Identify Problems

Mood swings are common in older adults with Alzheimer’s, causing them to act out with anger, sadness, and even violence. The distressing effects of the condition are generally what cause seniors to experience mood swings. The progressive deterioration of the brain cells leads to outbursts, restlessness, delusions, and various personality changes. 

When it pertains to treating mood swings, you need to find the underlying cause of the problem and create a solution. For example, your loved one may act out when you serve foods he or she doesn’t like, making mealtimes stressful on your family. To solve the issue, include your loved one in meal prep and find out what he or she enjoys eating. 

One of the most important things to consider is whether and when to hire a professional caregiver for your loved one. Families looking for top-rated home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise is a vital element of a healthy lifestyle. It can boost heart health, enhance mood, and protect cognitive skills. Aging adults with Alzheimer’s have lower levels of irisin in their bodies. Irisin reduces inflammation in the body and boosts memory, thinking skills, and mental health. To increase irisin, your loved one should participate in some form of exercise, such as an impromptu jog or weightlifting session, which may have a positive effect on his or her brain. 

Promote Socialization

Memory-impaired seniors need to maintain a sense of connectedness. Otherwise, their cognitive health could decrease rapidly. You can treat many of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease by keeping your parent socially active. Socialization applies to human and environmental interactions that spark senses and expose seniors to new people and things. 

Promote social activities such as going to the local botanical garden instead of working in a home garden, or you can sign your loved one up for a senior choir instead of having a sing-along at home. The objective is to keep your loved one mentally stimulated and socially active. 

A professional caregiver with experience in Alzheimer’s care can be a wonderful source of companionship for your loved one. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Home Care San Diego. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Manage Medications

Primary care physicians generally prescribe medications to reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms such as confusion, wandering, and impaired judgment. The type of medicines your parent takes will depend on the severity of the condition. Your loved one’s response to the drugs will determine if the symptoms worsen or get better. However, when medications are taken properly, the odds of the treatment working and boosting cognitive health increase. As a family caregiver, you need to ensure your loved one takes the correct dosages of medications at the right times. Skipping doses or doubling up on pills could cause treatment to be ineffective and lead to more severe consequences.

Being a caregiver for your loved one can be extremely rewarding, but it may also feel overwhelming at times. Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. San Diego Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our caregivers help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. Call us today at (858) 848-7224 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.