written by Sarah Doleschal (nuts&needles)
Alzheimer's disease is a chronic, degenerative disease of the brain that slowly destroys memory, language and motor skills. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.
As the world's population continues to age, it is only natural that Alzheimer's and dementia will become more common. The number of people with the disease is expected to rise to more than 12 million by 2050.
The disease progresses differently in each person, but the first symptoms usually appear after the age of 60. Since there are no early warning signs or tests, the brain's condition has already deteriorated by the time symptoms appear.
To date, there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease. Current treatment focuses on managing the symptoms of the disease and improving the quality of life of those with the disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia, a general term that refers to memory and other mental functions that become impaired. In Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, the normal functioning of the brain changes.
The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. He found changes in the brain tissue of people with Alzheimer's when they died, including knotted nerve fibers (neurofibrillary tangles) and small protein deposits (amyloid plaques).
These changes can lead to problems with thinking, planning and problem solving, as well as communication and language skills. Symptoms worsen over time, although it should be noted that not everyone experiences all symptoms. The most common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include:
- Memory loss that interferes with daily life
- Disorientation in familiar places
- Difficulty conversing or understanding others
- Misplacing objects or forgetting recent events
Unlike other forms of dementia such as Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer's disease progresses slowly and can be treated for years with medications and behavioral therapies.
How does Alzheimer's disease develop?
Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that attacks the brain, causing memory loss, confusion and difficulty with everyday tasks. It can be difficult to understand how Alzheimer's develops, but here's a brief summary of what happens:
As we age, our brains naturally lose cells and shrink in size. This process is called "senile" or "age-related" atrophy. In some people, however, this shrinking process accelerates, leading to a loss of both neurons (brain cells) and synapses (the connections between them).
This loss of synapses causes the brain to function differently than before - and it can even change its structure. When you lose neurons or synapses, you also lose important memories and skills that were stored in those places.
The first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be very subtle. A person may have difficulty remembering recent events or appointments, misplacing objects, or repeating questions.
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms appear. These symptoms include confusion about time and place, difficulty recognizing family members and friends, difficulty speaking clearly, and getting lost in familiar places.
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, it becomes more difficult for your loved one to remember things and make decisions. They may need help with everyday tasks such as eating and bathing. They may become confused or agitated, or lose their sense of humor or zest for life.
What challenges do people with Alzheimer's face?
People with Alzheimer's disease face a number of challenges. They may have difficulty remembering names and faces, and have trouble speaking, reading and writing. In addition to these cognitive symptoms, people with Alzheimer's may also exhibit behavioral symptoms such as agitation, confusion or aggression.
It's not just memory loss that makes dealing with Alzheimer's so difficult, but also the changes in personality and behavior that come with the disease.
For people diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it can be difficult to remember how to do things they used to do without thinking. They may forget where they put their keys or why they went to the kitchen in the first place.
You may also forget things that happened only moments ago, such as what happened when you walked into the room or why your loved one is angry with you.
How can the disease be treated?
First, you should consider the options for medical treatment. There are many medications available to treat Alzheimer's symptoms, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, which can help with aggression and agitation. However, these medications have side effects such as weight gain and fatigue that may require a change in medication.
Next, consider non-pharmacological treatments such as physical or occupational therapy. These therapies can help improve memory, concentration, and reduce anxiety while reducing stress for caregivers by relieving them of some tasks that might overwhelm them if left undone (such as cleaning the house).
Finally, consider alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy massage, which has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress in patients with dementias such as Alzheimer's disease.
DOs in dealing with people affected by Alzheimer's disease
The Alzheimer's Association recommends that caregivers educate themselves about their loved one's disease and how to manage it. Below are some suggestions for dealing with the challenges of caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease:
- Educate yourself about your loved one's disease. Take time to understand what your loved one is going through so you can help them manage their symptoms at home.
- Talk to them as often as possible. They may not remember what they said yesterday, but they will remember what you said today - so talk to them!
- Remind them as often as possible who they are, where they live, and what their family members' names are.
- Make sure your loved one gets enough exercise every day. Exercise can help improve memory and reduce confusion in people with Alzheimer's. Keep them active by taking them for walks or other activities that require movement or communication skills (the more senses engaged at once, the better).
- Keep track of their medications so they don't forget to take them or take too many at once. Also, make sure they stay hydrated throughout the day by always providing enough water or putting ice cubes in each glass of water so they don't forget how much they've already drunk!
- Music can improve memory, relieve depression and anxiety, and even increase appetite. It can also be a great distraction if your loved one is anxious or upset about something else in their life that they can't remember (like where they put their keys).
DON'Ts in dealing with people affected by Alzheimer's disease
When you are dealing with a person with Alzheimer's, you need to be very careful about what you say and do.
- For one thing, you need to avoid language that sounds like a command. Say "I will help you" instead of "I will help". This is because people with Alzheimer's often interpret statements as commands and do exactly the opposite of what they are told.
- Also, try not to repeat yourself too often when talking to a person with Alzheimer's. This can confuse them and make it harder for them to understand what you are saying.
- Don't try to force them to do something they don't want to do - even if it seems like a good idea. They might remember past experiences where they were forced to do something and get upset about it, which will only make the situation worse for both of you.
- Don't ask them about memories from before the onset of the illness, but talk about what is happening now and what you can do together today.
- Don't tell them what they did wrong or where they went wrong in the past; instead, focus on what each can do now and how each can work together as a team today.
- Don't make assumptions about their mental state. If they don't seem like themselves - if they seem absent or confused - it doesn't necessarily mean they have Alzheimer's or are experiencing a bout of confusion. It could simply mean they are tired or hungry! The best thing you can do is talk to them and find out if something specific is going on with them (like hunger) before you start worrying about other things.
- Don't try to make decisions for them or take over their lives completely. This may seem easier for you as a caregiver in the short term, but it will only lead to more stress in the long run. Letting go of control is hard for anyone - even when someone else's life is at stake - but if you do, they will see themselves empowered and as active participants in the community.