7/29/2019 When Alzheimer's is Setting In

1/2

When Alzheimer's is setting in

A loved one suddenly begins to forget a familiar name or tobrush his teeth when he wakes up in the morning... or

suddenly has difficulty dressing up.. goes for a walk in afamiliar neighbourhood and does not return home

you begin to wonder what is happening?

It could be that the person is showing signs of dementia. Dementia isa progressive and irreversible impairment of the intellect, theprevalence of which increases with age.

Dementia develops over time. Changes are seen in cognition,memory, language and visuospatial functions. There could bebehavioural disturbances such as agitation, restlessness, wandering,rage, violence, shouting, social and sexual disinhibitions,impulsiveness, sleep disturbances and delusions.

The most common type of dementia today is ALZHEIMER'S. It is aprogressive decline of cognitive functions and is characterized bydeficits in memory, language and visuospatial functions. It usually

starts with slight forgetfulness and slow mental deterioration thatfinally terminates in delirium and death.

The onset is usually after a physical ailment or a stressful event. 50-60% of people have dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Alzheimer's disease usually appears after the age of 60, but it couldbegin earlier. The first symptom tends to be memory lapses,especially for recent events or newly learned information.

How is Alzheimer's Diagnosed?

When Alzheimer's first sets in the person begins forgetting simpletasks like forgetting to brush one's teeth, personal hygiene or other

everyday mundane tasks. There is a gradual withdrawal from socialactivities and interests.

The person begins to forget recent events but does recall events inthe distant past. There is disorientation about time and place and lackof contact with reality.

Signs of depression, obsessiveness and suspiciousness are often

accompanied with frequent mood changes, unpredictable aggressiveoutbursts, disorientation and wandering. Lethargy and a loss of

concentration and initiative creeps in.

There could also be neurological defects such as gait disturbances,aphasia (inability to communicate verbally or using written words);

apraxia (inability to execute a voluntary motor movement despitebeing able to demonstrate normal muscle function); and agnosia

7/29/2019 When Alzheimer's is Setting In

2/2

(inability to recognize and identify familiar objects or persons).

The person becomes self-centered, child like, is preoccupied withbodily functions of eating, digestion and excretion. He has

uncontrolled eating habits, sleep disturbances, senseless repetitivebehaviors and hoarding of useless items.

They also become suspicious and are often convinced that others areengaged in various injurious plots and schemes against them.

Memory lapses though very subtle at first, gradually leads to moresignificant gaps and confusion. Eventually, the disease leads to severe

brain damage that impairs a person's ability to complete everydaytasks as well as skills such as to reason, learn and imagine.

The end stage is a reduction to a vegetative existence and ultimatelydeath from some disease due to limited defensive resources.

TreatmentThere is no treatment for Alzheimer's, but antidepressants andtranquilizers help improve behavior like anxiety, depression, agitation

and sleeplessness.

In spite of the fact that it is so common, Alzheimer's disease oftengoes unrecognized or is misdiagnosed in its early stages. Manydoctors and nurses, patients, and family members mistakenly viewthe early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease as the inevitableconsequences of aging.

Incontinence, which is a major sympton as the disease progresses can

be effectively treated, so it is better to identify this as soon aspossible.

Physical activity such as aerobic and weight bearing exercise regimenhelp increase energy levels, reduce apathy and improve the overall

sense of well-being. Since lack of motivation can be a problem, apersonal trainer may be helpful to ensure participation in an exerciseprogram.

Keeping the brain active through mental exercises such as puzzles,crosswords and reading helps retard the progress of the disease to a

certain extent.

Each person with Alzheimer's is unique and will respond differently,and each person changes over the course of the disease. It is a

challenge and can become overwhelming for the person caring for aperson with Alzheimer's disease at home. Each day brings newchallenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability andnew patterns of behavior. It is very essential that the caregiverreceive adequate support from family and friends.