 *Requires Adobe Acrobat | Regents Point Community Service Program |  |
*Requires Adobe Acrobat | Regents Point Community Service Program | |
Alzheimer's Disease is now known to be the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Currently, there is no cure and the disease remains shrouded in mystery. We know it's a degenerative disease of the brain affecting about 10% of those over 65 and 50% of those over 85. It afflicts 4 million people in the U.S. and that number is predicted to go to 14 million by the year 2050. Fortunately, a growing cadre of professionals are searching for answers and dedicating their lives to caring for those suffering from this disease.
Even though Alzheimer's Disease is common, it is difficult to diagnose. It's symptoms include problems with memory, learning, attention and judgment, along with communication problems, disorientation and depression. These same symptoms can occur with other illnesses and disorders, including alcohol and drug abuse, reactions to medications, the accumulated effect of a series of small (unnoticed) strokes and head injuries. Positive clinical diagnosis is obtained through a combination of tests and doctor's judgement.
There are few signs of mental or cognitive problems. Victims may commonly forget the names of friends, characters on TV programs and ingredients in a familiar recipe. They may misplace day-to-day items (e.g., glasses and keys) and have difficulty coming up with the right word during a conversation. These problems may be joined by strong denial (e.g., lost items may be blamed on theft). And they can also lead to erratic and exaggerated moods and behaviors.
At this stage, the symptoms may not be apparent to others, especially if the victim is compensating for their shortcomings by keeping lists, staying in familiar territory and avoiding new situations.
Cognitive impairment joins the continued loss of short-term memory. This leads to a loss of intellect and reasoning. Victims struggle with more complex tasks like keeping accurate records (e.g., checkbook). They become apathetic and get lost in familiar situations (e.g., going to the bathroom). There may be disorientation to time and place (e.g., forget what season it is and dress inappropriately). Sleep cycles become abnormal and victims can become easily agitated. Moods are more exaggerated and can range from serene to hostile. It's common to wander and pace.
At this stage, the symptoms are very apparent to others.
By now the victim has lost much of his/her personality. Memory loss is severe and the impairments of the first two stages increase. They may lose their ability to speak. They may repeat the same words/phrases over and over. There is confusion (e.g., may not know their loved ones or recognize themselves in a mirror). Hallucinations, paranoia and delusions are all possible in this stage. They may lose weight, even while eating well. Around the clock care is necessary (can't dress themselves, loss of control over bodily functions, etc.). Eventually, they have difficulty walking and even sitting up. As the illness continues to advance, the victim becomes totally bedridden.
