It is a little known fact that as many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease and this number is expected to more than double by 2050. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Today, Alzheimers disease is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States. Sometimes called Senile Dementia or simply Alzheimer's, Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia. Most people diagnosed with Alzheimer's are over age 65, but it can occur in people in their 40s and 50s. Alzheimers gets worse over time, and it is a fatal disease. The time from the beginning of symptoms until death ranges from 3 to 20 years with the average being 8 years.
Alzheimers affects entire families, especially as the disease progresses and affected individuals become more dependent upon their primary caregivers. In treating Alzheimers disease, it is common practice to include a professionally trained caregiver that will work with the patient and the family. According to Angela Graczyk, who is a Registered Nurse and Field Trainer with Always Best Care Senior Services, a solid relationship between the family and caregiver of a patient with Alzheimers disease is an essential component of providing effective treatment and care. Graczyk also says that a person communicating with an Alzheimers patient can find it to be very challenging. She notes, however, that decreased verbal communication does not mean decreased awareness. Most patients are very aware and feel a great deal of distress about their increased loss of ability.
Many homecare providers, like Always Best Care, provide tips to help persons working with an Alzheimers patient. Some of which include using memory aids such as labeling objects (i.e. closet, bathroom) and being aware that as Alzheimer's disease progresses, an individual's ability to name objects and use words decreases. Other tips include simplifying the environment for Alzheimer's patients and eliminating distracting noises such as the radio or television, or loud conversation. Families also should be aware that their loved one's ability to function and cope will steadily decline and may even vary from day to day. Flexibility is crucial. An Alzheimers patient may no longer find their favorite food appealing or may insist on wearing the same outfit every day. When this happens, simply change the menu or consider buying a few identical outfits.
There is also no single test to identify Alzheimer's disease and the causes are not known. Suspected causes, however, include genes and environmental exposure. A complete medical evaluation will provide a correct diagnosis of possible or probable Alzheimer's 90-percent of the time. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease at present, there are FDA-approved drug treatments, designed specifically for memory symptoms occurring in mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, groups like the Alzheimers Association work for the advancement of research for this deadly disease. The organization also provides and enhances care and support for all affected as well as helps with programs to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
For more information on Alzheimers disease, consult your local healthcare provider or visit alz.org.
By: Carolina Moore
