while some inherited gene alterations may raise your chance of getting it.

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's?

Early-onset Alzheimer's disease symptoms can resemble late-onset Alzheimer's disease symptoms. You could struggle with a mixture of anxiety and denial as you progressively become aware of these symptoms in yourself. Alternatively, you might see the indications because of other individuals. They may consist of:

• Forgetting: You may often forget important dates and event specifics. You may be asking folks to repeat things more frequently than you usually do. Or perhaps you frequently misplace objects or forget where you are.
• Inability to solve problems and finish challenging activities: For example, you could find it more difficult to follow directions for crafts or recipes, or to finish challenging assignments at work.
• Difficulty in spatial awareness or visual processing: This may appear as difficulty understanding a piece you've recently read or difficulty perceiving depth.
• Talking points: You could find it more and more difficult to find the appropriate words to say to people.
• Bad decision-making: You may begin to make poor financial decisions or insensitive remarks in social situations.
• Inability to solve problems and finish challenging activities: For example, you could find it more difficult to follow directions for crafts or recipes, or to finish challenging assignments at work.
• Difficulty in spatial awareness or visual processing: This may appear as difficulty understanding a piece you've recently read or difficulty perceiving depth.
• Talking points: You could find it more and more difficult to find the appropriate words to say to people.
• Bad decision-making: You may begin to make poor financial decisions or insensitive remarks in social situations.
• Personality shifts: You can experience depression or become indifferent to things that used to make you happy. You may have both mental and physical exhaustion as a result of depression.
• Social disengagement: Perhaps due to dread or guilt over other symptoms, you may become less inclined to interact with others or leave your house.

As younger-onset Alzheimer's progresses, you can notice more frequent episodes of disorientation, deteriorating memory loss, and intense mood changes. Basic motor skills such as walking and speech may become difficult. Understandably, all of these changes may hurt your mood and lead to enduring depressive and frustrated sentiments that make it more difficult for you to take the required actions to increase your level of independence.

Correct and incorrect diagnosis.

Physicians usually diagnose younger-onset dementia after doing a battery of tests. Along with a thorough review of your medical history, they'll probably perform physical and neurological exams on you. A psychiatric assessment could assist in ruling out mental health issues.

Cognitive tests evaluate your abilities in reasoning, memory, and comprehension, while scans can spot alterations in various brain regions.

Alzheimer's disease is frequently linked to memory issues. Nevertheless, forgetfulness may not always be a hallmark of early-onset Alzheimer's, which could result in a false diagnosis.

A loss in concentration could be the result of something like a stress-related problem. Alternatively, a physician can determine that your growing indifference is a sign of depression. Similar to this, eye issues can also be linked to a decrease in visual processing. Accurate diagnosis is essential if you want to retain your quality of life and take action to treat the real issue.

How do you cope with diagnosis?

Not everyone responds in the same way to learning they have early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The idea of having to deal with this issue at such a young age may make you angry. It may seem incredibly unfair, and you may mourn what seems to be the loss of your identity and future. On the other hand, while you attempt to comprehend the diagnosis, you can feel numb, feel like you're in denial, or desire to isolate yourself from the outside world. You might even feel all of these contradictory feelings at once.

The many emotions may fluctuate in intensity, and there is no one "correct" way to react. To accept your diagnosis and what it implies for your life and the lives of your loved ones, be gentle with yourself and give yourself time.

• Avoid attempting to control your feelings: Give yourself some time to recognize the unpleasant emotions you're going through. You may want to write down your feelings in a journal or speak with a trusted friend, confidant, or therapist. Try not to hold yourself responsible for the illness, though.
• Try to get help as soon as possible: As soon as you become aware of symptoms, be tested by a specialist. The sooner your symptoms are identified and treated, the better. Physicians can also assist you in managing coexisting medical illnesses that may be aggravating your symptoms, such as hypertension or other vascular health issues.
• Try to get help as soon as possible: As soon as you become aware of symptoms, be tested by a specialist. The sooner your symptoms are identified and treated, the better. Physicians can also assist you in managing coexisting medical illnesses that may be aggravating your symptoms, such as hypertension or other vascular health issues.
• Recognize that you are more than your diagnosis: You can worry that people will start to take advantage of you, feel heavier than you actually are, or have a sudden sense of aging. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that you remain the same person that you were before the illness. Focus on the qualities that do identify you as a person, such as your professional position or your roles as a parent, husband, friend, artist, volunteer, or hobbyist, rather than letting the diagnosis define you.
• Study up on the illness: Do as much research as you can on Alzheimer's disease, including the prevalent myths and the typical course of the condition. Speak with others who are managing the illness or watch videos and read books about their experiences. You can feel more equipped to face the future with all of this. You'll learn what actions can be taken to prevent the disease's growth during your research.

Steps to prevent Alzheimer's from getting worse.

• Step 1: Speak with your family and friends.
• Step 2: Take action to reduce the disease's rate of advancement.
• Step 3: Keep looking for meaning and purpose.
• Step 4: Modify the environment.

Step 1: Speak with your family and friends.

You may want to distance yourself from people who are closest to you or perhaps keep the diagnosis to yourself. But being vulnerable with others can assist your loved ones overcome any challenges they may face in the future, as well as help you share the weight of your illness and obtain the social support you require.

