As we age, it’s natural for some of our memories to fade. However, diseases such as Alzheimer’s are much worse than merely causing people to lose a few of their memories.
The good news is that there have been great advances in dementia care, to the point where it’s now more possible than ever before to live a happy, fulfilling life even while struggling with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. This means that if you or someone you care about is receiving senior care, you can rest assured, knowing that great care is not only available but is also becoming better with each new scientific breakthrough.
Tackling the Disease
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease that targets and impacts many areas of the brain and body. There’s no one perfect cure, as different treatments will always be focused on different things.
In 2021, the FDA approved a treatment known as Aducanumab. The purpose of the drug is to reduce the amount of beta-amyloid plaque buildup. This plaque has been demonstrated to contribute to clinical decline associated with Alzheimer’s and removing it has been demonstrated to slow down said decline. While the drug has been controversial due to its high cost and the approval process, it does indicate that such problems can be confronted with the right treatment methods.
Some of the other treatments currently in development focus on the following:
- Stopping the tau protein from getting “tangled.”
- Insulin resistance, as well as its impact.
- The connection between brain health and heart health.
- Hormone therapy, with an emphasis on estrogen.
- Testing the drug known as Leukine, which can reduce Alzheimer’s-induced inflammation.
Memory Care Therapy and Technology
Though scientific breakthroughs are still underway, there are more mundane ways that a senior can combat the memory-loss effects of dementia. There’s much to say about how modern technology is improving the lives of people around the world, including seniors. Some examples include:
- Calendar apps, which ensure that seniors don’t forget important things, such as taking medicine.
- Voice-activated assistants, such as Siri or Alexa, can also help with reminders and reduce feelings of social isolation.
- Telehealth services allow remote doctor appointments over a variety of technologies.
- Social media platforms may seem like they’re only for the young, but they can provide important health information as well as social interaction.
- Artificial Intelligence programs can assist caregivers, as well as provide various other forms of healthcare assistance.
The Importance of Help
While new treatments and technologies are certainly improving the lives of seniors everywhere, the role of the caregiver is still a necessary one. For many, having help, such as in-home care, is vital to living a happy, healthy life. Families can’t expect to handle Alzheimer’s alone, and modern advancements can only go so far. Caregivers are still important to ensure that seniors are taken care of properly.
If you or your loved one need senior care and live in the Marquette, MI, area of the Upper Peninsula, Marquette Home Care can help you. We help clients across the Marquette area, including Negaunee, Ishpeming, Harvey, Skandia, and Gwinn. For more information or to receive our senior care services, call us at 906-361-8022 today.
