The goal involved helping organizations worldwide work together to find treatments and cures for many brain conditions and diseases. When something happens that impacts brain health, the results can be disabling. Learn more about the brain injuries and diseases your parents may encounter as they age. Having a homecare specialist on hand can be a great relief to you.
ALS
ALS is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s a progressive disease where neurons in the brain deteriorate, leading to a loss of muscle function. Common symptoms include frequent falls, muscle weakness in the hands, feet, legs, and ankles, difficulty swallowing, and emotional outbursts.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, but there are others. As the disease progresses, it impacts brain health, causing loss of memories, mobility, motor skills, toileting, and speech.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, your mom or dad will be able to provide the care they need. As the disease moves into the middle and late stages, your parent won’t always recognize you. Speech diminishes to a point your mom or dad won’t say more than simple phrases. Eventually, they won’t talk at all.
Eventually, there is no strength to stand, making a wheelchair and shower seat necessary. Muscle weakness prevents your parent from holding things like spoons for eating. The more advanced it gets, the more there’s a need for round-the-clock care.
Stroke
There are two key reasons for strokes to occur. The most common occurs when blood clots or plaque build-up creates a clog that slows or blocks blood flow to the brain. The other occurs when a ruptured blood vessel allows blood to leak into brain tissue.
A stroke may cause partial or permanent loss of speech, motor function, and vision, depending on the severity. Your mom or dad needs someone with them to help out throughout the day and night.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Your mom or dad was walking to the bathroom and tripped. In the fall, the head strikes the wall, floor, or piece of furniture. That can lead to traumatic brain injuries like concussions or skull fractures.
Traumatic brain injuries need immediate medical attention. They can be minor or severe. Urgent treatment through MRIs and CT scans is the best way to check for injuries that can impact physical and mental abilities.
If it’s a concussion, your mom or dad will need someone with them to watch how they do over 24 hours. Sudden headaches, dizziness, or slurred speech are signs more medical attention is necessary.
After a fall, stroke, or dementia diagnosis, it’s essential to arrange home care services that support your parent. Call a home care agency and ask to learn more about services that are available from professional caregivers.
