Creating a Treatment Plan for an Alzheimer’s Disease Patient

If you or a loved one is having memory problems, experts say it is important to work closely with your healthcare providers to determine what is going on. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease, a treatment plan will need to be created. However, as Alzheimer’s is a disease, it is important to understand the plan will most likely need to be updated and amended.   

The Alzheimer’s Association explains the individual and their family members should be told of all available options along with the benefits and risks as the treatment plan evolves. The plan should consider the person’s age and overall health, current medical conditions, treatment goals and the severity of symptoms and how they are impacting the person’s life. Another important consideration is the living situation of the person and the availability of the support they need. 

To get started on a personalized treatment plan, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a list of questions you can ask of your medical team. These include determining if medications will interfere with drugs already being taken for other medical conditions. Also, ask about possible side effects and what to look for; and if the person experiences any, does it mean they will not be able to continue taking the drug? In addition, are there any problems with stopping one drug and beginning another?

Another question to ask the doctor is how much time is needed before it can be determined if the medication is working. Moreover, is there a stage in the disease when it should be stopped? 

If you are looking for memory care in Colorado Springs, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek.  Our entire community is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Our care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with dementia-related diseases and we support residents from the early onset of the disease through the final stages. Please contact us for more information about our compassionate, loving memory care community. 

MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest memory care Colorado Springs has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek. Please contact us for more information and to schedule a tour.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/questions-for-your-doctor