Alzheimer's Disease is a form of dementia that impacts a person's memory, thinking, and behavior. The disease is progressive, meaning it worsens and affects a person's ability to function more and more throughout their life. Even though many people associate Alzheimer's with the elderly, younger people can also develop the disease. In fact, around 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have Alzheimer's. This is known as Early-Onset Alzheimer's. On average, people live eight years after being diagnosed. However, survival can vary from four to twenty years [Source].
While some people use the terms Alzheimer's and dementia interchangeably, they are actually not the same. Dementia is actually an umbrella term that includes several conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, and Huntington's Disease. Alzheimer's Disease is a specific type of dementia that accounts for between 60 and 80 percent of all dementia cases [Source].
Possible risk factors of Alzheimer's
While the exact cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, there are several things that may put someone more at risk.- The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's is aging. While Alzheimer's Disease is not a normal part of aging, your risk of developing the disease increases after the age of 65. After the age of 60, the rate of dementia doubles each decade [Source].
- If someone has a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's, they are slightly more at risk of developing the disease. However, these genetic mutations only account for under five percent of cases [Source].
- Those with Down's Syndrome or Mild Cognitive Impairment have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. In individuals with Down's Syndrome, symptoms can appear 10 to 20 years earlier compared with others [Source].
- Women are more likely to develop the disease than men [Source].
Early Stage Alzheimer's
Early Stage Alzheimer's is the first stage of the disease. During this stage most people can live without assistance, and many people still work, drive, or live on their own. Symptoms in this stage include:- Forgetting words and names of objects or people
- Difficulty in completing tasks
- Forgetting what has just been read
- Losing things
- Difficulty with organization and planning [Source]
Middle Stage Alzheimer's
Middle Stage Alzheimer's is the second stage of the disease. This is normally the longest stage of the disease. People will begin to have a hard time performing daily tasks and need more assistance with their care. Symptoms include:
- Forgetting parts of their own life, such as where they went to school or where they live
- Moodiness, frustration, or other emotional changes
- Social withdrawal
- Confusion about the day and time
- Difficulty with self-care, such as bathing or selecting clothing
- Incontinence
- Change in sleep
- Changes in usual behavior and personality traits
- Wandering from the home and caregiver, or becoming lost [Source]
Late Stage Alzheimer's
Late Stage Alzheimer's is the last stage of the disease. At this point, people with the disease will be unable to connect to the world around them, communicate, and control how they move. They will likely need constant care. Other symptoms include:- Being unaware of their surroundings
- Being more at risk of contracting infections
- Being unable to walk, sit upright, and swallow food or water [Source]
Many people with Alzheimer's do not die from the disease directly, but instead from complications. For example, if someone with Alzheimer's has trouble swallowing, they are at risk of aspirating their food. This can lead to potentially fatal pneumonia. People who have difficulty swallowing may also pass away due to starvation or dehydration if they do not receive tube feedings or IV fluids. People who are bedridden may develop blood clots. Also, many people with Alzheimer's have a weakened immune system, putting them at risk for infections that may cause their death. [Source].
Obtaining a diagnosis
To obtain a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, doctors will take a detailed medical history to rule out other potential causes. They will ask questions about the symptoms that a person is experiencing and how long they have been going on. They will also ask about any health conditions the person may have and about any medications that they are taking. Doctors might also look at a person's memory and problem-solving skills or perform bloodwork, urine tests, MRIs, or CT scans to eliminate other possible causes [Source].
When possible, it is important to diagnose Alzheimer's early. Even though there is no cure for the disease, there are treatments that may slow its progression when started early.
Treatments and caregiving
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
One possible treatment of Alzheimer's is medication. These drugs would help slow the progression of the disease and increase mental function.
It is also beneficial to determine what may trigger someone with Alzheimer's to behave in a certain way. Certain situations may increase someone's stress level and cause certain behaviors. Once specific triggers are identified, it may be easier to handle them.
It is important to allow someone with Alzheimer's to rest, especially after a particularly stimulating event. Try to create a calm, reassuring atmosphere and ensure their needs are met. Many people with Alzheimer's may not remember facts or events correctly. Do not argue with them, as this creates more stress. Instead, try to be reassuring [Source]. For example, someone with Alzheimer's may believe a deceased relative is currently running errands or is simply away from home. Instead of arguing, it may be useful to simply say it was kind of them to run errands or they will be returning soon.
Other forms of treatments deal specifically with the symptoms being experienced. For example, certain routines can be developed to help someone with sleep problems or problems with using the restroom.
Late Stage Alzheimer's care
Someone with Late Stage Alzheimer's likely needs constant care. There are many areas where someone with Late Stage Alzhemer's may need assistance:
- Someone with Late Stage Alzheimer's may forget to eat. Monitor their eating habits and enusre they are getting enough nutrients as recommended by their doctor. Make sure they are hydrated. If they begin to lose weight, speak with their doctor.
- Create a bathroom routine. Ensure they do not become constipated. It may also help to use a protective bed covering at night in case of accidents.
- Make sure their body is properly supported and change their position in bed regularly. Check their skin frequently for sores or other injuries that may need to be addressed by a doctor.
- Ensure proper personal hygiene is maintained to prevent infection. Follow the doctor's orders on preventative measures such as flu shots.
- Make sure the person is comfortable and watch for pain [Source].
When someone reaches Late Stage Alzheimer's it may be difficult to care for them. Hospice care or nursing homes may become valid options if a family member or friend is unable to provide adequate care. It is important to research any facility to ensure there will be quality care.
During any stage of Alzheimer's, it may be beneficial to find ways to boost someone's quality of life, such as:
- Listening to their favorite music
- Reading to them
- Utilizing pet therapy services
- Giving them "brain games" to exercise their brain
- Simply spending time with them
Caregiver stress
Being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's Disease can be physically and emotionally exhausting. It is important for any caregiver to take time out for themselves to recharge and take care of themselves. Some ways a caregiver may be able to handle stress are:
- Seek support. Talk about what is happening to a trusted friend or family member, but also allow them to help in other ways. A friend or family member may be able to run errands or occasionally aid with care. Support groups may also be available online or in person.
- Practice forgiveness. Nobody is perfect, and this is a learning experience. Overall, you are making the best decisions you can and are doing your best.
- Set goals for yourself and make sure to develop a healthy routine for yourself. Make sure your needs are being met.
- Seek respite care. Respite care allows a caregiver to take a break while ensuring care is still being provided.
- Try not to isolate from family and friends [Source].
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