Monitoring Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a condition that worsens over time, causing loss of memory and other mental functions. Many family caregivers are responsible for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and worry about leaving their loved ones at home alone. People with the condition can become increasingly susceptible to falling, which increases falls and the fear of falling.

A report in 2011 showed that increased falls may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The presence of plaque in the brain, common with Alzheimer’s, contributes to a lack of balance which might be noted well before any memory loss. In addition to falling, people with Alzheimer’s may develop difficulty performing other physical tasks, which can result in injuries around the home. Caregivers who are worried about their loved one falling or injuring him/herself while alone can rely on the assurance that help is only a push of a button away. Medical alert monitoring systems can add in a second layer of security for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Since there are no numbers to remember to dial, medical alerts present a simple way caregivers can ensure their loved ones receive the help they need 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Sources: Medical Alert Systems HQ, Mayo Clinic, WebMD