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| As many as four million Americans are thought to live with some form or degree of dementia. This number is believed to reach over 15 million by the year 2050. Dementia is found mainly in the elderly, and is described as a deterioration of the thinking processes that affect the ability to carry out routine daily activities. In addition to forgetfulness, other signs or symptoms of dementia include difficulty with such functions as making plans and thinking ahead, dressing or making phone calls, language, and calculating. Changes in character traits such as increased agitation or aggression may also be experienced. A person with dementia may repeatedly ask the same questions, become lost or disoriented in familiar places, or be unable to follow directions. He or she may not recognize familiar people or neglect personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. Inappropriate behavior, motor and balance problems, hallucinations, or paranoia may be observed. There are several diseases that can cause dementia, with the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. The second most common cause is vascular dementia, which results when strokes or brain lesions impair blood flow to the brain. Other less common causes include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Pick’s disease. Dementia-like symptoms can also develop as a result of alcohol or substance abuse, vitamin deficiency, dehydration, trauma or repeated injuries to the brain, and various infectious diseases such as meningitis, Encephalitis, and syphilis. Also to be considered is Mild Cognitive Impairment, or MCI. It is characterized by persistent forgetfulness, and often precedes the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Yet it usually lacks the more debilitating effects. Alzheimer’s disease was first described by Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, in 1906. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for nearly 60% of all dementia cases, and it usually begins after age 60. It is a degenerative disease that progresses from mild forgetfulness to widespread neurological impairment and ultimately death. Chemical and structural alterations in the brain gradually destroy abilities, cause drastic personality changes, and cause failure of bodily systems. Early-onset Alzheimer’s affects patients under the age of 65. It is considered rare, and is seen more often when parents or grandparents develop Alzheimer’s disease at a young age. Genetics may increase the risks, but scientists believe a combination of hereditary, environmental, and lifestyle factors are at the foundation. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the 10 warning signs are memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation to time and place, poor or decreased judgment, problems with abstract thinking, misplacing things, changes in mood or behavior, changes in personality, and loss of initiative. There are three stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The mild/early stage lasts approximately two to four years. It is characterized by recent memory loss, repeated questions, difficulty writing and using common objects, depression, and apathy. Moderate/middle Alzheimer’s, which can continue for two to 10 years, is marked by pervasive and persistent memory loss, rambling speech, unusual reasoning, confusion, and accelerated mood or behavioral symptoms. The severe/late stage has a duration of one to three or more years. During this phase confusion increases, and there is a general incapacitation with severe to total loss of verbal skills. The patient becomes unable to care for him or herself. Falls are likely, as well as problems with incontinence, illness, hallucinations, and delirium. The progression and outcomes of dementia vary, but they are largely determined by the type of dementia and which area of the brain is affected. Diagnosis is possible through brain imaging, clinical examinations, and diagnostic testing. Research suggests that good health habits and mental stimulation may delay the onset of dementia. Patients with Alzheimer’s can be treated with medications to slow down the progression of the disease. Early intervention is critical. No single test for Alzheimer’s exists, but a skilled general practitioner, neurologist, or geriatrician can make a reasonable diagnosis by excluding other causes of symptoms. However, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s. At this point in time, the disease cannot be stopped or reversed. If dementia or Alzheimer’s is suspected, a list of concerns should be prepared and discussed with your loved one’s family physician. He or she will gather family history information, order medical tests, and estimate memory loss using a variety of assessments. Understanding what to expect, planning for care and transitions, honoring a loved one’s strengths and capabilities throughout each stage, and seeking support from others are keys to help cope with what lies ahead. Caring for a patient with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be extremely challenging for families. To be considered are the appropriate level of care, preferred location, and budget. Home care is most often the first choice. This can be a viable option, especially if supplemented with the help of a companion or nursing assistant. Adult day care is an option with home care. It affords the comforts of home while giving families the respite they need. Those who are in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer’s are good candidates for assisted living. Such facilities offer personal care assistance and supportive services such as housekeeping and transportation. Continuing care retirement communities have campus-like environments that provide all levels of care, ranging from independent and assisted living to skilled care and nursing home care. Some have separate wings for Alzheimer’s patients. Sources for this story included: helpguide.org, www.alz.org. |
Alzheimer’s And Dementia |
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