If you are caring for a loved one with Down Syndrome who is reaching the age of 60 or above, his risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease are increasing each year of his life. Studies show that by the time a person with Down Syndrome reaches the age of 60, his chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease are at about 50 percent.
Those with Down syndrome may present symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease somewhat differently than those without the disease, so as a caregiver of an elderly loved one with Down syndrome, knowing what to look for is key to helping you take the next steps to help him manage the disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms in Those with Down Syndrome
Your loved one may present some of these symptoms but not all of them.
- An all-consuming sadness, anxiety, or fearfulness
- A spike in aggression, arguing, or being uncooperative
- An increase in excitability and noise levels
- A decline in the ability to pay attention or follow simple directions that he could follow before
- Less enthusiasm or excitement to do the things that he used to love
- Lack of interest in social activities, talking to others, or making connections
- New sleep disturbances or increased restlessness, especially at night
- Onset of seizures
- Losing coordination, making walking and movements more difficult to control
How to Help Your Loved One At Home
If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, how you help him manage his days at home will be similar to how other families manage caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. For someone with Down syndrome, his symptoms may progress more rapidly than someone without the condition so a key factor in keeping your loved one safe and managing your stress levels is to be prepared for changes and being able to pivot when needed. If you don’t already have someone who helps you with disabled adult care, finding a provider who is skilled in managing Alzheimer’s disease while providing disabled adult care is important. With that kind of training in disabled adult care, they will be able to assist you through the changes your loved one will be experiencing.
Four Guidelines for Managing Care
1. Keep his routines the same.
Routines have always been important but are even more important now to help your loved one manage his day. Serve meals at the same time, at the same place, and in the same manner whenever possible. His daily and weekly routines should remain as constant as possible to avoid confusion, frustration, and/or fearfulness.
2. Continue to encourage physical activity.
Being physically active will continue to help your loved one reduce some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease like night wandering and lack of appetite. Exercise is good for the brain and for the body. He will need companionship for his walks or exercise routines even if he didn’t in the past.
3. Keep him safe from wandering.
Night wandering is more common for those with Down syndrome who have Alzheimer’s disease. Make sure your home is safely secured and that there is nothing he could hurt himself with if he gets up in the middle of the night to walk around.
4. Get help as needed.
A disabled adult care provider can help you navigate the changes coming with the support you need.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Disabled Adult Care in Fairfax, VA, please contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc today! Call (703) 765-9350
Access Home Care provider in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Lorton, Springfield, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding communities.
Source: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/down-syndrome
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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