Dementia encompasses a range of progressive brain conditions that can lead to difficulties with memory, concentration, thinking, language, perception, mood, and behavior. There are over 100 different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most prevalent.
It's important to note that dementia is not synonymous with Alzheimer’s. Dementia itself is not a singular condition but rather a collection of symptoms resulting from various underlying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Given its widespread prevalence, Alzheimer’s tends to receive considerable attention, often leading to confusion between the two terms.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain condition that impacts memory, cognitive abilities, and behavior. It is not a typical aspect of aging, yet it is frequently diagnosed among individuals aged 65 and older in the US. Initially, Alzheimer’s signs may be subtle, but they progressively intensify, impairing everyday activities such as personal care, eating, and communication.
Named after Alois Alzheimer, the German doctor who identified the condition, Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to the accumulation of proteins that form abnormal plaques and tangles in the brain.
This process leads to the death of nerve cells and a reduction in brain tissue.
The loss of these cells also disrupts the chemical signals within the brain, which are crucial for transmitting messages necessary for proper brain function. As a result, impaired signal transmission affects the brain's overall functioning.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Initially, the early signs of Alzheimer’s are relatively mild and can be challenging to detect. Typically, the hippocampus, responsible for memory retrieval, is the first area of the brain affected. This is often noticed first by individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s or their families. It might begin subtly, such as frequently misplacing keys, but can progress to forgetting important dates, recent conversations, or getting lost during routine outings like shopping trips. However, recalling events from the distant past may remain easier, as the initial impact of the disease tends to affect short-term or new memories.
In addition to memory issues, the early stages of Alzheimer’s also impact speech, concentration, and abilities related to spatial awareness (visuospatial skills). Individuals may struggle to find the right words or lose track of tasks, even simple ones like laundry.
Over time, brain damage worsens, affecting more areas. In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals may experience:
Delusions: Firmly believing in untrue things, such as someone contaminating their food.
Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t present.
Aggression: Becoming agitated and displaying negative verbal or physical behavior.
Sleep disturbances: Taking frequent naps during the day and waking often at night.
Severe memory impairment: Difficulty with basic activities like bathing, dressing, or remembering how to swallow or use the toilet.
Recognition issues: Failing to recognize loved ones or recall their names.
Speech difficulties: Inability to find words or participate in conversations.
Mood changes: Including low mood, anxiety, or depression.
Treatment for Alzheimer’s
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, brain damage worsens, exacerbating associated symptoms. Regrettably, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s; however, various medications and therapies are available to enhance quality of life for those affected.
To preserve nerve cells and brain tissue for as long as possible, drug treatments aim to boost cellular activity and communication. These medications are typically prescribed during the early and middle stages of Alzheimer’s to alleviate memory issues, reduce anxiety, and enhance motivation.
In the later stages of the disease, different medications are employed to address cognition and behavior, aiding in activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, dressing, and eating. These treatments also help manage challenging behaviors and delusions stemming from the illness.
Additionally, alternative therapies such as life story books or counseling sessions can contribute to emotional well-being and support positive mental health for both the individual with Alzheimer’s and their family and friends.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be deeply distressing for both you and your family, especially as you begin to understand the symptoms and their impact on your life. Therapy options like counseling or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can offer significant benefits by helping you address any negative emotions or thoughts you may experience. These therapies provide a supportive environment for you to explore your feelings safely.
Who Alzheimer’s affects
Alzheimer’s typically affects individuals aged 65 and older, with the risk of developing the condition doubling approximately every five years. However, Alzheimer’s can also be diagnosed in individuals under 65, with over 400,000 people in the UK living with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Unlike older adults who primarily experience memory impairment, younger individuals may first exhibit symptoms related to speech, vision, or decision-making abilities.
Living with Alzheimer’s can be profoundly challenging for both those diagnosed and their families. Helping Hands has supported numerous families and individuals affected by dementia, offering guidance on accepting a diagnosis.
Individuals in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s often require continuous supervision and care. Helping Hands strives to enable as many individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Whether through daily visits from a caregiver or the support of a live-in carer, maintaining routine and a sense of security is crucial for those living with dementia.
For information about how AmoryCare can help with dementia and Alzheimer’s care at home please contact us:
Phone: 908-854-3220
Fax: 908-854-3221
Email: info@amorycare.com
Service Areas:
Union County, NJ: Berkeley Heights, Summit, Linden, Scotch Plains, Westfield, Murray Hill, Plainfield, Mountainside, Garwood, Clark, New Providence, Elizabeth, Roselle Park, Winfield, Kenilworth, Vauxhall, Cranford, Springfield, Union, Fanwood.
Morris County, NJ: Bernardsville, Boonton, Brookside, Budd Lake, Butler, Califon, Cedar Knolls, Chatham, Chester, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Far Hills, Flanders, Florham Park, Gillette, Greenvillage, Hibernia, Ironia, Kenvil, Lake Hopatcong, Landing, Ledgewood, Lincoln Park, Long Valley, Madison, Mendham, Millington, Montville, Morris Plains, Morristown, Mt. Arlington, Mt. Freedom, Mt. Tabor, Mountain Lakes, Netcong, New Vernon, Newfoundland, Oak Ridge, Parsippany, Pequannock, Picatinny Arsenal, Pine Brook, Pompton Plains, Port Murray, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Schooley’s Mountain, Stirling, Succasunna, Towaco, Wharton, Whippany.
Essex County, NJ: Livingston, Roseland, Essex Fells, West Orange, South Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, Maplewood, Montclair, Verona, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Nutley, West Caldwell, Fairfield, Irvington, Newark, East Orange.
Passaic County, NJ: Bloomingdale, Clifton, Haledon, Hawthorne, Little Falls, North Haledon, Passaic, Paterson, Pompton Lakes, Prospect Park, Ringwood, Totowa, Wanaque, Wayne, West Milford, Woodland Park.
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