Fit & Proper: If a loved one has Alzheimer's

Your weekly health guide

Alzheimer’s disease, once considered a menace only in the West, has been affecting more and more Indians lately. It is a frightening disease of the elderly, which has no definite treatment and is relentless in its progression. Medicines are only of little help.

We are moving away from the concept of joint families In such a scenario, should one develop this disease, the devastating consequences affect not only the patient but also the spouse who has to provide the care, many a times single-handedly. 

Initial stages are subtle. The person is forgetful. Such innocuous lapses of memory continue to worsen slowly but relentlessly until comes a stage where the patients ‘forget’ their close relatives or even themselves. The patients become unaware of their surroundings. They may even overlook what endangers their lives.

However, there are steps you can take to ensure their well-being. It is a good idea to equip them with an ID bracelet bearing the patient’s name, address and emergency contact numbers. Their diet must include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Attention should also be paid to personal hygiene especially perineum, groin, armpits and feet. They may require diapers in later stages. 

Make the house safe, as you would do for a child. Keep it uncluttered- lack of coordination can make the person unsteady. Pad up the sharp corners of furniture. Get them anti-skid footwear. It is advisable to install hand-grips in washroom. Insecticides, mosquito-repellents, household cleaners or such corrosives should be stored away. Washroom doorknobs should be such that the doors can be opened from outside in case of an emergency. Reset the thermostat of geysers to about 450 C to avoid burns. Large mirrors may confuse them. Limit the size and number of mirrors at home. One may paste bright-coloured, anti-skid tapes at the edges of steps. Alzheimer’s patients find it easier to differentiate levels if these are in different colour. Put bright-coloured picture-labels across bathroom and bedroom doors. Cover-up all unused electrical wall outlets.

Try to install at least two switches to turn off cooking gas supply and secure lighters/match-boxes. Secure appliances such as iron, microwave, hairdryer. A smoke detector in kitchen should be installed if possible. Store away sharp or pointed objects. The patients may also develop a poor sense of smell and confuse toiletries/cosmetics with food items. 

They may also have problem with other senses- hearing and taste. Keep your refrigerator free of stale food. Noise may distract them; avoid it. 

All medicines and alcoholic drinks must be stored away securely. Phone numbers of close family and friends displayed near every phone/bed, especially in the earlier stage of the disease. Alzheimer’s patients may also have other conditions-hypertension, diabetes etc. Regular medical check-ups are necessary. In late stages, a full-time nursing assistant may be required.

Next week: Working women need to watch out for anaemia