Anxiety and Alzheimer’s Disease

Most people attribute Alzheimer’s disease to just memory loss. Unfortunately, the disease comes with a lot of side effects, including anxiety. Anxiety is difficult to track because most of the symptoms are things going on inside the person’s mind or only subtle signs. Some of these symptoms are tenseness, extreme worry, sweating and an increased heart rate. Signs that could be more noticeable to the outside world could be social withdrawal or unwillingness to participate in activities that the sufferer once loved. The last two symptoms are also closely linked to depression, so it could be hard to distinguish, or the two could go hand-in-hand.

Once you have become aware of symptoms or signs of anxiety, the most important thing you can do is get to the source. Try to help your loved one figure out why they are feeling anxious. Naturally, there is a lot about an Alzheimer’s diagnosis that could bring about high levels of anxiety. After you have found the cause, try to distract or redirect their attention. Try to nurture a simple environment and lifestyle for your loved one, and be sure to let them know you are there for them. Always make sure they feel as though they are legitimized, but help them to see the positives. Exercise, particularly yoga, is good to ease anxiety.

If you notice that their anxiety levels are not decreasing, or are getting worse, you could suggest the option of medication. Today, there are many great medications for anxiety disorder that help lots of people. The most important part in choosing a new medication is to make sure that there are no symptoms or side effects that will mix poorly with medications that you’re loved one is currently already taking. There are also natural supplements you can find which help alleviate anxiety. Help your loved one find a solution that is best for them!

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