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Alzheimer's Disease - Caring for Your Loved One
Understanding Alzheimer's
Learn all you can about Alzheimer's. It's one of the best ways to help
your loved one and yourself.
Alzheimer's is a disease that causes changes in areas of the brain that control memory and reasoning. This is why people with Alzheimer'
s have problems with day-to-day living. Why the disease develops is not yet fully understood. At present, it has no cure.
But proper care can help most people with Alzheimer's live a comfortable life for many years.
Some areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease are shaded
above. Areas that may be affected control memory, reasoning, language, judgment, attention, and other mental functions.
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How the Brain Works
The brain controls all the workings of the body and mind. Different
areas of the brain control different functions. Certain areas control physical tasks such as walking. Other areas control
language skills. Still others control mental tasks such as remembering, concentrating, and decision-making.
Changes in the Brain
In people with
Alzheimer's, microscopic structures, called plaques and tangles, start to form. At the same time, brain cells begin to die. These changes happen mainly in those parts of the brain that are needed for reasoning. Other areas of the brain generally aren't affected until very late in the illness. That's why people with Alzheimer's disease look normal, but cannot form new memories no matter how hard they try.
Who Gets Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease tends to affect people over 65. The older you are, the more likely you are to develop the disease. But people as young as 40 can be affected.
All types of people get Alzheimer's. No profession, education level, or race is immune. In some cases, Alzheimer's may run in the family. In other cases, no
other family members are affected.
Four drawings of a clock, done by a person with
Alzheimer's disease over a period of 4 years. They show how Alzheimer's affects mental functions such as remembering and
organizing.
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The Effects of Alzheimer's Disease
The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear slowly. The average
length of time from the first through the last stage is about 9 years. This time can vary widely.
- In the early stage, the person seems confused and forgetful. He
or she may search for words or leave thoughts unfinished. Recent events and conversations are often forgotten. However,
the distant past may be remembered clearly.
- In the middle stage, more and more help is needed with daily
tasks. The person may not know family members, may get lost in familiar places, and may forget how to do simple tasks
such as dressing and bathing. He or she may be restless, moody, and unpredictable.
- In the late stage, memory, judgment, and reason may be lost
completely. Help with every aspect of daily life is generally needed.
Treating Alzheimer's Disease
The goals of treatment are to manage symptoms and keep your loved
one comfortable.
- Medications may improve symptoms in some cases. One type of
medication sometimes helps with memory loss. Others treat symptoms such as agitation or depression. The doctor can
determine which medications may help your loved one.
- A management plan that includes care and supervision is
essential. Your loved one's health care professionals can help you make a plan and carry it out.
- Regular doctor visits help keep track of your loved one's
condition. Other problems or illnesses can be checked for and treated.
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