Elder Care: Current Dementia Treatments Available
Elder Care: Unfortunately, as of now, there aren’t cures for dementia.
However, there are some treatments that can help to slow down the progression of dementia. There are also some treatments that can help to manage the symptoms of these diseases. When you are caring for an elderly loved one, if they have dementia, it is a good idea to learn more about these treatments. This way, you will not only better understand their disease, but you will be able to ask questions during the appointments with their doctor or elder care providers.
Elder Care in Greenwood IN: Dementia Treatments
Taking Medications
One of the things that doctors prescribe for dementia patients is medications. There are several medications that are prescribed to help improve brain functions in dementia patients. There are also medications prescribed to help slow the progression of this disease. Namenda, for example, can help to prevent brain cell damage. People with dementia have higher glutamate levels which cause brain cell damage. While this isn’t 100% preventable, taking this medication can help to prevent damage to brain cells for a longer period of time.
There are other medications prescribed to help increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the dementia patient’s brain. Some of these medications include Aricept, Razadyne, and Exelon. Some of these medications can work for many years. However, in time, the medications will no longer work and the dementia symptoms will take over.
Other medications may be prescribed to help with anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. You or elder care providers may need to remind your elderly loved one to take their medications.
Attending Counseling
Many dementia patients, especially those who are in the earlier stages, are advised to attend counseling. It can be tough dealing with a dementia diagnosis. Your elderly loved one might experience a range of emotions including feeling like they are losing themselves. They may also feel isolated, sad, or even depressed. The first thing for family caregivers to know is that all these feelings are normal. However, your elderly loved one shouldn’t have to cope with their dementia diagnosis on their own. You, elder care providers, doctors, and counselors can all be part of their support network.
Making Dietary Changes
Research shows that eating a healthier diet, filled with vegetables and fruits, can help to protect the brain. As mentioned, there is no cure for dementia. However, studies have shown that when dementia patients eat healthier, they can slow down the progression of their disease.
Elder Care: Conclusion
These are some of the current dementia treatments available. If your elderly loved one has this disease, make sure they are seeing their doctor regularly. The treatments they need will change over time, as the disease progresses.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care in Greenwood, VA, please call the caring staff at Home Services Unlimited. Serving Greater Indianapolis Area. Call for Immediate Info & Assistance: (317) 471-0760
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers/treatment
As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where she was the In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
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