What Is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's Disease is a disorder of the brain that gradually destroys mental capabilities. It is the most common cause of what was formerly called "senility." The disease is progressive, and at this time there is no known cause or cure. It is estimated that over 4 million middle-aged and older adults in the U.S. are victims of this disease. In the greater Detroit area alone, there are over 60,000 people who are afflicted.
An estimated one of every ten people over 65 has Alzheimer's. It strikes people in their forties and fifties as well, and is found in both sexes and in all ethnic, social, economic and environmental backgrounds.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is the loss of intellectual functions (such as thinking, remembering and reasoning) of sufficient severity to interfere with a person's daily functioning. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a group of symptoms which may accompany certain diseases or physical conditions. The cause and rate of progression of demtias vary. One of the more well-known diseases that produce dementia include Alzheimer's disease.
Symptoms
In most cases, one of the first manifestations is memory loss. The patient has trouble remembering the familiar names, places and facts of his or her everyday life.
Judgment, concentration, orientation and speech usually are affected. Sometimes aggressive behavior occurs. Eventually patients lose all mental abilities as well as control over body functions.
Early disgnosis is important because often other treatable causes may be producing Alzheimer-type symptoms.
Treatment
Since the cause and cure of Alzheimer's disease are not known, treatment is limited. There are many avenues, however, for managing symptoms. Some complications, such as seizures, can be prevented. A patient's anxiety and agitation can be minimized by proper care and judicious use of medication. Proper nutrition, carefully guided exercise and mentally stimulating activities can be of significant help in maintaining optimal functioning. Support for the family caregivers can also improve the quality of life for all concerned.
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Effects of Alzheimer's/Dementia on Family Members
Over 19 million family member caregivers devote increasing amounts of time and money to a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The onus of family member caregiving averages 69 to 100 hours per week.
One-third of all family member caregivers are employed and 25-30% of all employees 30 years of age or older are providing care for an elderly relative. By 2005, more than a third of the work force will be ages 40-54 - the prime time for caring for elderly parents.
Those employees caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease report that they:
• Work an average of 35 hours per week;
• Take an average of 9.3 hours per month and 14 days per year of unscheduled time-off to provide care for their loved one;
• Reduce their work hours and actually leave the work force to care for an elderly relative.
This impact will only increase. The number of people with Alzheimer's disease will more than triple over the next 50 years.
Alzheimer's and related dementias are often as hard on friends and families as they are on those affected. Caring for them is exhaustive. It can also be very isolating and frightening.
A Special Note About Your Loved Ones with Alzheimer's...
In the middle and late stages of Alzheimer's, when cognitive impairment becomes disabling, people with Alzheimer's continue to retain their emotions. They have little or no difficulty discerning happiness, contentment, surprise, pride, sadness, upset, fear, depression, worry and anger.
The mix of emotions is uniquely individual, with some people going through noticeable emotional changes as the disease progresses, while others retaining the same basic set of emotional responses.
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Alzheimer's Association Helpline
Call 800-337-3827