• Anticipate a range of responses: The diagnosis may cause diverse reactions among those who are close to you. While some would exclude you from future plans, others might treat you like you're entirely useless and require everything done for you. Concentrate on your loved ones who take the time to comprehend your situation and provide for your needs during this trying period.
• Establish limits: A well-intentioned spouse could feel compelled to handle every household chore. It can be an irritating and dehumanizing experience to go through this. To keep your sense of independence, it's critical to speak up and set limits. Saying something like, "I understand your concern, but I can still manage to schedule my own appointments," would be sufficient.
• Increase the size of your support system: If you live alone, think about developing stronger relationships with nearby friends and neighbors who can keep an eye on you or be there to support you in times of need. To interact with people who are aware of your situation and receive support tailored to early-onset Alzheimer's disease, you can also rely on these groups. If you identify as spiritual, get assistance from your religious group or speak with a therapist in person or virtually.

Speaking with your kids.

If you're a parent, your kids can react to your diagnosis by being shocked, afraid, or concerned about what lies ahead. They can better handle the news and comprehend the changes they might anticipate with an ongoing conversation.

• Adapt your message to the age of your child: Some of the more intricate facts of your diagnosis, including how your brain cells will eventually die off, may make sense to teenagers. When speaking to young children, though, you should avoid using complex terminology and instead use well-known comparisons. Collaborate with your family members to come up with ideas on how to tell your story to your children. If needed, jot down your ideas ahead.
• Be prepared to respond to their inquiries: Naturally, kids and teenagers will be inquisitive. As you respond to their inquiries, use patience. Just state so if you are unable to provide an answer to a question. Recall that multiple conversations are possible in this situation.
• Be prepared to respond to their inquiries: Naturally, kids and teenagers will be inquisitive. As you respond to their inquiries, use patience. Just state so if you are unable to provide an answer to a question. Recall that multiple conversations are possible in this situation.
• Tell them it's acceptable for you to be upset: You may think it's critical to remain composed and speak in a comforting manner. But don't be scared to express yourself or cry in front of your kids. This enables kids to comprehend that grieving is a natural emotion and not something to run or hide.
• Inform them of their place in the larger scheme of things: You may wish to discuss shifting duties with teenagers. While you shouldn't force kids to support the entire family, you should be prepared for potential changes in the household. Saying that you might require a little additional assistance with everyday tasks is one example.

Step 2: Take action to reduce the disease's rate of advancement.

While donepezil or rivastigmine are two examples of specific medications your doctor may prescribe to help enhance mental performance, there is currently no known treatment for early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, new drugs are always being created. Then, you can alter your way of living to maintain the health of your body and mind and even halt the disease's advancement.

Step 3: Keep looking for meaning and purpose.

When you are told you have early-onset Alzheimer's disease, you may feel as though you have lost all meaning in life or that you are unable to make a difference in the lives of people around you. But even in the worst moments, committing your days to things that you enjoy will help you feel more confident in who you are and that you have a long life ahead of you.

• Maintain your interests and activities: Whether your passions are traveling, playing team sports, or taking care of your garden, never stop embracing them. Keep your sense of purpose alive by using your creative outlets, whether it's through painting, writing, singing, or engaging in other self-expression activities.
• Seek out chances to advance: It's never too late to take up new interests. If you want to make new friends and gain new skills, think about enrolling in a community college course. Take up digital design, pick up a musical instrument, or learn a new language. Moreover, fresh educational opportunities might support mental stimulation.
• Increase knowledge about the illness: Make use of your knowledge and own experience to raise awareness about Alzheimer's. Social media can be used to dispel stigma and raise awareness of research and clinical trials. You can further the hunt for a cure by participating in clinical studies yourself.

Step 4: Modify the environment.

Alzheimer's disease with a younger start can cause anxiety and frustration even in its early stages. Making changes to your living and working spaces can be a powerful way to combat those bad emotions.

• To arrange your days and duties, use calendars, to-do lists, and planners: These can assist you in managing any memory problems. You can remember key dates by using the electronic reminders on your phone. Organizing tools should have a specific place in your home so you can never misplace them.
• Make a list of all the jobs that can be completed automatically: To ensure your expenses are paid on time each month, you can set up automated payment alternatives. In the house, technological solutions like smart thermostats can also be useful.
• Make your area simpler: You could find concentrating more difficult if your illness worsens. Reducing the amount of unnecessary clutter and distractions in your home is one method to combat this. For example, turning off the television could help you read more intently, and organizing your desk can help you stay focused on what you're doing. Try to use a more straightforward approach.
• Make your area simpler: You could find concentrating more difficult if your illness worsens. Reducing the amount of unnecessary clutter and distractions in your home is one method to combat this. For example, turning off the television could help you read more intently, and organizing your desk can help you stay focused on what you're doing. Try to use a more straightforward approach.

Changing the way you work.

If you feel comfortable telling your employer about your illness, there might be options for appropriate adjustments at work. These might consist of:

• alterations to the number of hours you must work.
• Items with labels or color coding help with organization.
• spoken prompts all throughout the day.
• modifications to the way some duties are carried out.
• Written directions for jobs requiring multiple steps.
• minimizing the mess in the office.

Finally, finding out that a loved one has Alzheimer's can be quite upsetting. Be certain that their medical staff will offer personalized care alternatives and support them and you throughout the process. You must look after yourself as well. To assist you, think about starting your own support network or joining groups.