Understanding Anosognosia
Anosognosia is a complicated condition in which a person is unaware of or denies their illness or disability. Even though it is usually caused by nerve conditions like strokes, head injuries, and some mental illnesses, it can also happen to people with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to support seniors when this occurs. This can happen through having companion care at home and truly understanding what’s happening.
A Deeper Look at Anosognosia
In the case of Alzheimer’s-related Anosognosia, seniors may not realize their memory and thinking skills are worsening, even if there is objective evidence or feedback from others. This lack of acceptance can make it hard to deal with the changes that the disease brings. For example, seniors with Anosognosia caused by Alzheimer’s may refuse to get medical help, reject that they need help, or forget to take safety precautions.
It’s very important to tell the difference between Anosognosia and denial. Anosognosia is not just caused by ignorance or not trying hard enough. Instead, it is thought to be caused by changes in the brain’s nerve cells that come with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers aren’t sure what causes Anosognosia in Alzheimer’s, but a theory involves an issue with parts of the brain that are in charge of self-awareness and understanding.
Anosognosia can be upsetting, making giving seniors the right care and support difficult since they may refuse help or not realize their limits. Anosognosia can also be frustrating and upsetting for loved ones, who may struggle with how to support their loved ones best. With companion care at home, they can discuss their concerns openly, and the entire team can work toward a solution.
Healthcare workers and companion care at home use different methods to help people with Alzheimer’s deal with Anosognosia. Education and communication are two of the most important ways to help seniors understand their disease and how it affects their everyday lives. Companion care at home can also help them understand their limitations by giving them consistent comments in a kind and understanding way. Anosognosia can be hard to deal with, but getting help from the health care team and support groups can be very helpful.
Anosognosia Research
Researchers are also looking into ways to treat and help people with Alzheimer’s who have trouble remembering things. Techniques for cognitive rehabilitation, like reality orientation therapy and external cueing tactics, may help seniors understand their cognitive problems and become more self-aware. Also, pharmacological interventions that target specific brain parts involved in Anosognosia are being looked into, but more study is needed in this area.
When seniors have Alzheimer’s and Anosognosia, it can be hard for them and their loved ones to know how to help and care for them. It requires understanding, patience, and a personalized approach to support and care. Having companion care at home can help everyone with Alzheimer’s-related anosognosia deal with their condition and stay as healthy as possible by promoting education, communication, and using different strategies. Seniors and their loved ones who are concerned about the possibility of Anosognosia should talk with their medical providers.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22832-anosognosia#
https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/key-issues/anosognosia
https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-anosognosia
If you are considering companion care at home in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.