Having a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's disease can be difficult, frustrating and frightening. Should you choose to keep your elderly Alzheimer's family member at home, you will eventually need help. The disease progresses over time, and some patients will require round the clock supervision.

About Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. The Alzheimer's Association states that sixty to eighty percent of those with dementia are suffering from Alzheimer's disease. While dementia can have early onset, it is most commonly seen in people over the age of sixty-five. The disease has been broken down into seven stages:

• Stage 1 – No impairment or normal function – There are no visible signs of Alzheimer's yet.
• Stage 2 – Very mild decline – The person with the disease may notice slight memory changes, but medical professionals, family members and friends don't notice.
• Stage 3 – Mild decline – People who are close to the person with Alzheimer's begin to notice memory lapses.
• Stage 4 – Moderate decline – In most cases, a medical professional should be able to see changes.
• Stage 5 – Moderately severe decline – Noticeable cognitive decline and possible loss of routine daily function.
• Stage 6 – Severe decline – The sufferer may exhibit changes in personality and cognitive decline worsens. They may need help with most activities.
• Stage 7 – Very severe decline – The final stages of the disease leave the patient unable to perform tasks such as feeding themselves. Most communication skills are impaired.

As you can see, the disease progresses over time. There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are medications that may help slow the disease's progression. Each person progresses at a different rate. Your loved one may be able to live at home for many years with proper care. Trained professionals that offer elder home care services are available to help care for Alzheimer's patients.

What to Expect

It can be difficult knowing what to expect because not all patients are the same. While most experience personality changes, they aren't predictable. Your loved one may experience outburst of anger where they never did before. They may become more argumentative, or they might become more passive than you have known them to be.

Physical changes may be easier to predict than personality changes. You know the stages of the disease, and can see how your loved one will need increased assistance as they progress. What you don't know is the timeframe. Once there is a diagnosis you may want to start preparing for the future. Line up help, think about changes that may need to be made around the house in order to keep everyone safe, and prepare yourself and others who live in the home. You may want to consider looking into support groups for you and your family members.

With proper knowledge and the help of professional home care providers, your elderly loved one with Alzheimer's can live a good life in your home.