Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, afflicting 24 million people worldwide. Alzheimer's is a degenerative and terminal disease for which there is currently no known cure. In its most common form, it occurs in people over 65 years old although a less-prevalent early-onset form also exists. The disease can begin many years before it is eventually diagnosed.
In its early stages, short-term memory loss is the most common symptom, often initially thought to be caused by aging or stress by the sufferer. Later symptoms include confusion, anger, mood swings, language breakdown, long-term memory loss, and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as his or her senses decline. Gradually the sufferer loses minor, and then major bodily functions, until death occurs. Although the symptoms are common, each individual experiences the symptoms in unique ways. The duration of the disease is estimated as being between 5 and 20 years.
Effects of AD
Alzheimer's Disease will eventually affects a person's life in all areas. Each person is affected differently, and therefore it is hard to predict how many symptoms each person will have or how quickly they will develop. In general the following will be areas will be affected:
Mental Abilities
- The ability to understand, think, remember and communicate will be affected.
- The ability to make decisions will be reduced.
- The ability to perform simple tasks will become more difficult or be forgotten.
- The ability to remember recent events and eventually for long-term events will decrease.
- The ability to find the right words and follow a conversation will be affected.
Emotions and Moods
- The ability to control mood and emotion may be lost.
- A person may appear uninterested and apathetic, and may quickly lose interest in the hobbies they previously enjoyed.
- Some individuals are less expressive and are more withdrawn.
Behaviour
- Changes will develop in the way the person reacts to his or her environment. These actions may seem out of character for the person. Some common reactions include:
- repeating the same action or words
- hiding possessions
- physical outbursts
- restlessness
Physical Abilities
- The disease can affect a person's physical co-ordination and mobility, leading to a gradual physical decline. This will affect the person's ability to independently perform day-to-day tasks, such as eating, bathing and getting dressed.
Help from Retire-At-Home
Our health care management team is very knowledgeable in developing a personalized Care Plan to suit you if you suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. We also have Caregivers that are experienced in working with Alzheimer’s Disease to ensure you are receiving the proper care.
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