Many people experience memory lapse and slowed thinking as a normal by-product of the aging process. However, for those who have Alzheimer's disease, the symptoms are more dramatic, progressive and eventually fatal. There is no known cure for this disease, but with early detection and treatment, medication can slow the progression of the disease. As a large portion of the population, more notably the Baby Boomer generation, begins to age, research into the causes and prevention of this debilitating disease will continue to increase.
Early Onset
The beginning stages of Alzheimer's disease may include an increased level of forgetfulness. Trouble organizing words or remembering the location of everyday items is also common. Often viewed as age- or stress-related, early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease often go unnoticed. However, over time, family, friends and coworkers start to notice changes in behavior.
As forgetfulness increases, once familiar names become difficult to recall, including those of close friends and family members. Concentration also diminishes over time, limiting one's ability to work. Planning meals or managing finances can also become a challenge. Since these symptoms occur over a span of time and are not usually evident in casual social settings, the disease may remain undetected by a physician until a friend or family member raises the issue on behalf of the patient.
Noticeable to Others
As symptoms increase in severity, assistance with routine activities may be necessary. For example, during a routine medical exam, the patient may not be able to recall personal details such as her address, city of birth or date of birth.
Writing a complete sentence or counting backwards are other types of struggles evident at this stage of the disease. The patients may still be able to feed themselves but may forget to eat, and the added complication of malnutrition or dehydration can add to the confusion and disorientation.
Supervison Becomes Necessary
Confusion, disorientation and forgetting continue to increase at this stage. Alzheimer's patients, at this level, need monitoring and assistance with daily routines. They may incorrectly choose clothing, often mixing daywear with sleepwear or mixing seasonal items. There may be drastic changes in their personality. The patient may become suspicious or paranoid and may even begin to hallucinate. Patients may wander off and forget the way home and will not remember their address or family members' names if someone tries to help them.
Late Stages
The later stages of the disease often leave patients without the ability to communicate, as they have forgotten most words. Urinary and fecal incontinence is frequent and patients often lose the ability to walk or sit up without assistance. Swallowing or even smiling is difficult and at this stage, and patients may refuse to eat due to choking. The patient now needs round-the-clock supervision and assistance with all activities. Family members and friends are no longer recognized or are misidentified.
Each Patient is Different
The progression of this disease varies from patient to patient. The deterioration can occur in as fast as five years, or may take as long as 20 years before the end stage of the disease. Caring for the patient is often very stressful for family members; they must always be on alert for accidents caused by errors in judgment. Leaving a pan to cook and forgetting about it is just one type of danger, for instance, or the Alzheimer sufferer's drawing a bath and forgetting to turn off the water is another concern. Recovering from a fall or accident is especially hard on an Alzheimer's patient because of the disorientation, and may contribute to their decline.
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