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Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Symptoms, Progression, and Support StrategiesWednesday, August 21, 2024
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Dementia is an umbrella term for various conditions that affect cognitive functioning, while Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one specific type of dementia. In fact, Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 70-80% of all cases. What Exactly is Alzheimer’s Disease?Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the development of plaques and tangles in the brain, which gradually interfere with brain function. Excess protein plaques accumulate, disrupting the function of healthy brain cells and leading to their shrinkage. These physiological changes impact different parts of the brain over time, resulting in various symptoms. AD is a progressive condition that evolves over several years through multiple stages.
The Most Distinctive Symptoms:Short-Term Memory LossShort-term memory loss is often the earliest and most recognizable symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Someone with AD may struggle to recall recent information, but their long-term memory often remains intact for a longer period. For instance, they might not remember if they had breakfast this morning, yet recall their childhood with vivid clarity.
Short term memory is critical for the development of longer term memories. Since AD impairs short term memory, it is very difficult of someone with AD to learn new information and encode it into their long term memory for recall. Learning new information becomes increasingly challenging as AD progresses. As AD progresses, the symptoms also progress beyond short term memory loss and begin affecting other forms of memory and cognitive functioning as well.
Memory loss manifests in various ways, and some common examples include:
Thinking & ReasoningAlzheimer’s disease affects reasoning ability, making it harder to make decisions and follow logical thought processes. Abstract concepts, including numbers, become more difficult to grasp, which can impact financial management and tasks like balancing a chequebook. Concentration and multitasking become increasingly challenging, and detailed conversations may feel overwhelming and hard to follow.
Impact on Emotions and MoodAlzheimer’s affects emotions and mood in two primary ways. First, physical changes to the brain can alter the regions responsible for mood regulation, leading to new emotional responses that may differ from the person’s previous personality. Second, someone with AD may experience emotional reactions to the changes in their cognitive abilities. This can manifest as apathy, withdrawal, or, conversely, heightened emotional expression.
Changes in BehaviorThe changes in thinking and reasoning due to Alzheimer’s often lead to altered behaviour. If someone feels confused or frightened by their surroundings, they may react protectively, which could appear aggressive. Similarly, if they don’t understand that meals are being provided, they might start hoarding food. Understanding the perspective of a person with Alzheimer’s can help make sense of these behaviours.
Common behavioral changes include:
Physical Mobility DeclinesIn the later stages of Alzheimer’s, physical abilities are often affected. Gait and balance may become impaired, increasing the risk of falls. Coordination issues can make tasks like dressing difficult, and assistance with activities of daily living such as transferring, toileting, showering, and eating may become necessary.
Success Tips for Supporting Someone with Alzheimer’s DiseasePatience is Key: In the early stages, be prepared to repeat information. The person may not remember asking the same question multiple times, so answer each time as though it’s the first. For them, it truly feels like the first time they’re asking.
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Chloe Hamilton 113 September 4, 2024 |
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Lissette Mairena Wong 36 August 7, 2024 |
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Avery Hamilton 4 June 7, 2018 |
