How to Deal with Anosognosia in Facilities for Alzheimer’s Ashland NE
The natural aging process, coupled with the pathophysiology of cognitive disorders, often leads to numerous symptoms that affect not just the physical well-being of patients but also their mental and emotional state.
One of these symptoms is anosognosia, which can be observed in many elderly people, particularly those who are living in facilities for Alzheimer’s Ashland NE. If you have a loved one who’s entering their golden years, it’s important to know what anosognosia is and how you can help mitigate its effects.
What is Anosognosia?
Anosognosia is a condition that prevents patients from understanding that they are dealing with psychiatric symptoms and/or neurological deficits. It’s exhibited by many patients with dementia and mental health issues as well as those who have incurred structural brain lesions due to disease or injury.
These conditions cause damage to certain areas of the brain that are responsible for memory, organization, language, self-monitoring, emotional processing, error awareness, and more, making it difficult for patients to be aware that they’ve lost their cognitive and/or sensorimotor function.
It’s easy to dismiss anosognosia as denial. After all, most people don’t want to admit to themselves and others that they’re no longer as independent as they’d like to be. However, anosognosia isn’t simply the lack of acceptance. Patients with this condition truly are not aware of their illness and the symptoms it brings.
It’s also important to note that anosognosia doesn’t have a linear timeline but rather comes and goes in many patients. This means that your loved one might acknowledge today that they have Alzheimer’s, then insist that they’re completely fine tomorrow.
How to Help
If you have a relative who’s been diagnosed with anosognosia the first step is to contact their doctors. Your feedback will give them an idea of how to best approach the patient and deliver treatments without causing them stress.
The team can provide helpful tips on how to care for your loved one while navigating the changes of anosognosia.
You must also learn how to provide care and comfort subtly. It can be tempting to use reason and logic to convince your loved one that they’re ill. But, remember that their brain finds it difficult to process information, and arguing will only cause confusion and anger.
One way you can ensure their safety is by discreetly making changes to their routine and/or environment. If you need to introduce new ideas, people, or processes, do so gently and positively.
Anosognosia can affect people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. If your loved one has been diagnosed with this condition, proper management is crucial.
It’s also important to find facilities for Alzheimer’s that can provide the care and monitoring of your loved one’s needs. One of your best options is Richmont Senior Living, which offers modern memory care services and has experienced knowledgeable staff. Learn more about our solutions by contacting us today!
Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco
