The patient/caregiver was educated on managing the general overall health for Alzheimer’s patients as follows:
- Caregivers must maintain a close track of fluid intake by the individual with Alzheimer’s. They can often be poorly aware of thirst and consequently, fall back on fluid volume intake. Low fluid intake can increasingly contribute to the confusion states in Alzheimer’s patients. Compliance with fluid volume intake, as recommended, can help avoid this unfavorable outcome. Also, compliance with recommended fluid volume intake can help maintain blood pressure numbers in the desired range, avoid hypotensive episodes, prevent frequent urinary tract infections, reduce risk for constipation, and safeguard skin integrity.
- Absolute lack of physical exercise can lead to early deconditioning of muscle and poor muscle strength in the individual with Alzheimer’s. Caregiver must encourage their loved one to participate in mild to moderate exercise routine, as endurance allows. This can help maintain & improve the muscle conditioning, which can contribute to the individual retaining physical independence longer. Improved physical strength can also contribute to fall & accident prevention.
- Caregivers must maintain a close watch on the nutritional intake by the individual with Alzheimer’s. They can often be poorly aware of their appetite and consequently, fall back on nutrition intake. Many times, Alzheimer’s patients can also have depressed mood, which leads to compromised interest to eat and contributes to reduced intake. Poor nutrition intake can increasingly contribute to the confusion states, secondary to low blood sugar levels and hypoglycemic episodes. This situation can be riskier, especially with coexisting history of diabetes. Maintaining a log of individual’s calorie intake on every meal and taking a total at the end of day can provide better input, especially in individuals with established history of poor nutrition intake.
- Maintaining a log of weight readings, taken at least once a week, can provide feedback with regards to how the individual is responding to management measures implemented. Making the mealtime a family activity and having the Alzheimer’s patient participate can provide more encouragement to eat and incentive to comply. Caregivers trying to serve the food items of patient’s choice can also help significantly. At the same time, observe compliance with dietary limitations recommended, if any, due to other coexisting health conditions.
