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Coping With Change

Witnessing a loved one go through bouts of memory loss can cause concern and sadness. Memories help people build narratives and relationships. Diseases that affect memory can hurt more than the individual affected. Family and friends become caregivers and need help coping with the drastic changes, too.

What causes memory loss?

Short-term memory loss can be attributed to everything from medications to alcohol to sleep deprivation. Certain progressive diseases like dementia can gradually cause lapses in short-term memory, confusion, impaired speech, and mood changes. The signs of progressive memory loss can manifest slowly, leaving everyone involved worried and anxious.

Learn the ins and outs

The first stages of memory loss in dementia patients can be hard to recognize. Memory loss can be fleeting and can cause agitation and embarrassment in the affected person. Many people are left unsure about when to seek professional medical help. Researching the specific dementia type can prepare individuals on how to deal with a loved one’s memory loss.

Online medical resources can help people understand what to do when a person becomes aggressive or forgets a name. Recognizing denial is the first step in coping with memory loss. As people learn more about the disease, family members and loved ones can adjust expectations with time.

Provide memory-boosting tools

Photographs and objects with sentimental value can help jog a loved one’s memory. Inevitably, a loved one will sometimes forget the name of a partner or parent. Caregivers should not take this personally. Instead, loved ones should take proactive steps like planning schedules of appointments and mealtimes, labeling things like people in pictures of the family, and keeping important information on hand and by the phone.

Reach out for support

Taking care of a loved one with dementia can cause undue stress on the entire family. Individuals coping with a loved one’s memory loss should reach out to family and friends and maintain an open line of communication to ask for help when needed. Support groups and 24-hour helplines can also make people feel heard and aid in the grieving process.

Finding help

For those worried that a loved one’s memory problems are getting worse, contacting a medical professional can calm those fears. Early diagnosis can prepare a family for the daily care needed. Enlisting help from others can reduce stress and forge new connections. Finally, touring a skilled long-term care facility is a worthwhile option to consider for those who can’t provide constant care.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.