Alzheimer's Disease Overview
General Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an illness that causes changes in the brain, primarily affecting memory and other mental abilities. Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, it is a disease. Loss of memory is usually the first symptom of the disease. As the disease developments, the loss of reasoning ability, language, decision-making ability, judgment and other critical skills make day-to-day living impossible without help from others, most often a family member. Sometimes difficult changes in personality and behavior occur.
Alzheimer's disease poses tough challenges for both the person diagnosed with AD and to the person who takes on caregiving responsibilities. This does not mean that there will not be good times with the person diagnosed. AD often develops gradually, offering time to adjust to the diagnosis, plan ahead, and spend quality time together.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia in older adults. The words "Alzheimer's" and "dementia" are often used to mean the same thing, but they are not. Family Caregiver Alliance …show more content…
A person with Alzheimer’s can still function independently in the early stages. Alzheimer’s Association (2015) explains that people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may experience slight changes in the ability to think and learn but can still carry on daily activities and conversations. In the early stage of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, your role is to provide support and companionship, and help plan for the future. They may need cues or reminders to help with their memory. For example, remembering words or names, managing money, or keeping track of medications. Establishing a daily routine will help their memory. The caregiver also needs to provide emotional support due to the person with Alzheimer’s getting frustrated, anxious, embarrassed or isolated. Encouraging the person to share their feelings and participate in activities they enjoy will benefit
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an illness that causes changes in the brain, primarily affecting memory and other mental abilities. Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, it is a disease. Loss of memory is usually the first symptom of the disease. As the disease developments, the loss of reasoning ability, language, decision-making ability, judgment and other critical skills make day-to-day living impossible without help from others, most often a family member. Sometimes difficult changes in personality and behavior occur.
Alzheimer's disease poses tough challenges for both the person diagnosed with AD and to the person who takes on caregiving responsibilities. This does not mean that there will not be good times with the person diagnosed. AD often develops gradually, offering time to adjust to the diagnosis, plan ahead, and spend quality time together.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia in older adults. The words "Alzheimer's" and "dementia" are often used to mean the same thing, but they are not. Family Caregiver Alliance …show more content…
A person with Alzheimer’s can still function independently in the early stages. Alzheimer’s Association (2015) explains that people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may experience slight changes in the ability to think and learn but can still carry on daily activities and conversations. In the early stage of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, your role is to provide support and companionship, and help plan for the future. They may need cues or reminders to help with their memory. For example, remembering words or names, managing money, or keeping track of medications. Establishing a daily routine will help their memory. The caregiver also needs to provide emotional support due to the person with Alzheimer’s getting frustrated, anxious, embarrassed or isolated. Encouraging the person to share their feelings and participate in activities they enjoy will benefit