As seniors age, they can be afflicted with a number of conditions that require home health care or other services. One of the most common and well-known is Alzheimer's disease, which more than 6 million Americans are living with today. By 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. You may be concerned that your parent may have or eventually develop Alzheimer's. Here is a brief overview of the illness. 

What Are Common Signs of Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to atrophy and brain cells to die. The most common symptoms are slow declines in cognitive and behavioral skills. One of the earliest, most recognizable signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss. Everyone has occasional memory lapses, but Alzheimer's patients experience memory impairments that disrupt their daily lives. 

Later, a senior with Alzheimer's may have difficulty concentrating, planning, making decisions and completing once-familiar tasks. They become depressed, moody, apathetic, irritable or dangerously uninhibited. 

How Does This Illness Affect My Parent?

Alzheimer's can affect an elderly parent in a variety of ways, starting with memory loss. If they haven't retired yet, they may have to quit their job due to forgetfulness and reduced executive functioning. Living independently can prove difficult if they become unable to drive, cook, clean or bathe themselves. 

Additionally, Alzheimer's can lead seniors to engage in an unrestrained manner, taking physical and financial risks they normally wouldn't. Either way, these behaviors can be troubling and possibly hazardous to their well-being.

What Type of Care Can I Provide My Parent?

If you see signs of Alzheimer's in your parent, encourage them to get screened by a doctor. Once a diagnosis has been made, the doctor can help you both come up with a care plan. It should be tailored to your parent's level of impairment, lifestyle and preferences. A home health care aide is one of many options you can consider.

If you or a loved one needs help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.