Alzheimer‘s disease is a chronic disorder of the brain which is growing in prevalence worldwide. Being the leading cause of dementia, t causes a gradual decline in cognitive abilities to the extent that social functioning is impaired. Although memory loss can be at the forefront of the symptoms experienced, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than remembering…
Being able to distinguish the effects that Alzheimer causes on the mind would enable a patient to recognize the early warning signs to seek medical help and improve the care of patients suffering with the condition.
What Happens in the Brain?
Alzheimer‘s disease slowly destroys brain cells (neurons) and affects the way they communicate with each other. Abnormal clumps of protein called amyloid plaques and tau tangles build up in the brain, leading to damage and death of the affected neurons. This starts in parts of the brain associated with memory, before spreading to other areas involved in language, reasoning, and behavior.
May cause brain to atrophy substantially as disease advances leading to impairment in functioning.
Memory Issues: The Most Common Symptom
Memory loss is one of the early and the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Though, it is not limited to double-checking to-do lists.
People with Alzheimer’s may:
- Forget memories you have learned inthe last year while you were proficient.
- Memory problems such as: Difficulties in trying to remember any dates or happenings.
- Repeating the same questions over and over
- Make large use of mnemonic devices or relatives.
As the disease progresses it is possible for the person to no longer recognise loved ones, places of significance or even personal memories. This can be upsetting to those concerned and to their loved ones.
Cognitive Decline and Thinking Difficulties
Alzheimer‘s defines a number of stages of Alzheimer. The disease has a very noticeable effect on the individual‘s thoughts, reasoning, judgment and other mental processes that everyday tasks are often difficult.
Common cognitive difficulties include:
- Unable to concentrate or focus10.
- Having trouble solving problems or figuring things out.
- Mix-ups in the location/setting or at the time.
- Failure to use good judgment and judgment of situations13
For instance, reading a recipe, bill paying or travelling familiar routes may prove to be difficult.
Language and Communication Problems
Speech and Language when living with Alzheimer’s–Progression of the disease. Alzheimer‘s affects the person‘s ability to communicate. Finding words becomes more challenging, and the individual has trouble following what is being said and expressing themselves effectively.
Signs include:
- Filler (repeated use of the same words or sounds (e.g., “uh, er, like..,”). Whether it is repeating words or phrases,
- Mispoken objects using the “wrong” name.
- Finding it hard to understand other people
Which can result in intense frustration, withdrawal from social situations and a loss of confidence in everyday communication.
Behavioral and Personality Changes
Perhaps the most difficult part of the disease is the effects it has on behavior and personality. The changes can be subtle to pronounced but may include:
- Mood swings and irritability
- More anxiety or depression
- Aggressive/Agitate
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Literacy and reading difficulties are also more likely to cause withdrawal from social activities.
- Individuals with reading and literacy problems report more difficulties maintaining social relationships than do those who do not have reading and literacy problems.
Some may develop paranoid or paranoid-like delusions or paranoid-type delusions (eg, someone‘s stealing from me). Others may have no inhibitions or behave oddly.
Emotional Impact
Alzheimer’s doesn‘t just hit your brain, it hits your emotions, too. Early in the course of the disease, you may be conscious of what is happening to you, so denial, frustration, or fear may set in.
During disease progression the emotion control can become erratic. The individual can become emotional over insignificant situations or seem emotionally void. Understanding and empathy are important when caring for and supporting an individual through these changes.
Daily Life and Functional Decline
Over time, Alzheimer’s affects a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities. This includes:
- Dresses and groomes
- Cookery and nutrition
- Medication management Basic personal hygiene;
In later stages patients typically need care around the clock and help with daily activities.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s typically progresses through three main stages:
1. Early Stage (Mild)
- Occasional mild slips of the memory
- Word finding problems
- Difficulty with planning and organization
2. Middle Stage (Moderate)
- More confusion/memory loss
- Marked changes in behavioral
- Problems with recognizing family and friends
3. Late Stage (Severe)
- Cognitive modalities in the area of language and speech, such asaphasia.
- Fully reliant on providers
- Physical decline, such as problems with swallowing and walking
Importance of Early Detection
The benefit of diagnosing Alzheimer as early as possible. Although at the moment there is no cure. Early diagnosis helps to manage the disease and control symptoms that arise making the quality of life better.
Persistent memory deficits or change of behavior whether it‘s you or someone you love call your health care provider.
Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s
Dealing with someone with Alzheimer’s: it can be long and difficult but also deeply rewarding. Patience, a good sense of humor and compassion are always needed. Below are some pieces of advice:
- Have a regular daily routine
- Avoid using complex language or instructions.
- Make sure the sentences are written so they can be read without extra effort. If it contains technical terms or jargon, it should be explained.
- Check the content is clear and easy to understand by writing your own description.
- Build a safe and caring environment.
- Encourage interaction with others and mental activity
- Ask for assistance from parents or a support group
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is not just about memory. It impacts how a person thinks, behaves, communicates, perceives the world around them. Understanding the variety of symptoms can lead to an earlier diagnosis and improved care.
It can be a real battle, but with heightened awareness and support it would make an enormous difference to those affected and to their families.