La Jolla Senior Care News

What is Anosognosia?

Caregivers in La Jolla CA

Caregivers in La Jolla CA

Caregivers in La Jolla CAAs a family caregiver, you understand the seriousness of an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and what it means for your aging parent and the future of their care. Watching your elderly loved one cope with the difficult emotions that can come from this diagnosis is extremely difficult, but what happens if your senior does not know that they have the condition? This is referred to as anosognosia, and it is one of the most common, and yet most negatively impactful, elements of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, experts estimate that approximately 81 percent of adults who develop Alzheimer’s disease will have some form of anosognosia.

Anosognosia is a lack of awareness of a disease or the symptoms of a disease. This is not denial, when someone will use excuses or avoidance to not confront or deal with a condition or situation. Rather, this condition means that your parent is truly not aware of their disease and its impact on their life. This can mean that they have marked limitations and symptoms, but say that they do not and are fine, or will not come to terms with the fact that they have Alzheimer’s disease and will not accept the care and support that they need.

This condition can make a tremendous difference in your aging parent’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease, and in the efforts that you put forth for them. You must design a care approach and put forth care efforts for them when they do not believe that they need these, or understand what it is that you are trying to do for them. When this happens, it is essential that you maintain your focus on helping your parent and giving them the level of care that they deserve even when they are unable to fully understand what is happening or why.

If you feel that your aging parent is dealing with anosognosia, do not hesitate to talk with their doctor. Explain your concerns and why you feel that they are suffering from this condition. This will allow the doctor to fully evaluate your parent and their current mental state so that they can give an accurate diagnosis. This will allow you to work with the doctor to create a course of management and care that is right for your senior.

If your aging parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting home care for them. The highly personalized services of an in-home senior health care services provider can help your aging loved one manage their symptoms and limitations in a way that is tailored specifically to their personality, lifestyle, and goals so that they can live the highest quality of life possible while also maintaining more independence and activity. If your parent is also dealing with anosognosia, this care provider can make a tremendous difference in your parent’s mental health, supporting them and encouraging them to continue taking care of themselves in an appropriate way as they work toward greater awareness of what is happening to them.

La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Costa, CA, and the surrounding communities."}” data-sheets-userformat=”{"2":767,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":10667209},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":2,"10":2,"12":0}”>For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.

Sources:

http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/22/when-they-dont-know-they-are-ill/?_r=0

http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Anosognosia

http://alzonline.phhp.ufl.edu/en/reading/Anosognosia.pdf

Brittnei Salerno

Recent Posts

Categories

Contact Us About Home Care

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
Checkboxes
READ/AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT: I understand that I will be receiving a call and emails from a staff member of La Jolla Nurses Homecare. The purpose of the call is to understand more about my senior care needs. There is no obligation to purchase any services. You agree to receive automated messages. This agreement is not a condition of purchase. Receive up to 2 messages per month. Reply STOP to opt-out or HELP for help. Message & data rates apply. Terms and privacy policy found here.
Skip to content