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Mistreatment Of Alzheimer's Patients

What is Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is defined by MedicineNet as a "slowly progressive disease of the brain characterized by the "impairment of memory" as well as the loss of function of everyday activities like "reasoning, planning, language and perception." MedicineNet also states that the risk of Alzheimer's disease increases once a person passes the age of 70. In fact, 50 percent of all individuals over the age of 85 eventually succumb to the disease.

At this point in time there is no cure for this disease. It is a progressive and fatal brain disease. Living through Alzheimer's can be a very painful experience since grown children have to see one's parent or relative lose their dignity and lose their precious memories over time. However, the nature of Alzheimer's disease is seemingly impossible to "cure", at least for the time being. This disease literally destroys brain cells which directly erases memory and causes thinking problems.

The Alzheimer's Association states that there are over 5.3 million sufferers currently living with the condition. The Association also brings out that the primary risk factor for the disease is increased age. Experts believe that unless a cure is found within the next few years, the number of Alzheimer's disease sufferers will vastly increase in population, from just over five million to 14 million by the year 2050.

The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation published some valuable information related to nursing home facilities that worked with Medicare and Medicaid, as well as some tips on what to look for in a nursing home. The most important factors were the quality of life, the quality of care, nutrition and hydration and safety. The Foundation also stated that many modern nursing homes have Special Care Units that are specifically created for the accommodation of Alzheimer's disease and suffers with other types of dementia.

Web MD gives some tips on how to treat Alzheimer's patients. Bear in mind that while there is no cure for this disease there are several treatments available that can help the patient to cope with the condition and enjoy life more often than not. Before a doctor can advise a treatment program he must first learn vital statistics like age, health and medical history, as well as how far the disease has spread. Certain pharmaceutical drugs can help patients stop the deterioration of brain cells. Some drugs mentioned include Aricept, Exelon and Namenda.

In addition to medications, caregivers at the nursing homes as well as family members can use what the Treatment of Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias(Page 12) calls "specific psychotherapies and other psychosocial treatments." This could include "stimulation-oriented treatments, including recreational activities, art therapy, music therapy, and pet therapy."

The point is that the best way to help a patient cope with Alzheimer's is to take proactive measures and stay attentive to the patient. The nursing home promises to do this when you admit your relative into the facility. However, many nursing homes of the modern age fall well below a minimum quality standard of care and subject their residents to nursing home neglect or even nursing home abuse. Not surprisingly, when a resident is deprived of quality medical care, proper nutrition and water and social activities, his Alzheimer's symptoms become far worse.

If this has happened to one of your family members then it's about time that you take a stand. No one has the right to treat your parent in this manner. Let an experienced lawyer at the Rasansky Law Firm help you! Our lawyers are experienced in winning nursing home negligence cases and can help you through this taxing ordeal.

THE RASANSKY LAW FIRM
2525 McKinnon Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
CALL US AT
1-877-405-4313

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