Overview
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out simple tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, gradually damaging brain cells and disrupting communication between them. Over time, it severely impacts a person’s ability to live independently. Though there is no cure, there are treatments to help battle the symptoms of the disease.
Who it Affects
- Typical onset of symptoms: Around the age of 65
- Gender: Affects women twice as much as men
- Early onset: If symptoms appear before the age of 65
- Prevalence: 1 in 9 people over the age of 65
Symptoms
Mild Stage (Early): This stage is identified as the patient affected may seem healthy but has increasing trouble making sense and recalling information, often seen as mild forgetfulness that can be seen in old age, but also with trouble concentrating. Some more symptoms that can be seen are shown below:
- Memory loss
- Poor judgement
- Challenges solving problems
- Losing or misplacing items
- Wondering and getting lost
- Mood and personality change
Moderate Stage (Middle): This stage is seen as the longest lasting stage. Symptoms of the previous stage are exacerbated in this stage with the patient usually needing intense supervision and care. As the disease progresses, the patient knows familiar faces but does not remember their names. Some more symptoms that can be seen are shown below:
- Increased confusion and memory loss, including personal history and events
- Problem learning new things
- Difficulty with language and communicating
- Hallucinations, delusions and paranoia
- Shortened attention span
- Inappropriate emotional outbursts
Severe Stage (Late): The last stage, usually called severe dementia, is seen as being near the end of life. The patients affected can no longer communicate and are completely dependent on their caregivers as the disease causes more issues with their physical and mental capabilities. Some more symptoms that can be seen are shown below:
- Seizures
- Inability to communicate
- No awareness of recent experiences or surroundings
- General physical decline
- Difficulty swallowing, eating and drinking overall
- Loss of bladder control
- Increase sleep
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, please consult a qualified healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.Memory
Causes
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still not fully understood with scientific research actively being conducted to root out the cause. What is understood are the different types of factors, and how their combination can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. The combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors can affect the brain over time, with scientists focusing on the role of two proteins, plaques and tangles, whose abnormal deposits in the brain can lead to Alzheimer’s disease
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed, you must seek out a professional healthcare provider. Due to the nature of Alzheimer’s, the ability to diagnose the disease is done with multiple different tests, interviews with family and friends, and by ruling out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms. Blood tests to measure levels of beta-amyloid in the blood, a marker for Alzheimer’s, as well as various brain scans are used to help identify if it is Alzheimer’s. Memory tests along with interviews of friends and family are also conducted in order to get a better understanding of the symptoms you have faced. To diagnose someone is a long process that requires frequent visits to your healthcare provider’s office and takes time in order to fully rule out any other disease.
Treatment
Medication: Medications are used to help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as there is no known cure. Medication can be used to either help with behavioral issues or to help slow the progression of symptoms between moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Other medicines approved by the FDA are used to help slow declines in thinking and functioning.
Lifestyle approaches: Lifestyle changes are important when battling Alzheimer’s disease. Good exercise is an important part of any treatment plan to maintain health and improve one’s mood. Nutrition is also important as many begin to forget to eat or drink, leading to dehydration. Once eating becomes hard, high calorie healthy shakes or smoothies should be utilized as an alternative. Continuing to participate in social engagements and various activities also helps with one’s overall wellbeing.
Living With Alzheimer’s
The challenges of Alzheimer’s disease progress overtime, affecting each person differently depending on their environment and lifestyle. In the initial stages, many are able to live independently, with minimal support required. As the disease progresses, requiring support becomes inevitable as memory loss along with cognitive function continues to deteriorate. Regular check in with your healthcare provider who can help battle the symptoms of the disease and keeping a daily routine and a healthy lifestyle can help manage the changes faced. As your health deteriorates, and support becomes required to continue daily activities, the role of friends, family, and especially caregivers becomes vital, becoming the backbone of your health.
Your Role as a Caregiver
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a big task requiring the ability to provide support in a multitude of different forms and levels. Caregiving requires you to practice patience, along with offering emotional and physical support as your loved one goes through the hardships of Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers often play a key role in tracking changes, managing appointments, and advocating for the needs of their loved one. Just as important is remembering to care for yourself: building a support system, seeking respite when needed, and connecting with caregiver resources can help you stay balanced and resilient. Being a caregiver is emotionally and physically taxing, so make sure to consult with your physician with any questions you may have regarding both your loved one and yourself.