Alzheimer's – Important Things for You to Know

When aged people forget things, they are teased saying-"hope you don't have Alzheimer's!" But Alzheimer's disease is no joke.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the cognitive and behavioural capabilities of the brain. Targeting seniors over 65, Alzheimer's is often confused as an age-related disorder which is not. Alzheimer's disease symptoms are often left undetected and worsen over time, and may even result in death.

Resulting in memory decline, Alzheimer's cripples the aged person mentally, not allowing him/her to be able to perform his regular activities. Eventually, the affected patient needs full- time assistance as he loses his ability to recognize even himself!

Nearly 44 million people in the world are affected by Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. It is one of the top 10 fatal causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even delayed!

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Identified over a hundred years ago in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer, this neurodegenerative disease is the cause of 60-70% of dementia. Almost half of the seniors above 85 get Alzheimer's.

The cause of Alzheimer's is primarily genetic although other factors like hypertension, head injuries and depression are also cited.

Alzheimer's disease symptoms are more pronounced only 4-5 years after the onset of the disease and this is why they often go undetected. Early detection of the disease can help to reduce the severity of its effects with proper medication.

Alzheimer's disease symptoms

1. Memory loss that affects the daily routine

• Forgetting names and appointments and remembering them later.
• Forgetting important dates and events
• Misplacing their belongings
• Forgetting familiar locations and routes
• Asking for the same information again and again
• Relying more on memory aids like phones, reminders or on family members for tasks they used to handle on their own.

2. Difficulty in planning and organization

• Difficulty in handling many monthly bills and expenses
• Trouble with numbers
• Difficulty in organizing for a trip like getting their things together
• Difficulty in following a recipe or plan

3. Difficulty in doing regular tasks

• Changing TV settings
• Switching off the gas, geyser or washing machine
• Forgetting how to use a microwave or vacuum
  

4. Difficulty in remembering date and time

• Confusion on the date or day of the week
• Not remembering the time when they last ate etc.
• Not understanding why something is happening/not happening then

5. Trouble with images, space and stance

• Difficulty in reading
• Unable to assess the distance - how near or far the object is- this can be dangerous if they are climbing steps
• Unable to distinguish colours and contrast

6. Trouble with words

• Not finding the right word to express
• Unable to continue a conversation due to loss of words
• Forgetting spelling or mispronouncing words

7. Poor judgement

• Not able to judge strangers
• trusting strangers with cash or belongings

8. Shabby appearance

• Forgetting to brush, comb etc
• Wearing mismatched outfits or not wearing shoes on both feet etc

9. Social Withdrawal

• Not appearing in public or attending events
• Avoiding talking to people

10. Mood changes

• Angry, suspicious, depressed or reclusive

Stages of Alzheimer's disease

• Pre-clinical stage - before the symptoms occur
• Mild cognitive stage- when mild symptoms appear
• Dementia

Activities for Alzheimer's patients

Family members and caregivers must evolve these activities for Alzheimer's patients to help them combat the disease

• Counting coins
• Crossword, Sudoku  or even Solitaire on the computer
• Naming items or recalling events
• Looking at books
• Playing or singing music
• Cleaning the house-wiping the table, folding the patio
• Gardening

The only way to help people with Alzheimer's is to create awareness of the disease, understand their symptoms and help them to cope with their illness in a caring manner.

Get more information about FirstHospitals @ www.firsthospitals.in