KB120
  |  Home  |  Allergies  |  ADHD  |  Alzheimers Disease  |  Anxiety Disorders  |  Arthritis  |  Asthma  |  Back Pain  |  Breast Cancer  |  Colorectal Cancer  |  
 kb120 > Alzheimers Disease > Alzheimers Disease Guide > Living And Managing > Text
Font Size
A
A
A

Alzheimers Disease: Your Role as Caregiver

(continued)

Challenges of Caregiving for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

There are some unique challenges that confront a patient with Alzheimer's disease.

  • The disease is quite variable. There may be times when the patient can function almost normally and then other times in which he/she may be very dependent. This is a natural part of the disease. In addition, his/her response to medications may fluctuate. Because caregivers see this, there is a natural tendency for some caregivers to suspect that the person with Alzheimer's is unnecessarily demanding or manipulative.
  • Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder. While medications can provide some relief of symptoms, they do not stop the progression of the disease.
  • Depression is very much a part of the disease. Alzheimer's symptoms and disability can be made worse by depression, so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and help your loved one seek treatment promptly.

 

 

Reviewed by the doctors at the The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.

Previous Page  [1] [2]