As a family caregiver, you likely know a lot about dementia. However, did you know there are many conditions that can mimic dementia? Knowing more about the various types of dementia-related illnesses can help you to create a better care plan for your elderly loved one. In addition, being able to get your loved one a diagnosis can help you to know what services they will need from homecare providers, as well.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease or CJD
Creutxfeldt-Jackob disease, or CJD, is also called spongiform encephalopathy. This is a rare kind of dementia. Patients who have CJD will experience vision issues, memory loss, impaired judgment, and issues with their physical coordination. Usually, this type of dementia will progress quickly. Most patients with CJD have a 1-year survival rate after they first get the disease. Doctors and homecare providers are able to make patients more comfortable during their last months of life.
Parkinson’s Disease or PD
Another dementia-related illness is Parkinson’s disease. This is a degenerative movement disorder. If your elderly loved one has this disease, they will have issues walking, doing basic activities, and talking. Parkinson’s disease affects the patient’s brain cells. Many times, patients are diagnosed with dementia. This is because PD can mimic many of the dementia symptoms. If your elderly loved one has PD, they will likely need services from homecare providers.
Huntington’s Disease or HD
Your elderly loved one may have Huntington’s disease or HD. This is a type of genetic disorder. It destroys the patients’ brain cells progressively. Over time, the death of these brain cells deteriorates the patient’s physical and mental function. There is no cure for HD at this time. Usually, the first symptoms of HD are noticed when the person is between 30-50 years old.
Multiple Sclerosis or MS
Another dementia-related illness is multiple sclerosis or MS. If your elderly loved one has this condition, they will start experiencing cognitive declines. Sometimes, this happens slowly over time and in other cases, it happens quickly. Most patients with MS will benefit from regular homecare provider services.
Homecare Helps Seniors with Many Types of Dementia-Related Illnesses
These are some of the various types of dementia-related illnesses. Do you think your elderly loved one has one of these illnesses? While they can’t cure these diseases, you should still have a doctor evaluate your loved one. A proper treatment plan can help to improve your loved one’s quality of life for as long as possible.
Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers/related-dementias
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Dementia Homecare Services in Toms River NJ please contact the caring staff at Expert Home Care today at (732) 937-5320.
We have been providing Home Health Care to New Jersey families since 1985, and have grown to become one of the largest licensed providers of Live-In Home Care in the upper New Jersey area. Our many years of New Jersey home care experience has produced a company that over 8,000 clients have come to rely on confidently, for help.
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