Alzheimer's disease is a dementia disorder marked by changes in the brain. It can happen at any age and is not a normal part of the aging process. Many people feel that they will inevitably get Alzheimer's as they get older but this is not so.
It is a dementia disorder that leads to the loss of functions, both mental and physical and the actual cause of the disorder is unknown. Although it mainly affects people over 65, it can also affect people who are younger. Contrary to popular belief, the percentage of people afflicted with this disorder is relatively small.
This disorder is the exception, affecting around 5 or 6 percent of the population in old age. However, the percentage of people suffering this debilitating illness represents a significant number of sufferers and their families. Due to our aging population, the number of people afflicted by this disease continues to rise. This means an increase in the cost of care as our aging seniors progress into their later years.
Alzheimer's is neither curable nor reversible but there are methods that can be used to alleviate the symptoms and that can assist the people involved in the care of the sufferer. Not all Alzheimer's sufferers have to go to a nursing home. Many are cared for by their families with the help of agencies from the community sector.
Family education is crucial as is effective medical management and family support services. The family may eventually decide that it is in the best interests of all concerned to send their loved one to a nursing home. There is nothing wrong in that and hopefully they would have taken advantage of other options before making this decision.
Alzheimer's disease comes on very gradually and is often mistaken for something else as the symptoms in the early stages are common to other conditions. None of the symptoms are unique to Alzheimer's disease and wrongful diagnosis can occur because of this. It is imperative that the person is properly evaluated by a medical specialist before being labeled as having Alzheimer's disease.
Short term memory loss is common in the early stages of this disease. Other signs may include a decrease in spontaneity, withdrawal from social situations, apathy, and other mild personality changes.
As the disease becomes progressively worse, there is a problem with abstract thinking and intellectual functioning, causing the person to have difficulty with figures. This is evident in being unable to work out bills or organizing the day's activities. There may also be signs of agitation and irritability and the person may seem argumentative. It is also at this stage that the person begins to lose ability in appropriate dress sense.
From when an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease through until their death generally takes around 6 to 8 years although it can range from as little as 2 years to as long as 20 years. Often, the person may die from other causes before Alzheimer's disease reaches its final stages.
How a person copes with Alzheimer's disease may depend on many factors such as personality, stress, and support.
Research suggests that there are other previously unknown factors at work in Alzheimer's disease such as abnormal chemical reactions. There are also believe to be degeneration of the nerve cells in parts of the brain and defective blood vessels which would normally send blood to the brain.
It is not known as yet how to predict the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease in an individual and the only precursor is advancing age. There is a marked increase as people age with around one quarter of people over 85 suffering from some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's.
Other signs of the onset of Alzheimer's are paranoia, delusions, depression, or severe uneasiness. These signs may accompany the disease but they can be treated with appropriate medications.
Because there are many disorders that can easily be confused with Alzheimer's, it is crucial that a complete medical assessment is carried out to avoid misdiagnosis. The doctor can arrange for these tests or can advise where to go to have them done.
Usually, the caregivers of people with Alzheimer's are members of the family, more often wives and daughters. As the burden mounts, stress becomes a major factor for these carers, diminishing their ability to provide effective care. Therefore, it is important that the care is shared throughout the family and not just left to one or two people.
Seeing the diminishing abilities of a loved family member can cause anxiety to the carer and they often suffer feelings of incredible guilt at not being able to do more to help the Alzheimer's sufferer. They may also feel isolated, particularly if they have had to withdraw from a job or other social activity to look after the individual with Alzheimer's.
Consequently, the incidence and intensity of depression amongst this group of people is high but it can be decreased through available interventions.
Although there is no cure or reversal for Alzheimer's disease, there is a lot that can be done to help both the sufferer and those who care for them. The individual and family can live through the duration of the illness with dignity and with less discomfort if they avail themselves of the appropriate clinical interventions and community support organizations.
Anne has worked primarily within health and welfare for around 35 years. She has always loved to write and has a wide range of interests. She is the owner of ozehealthbiz.com ozehealthbiz.com and ourkidzbiz.com ourkidzbiz.com
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