At each stage of the Alzheimer’s Disease, there are symptoms common to most sufferers.
The symptoms commonly seen in each stage are summarized below, however, it is important to realize that there may be some overlap among the stages. In addition, every Alzheimer’s sufferer may not experience all of the symptoms at each stage.

The symptoms for each Alzheimer’s stage - mild, moderate, and severe - are:

Mild Symptoms

• Confusion and memory loss.
• Disorientation; getting lost in familiar surroundings.
• Problems with routine tasks.
• Changes in personality and judgment.

Moderate Symptoms

• Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as eating and bathing.
• Anxiety, suspiciousness, agitation, and withdrawal.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Wandering, pacing.
• Difficulty recognizing family and friends.

Severe Symptoms

• Loss of speech.
• Loss of appetite; weight loss.
• Loss of bladder and bowel control.
• Total dependence on care-giver.

Learning how to communicate with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s Disease is often a difficult task for families. It can be heartbreaking and confusing to witness a loved one exhibit behavior that is far from their usual temperament. In order to sustain relationships and enhance coping abilities, family members and caregivers must learn how to communicate with their loved ones in ways that can enhance the quality of life for the individual. Techniques for Communication Learning how to successfully communicate with your loved one can help to keep undesired behaviors like agitation and wandering to a minimum as well as improve their quality of life. There are a few basic techniques caregivers and family members should keep in mind when communicating with their loved one.

First, approaching a person from the front can be helpful in reducing the potential of surprise. The element of surprise can be fear-producing and disorienting for someone with Alzheimer’s. Second, face the person as you talk with them, and avoid spending time in a setting with a lot of sensory stimulation. Too much surrounding noise or movement can be confusing and affect your loved one’s ability to communicate. Third, if a situation looks like it might get out of hand, distraction can be helpful to diffuse the situation. For example, introducing another activity such as a walk or drive can help to redirect their attention. Lastly, speaking slowly in a low-pitch and remembering to ask only one question at a time can help your loved one understand and minimize confusion. The above are a few basic keys to communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s. More information regarding communication can be found at ElderCare Online (www.ec-online.net). Helpful Interventions Sometimes prescription medications are appropriate for those with Alzheimer’s to alleviate psychotic symptoms or enhance memory and cognitive functions. However, there are other interventions that caregivers and family members can take in order enhance their relationships and quality of life for the individual.

Family members can help to preserve their loved one’s skills and strengths by identifying areas of satisfaction and pleasure. Enabling your loved one to participate in activities which they have enjoyed their whole life can help to reduce agitation, improve their ability to cope with the disease, and increase their sense of dignity. For example, if your loved one used to enjoy painting or gardening, set time aside to participate in these activities in a way that is safe and manageable. Activities that are as simple as being around pets, going for walks, and listening to music can help to positively structure time and enhance quality of life.

Lastly, watching video biographies are a great way to spend time with your loved one. Video biographies are old photographs that are videotaped and narrated by family members. These videos can often help to reduce agitation during a visit and possibly help to spark the memory of the person suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. There is a lot of room for creativity in constructing video biographies as well as the opportunity to include multiple generations of family members in the process.

Many people do not understand how eating excess pasta or rice

can cause weight gain since these foods has very minute

quantities of fat and calories in them. The secret is.it is not

that important how much fat or calories a food has. The real key

is what biological effect does a food have in the body.

When the inactive body parts have become filled with fat then
eventually the excess fatty acid deposits will become stored
around major organ systems such as the heart and kidneys. This
leads to the degeneration of these organs and in turn will cause
poor health. This can result in poor immune response, poor
circulation, high blood pressure, and can even impact brain
functioning.