Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.  It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry out a conversation and respond to the environment.  It involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language which leads to seriously affecting a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. There likely is not a single cause but rather several factors that can affect each person differently.

Whilst young people can get Alzheimer’s disease, age is the best known risk factor with most cases appearing at and after the age of 60.

Family history: researchers believe that genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, genes do not equal destiny. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Two large, long term studies indicate that adequate physical activity, a nutritious diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking may help people

There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce risk for subjective cognitive decline.

Alzheimer’s Warning Signs

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of ageing as some may think.  Memory problems are typically warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.  In addition to memory problems, someone with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may experience one or more of the following:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life; such as getting lost in familiar places or repeating questions.
  • Trouble handling money and paying bills
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or at leisure
  • Decreased or poor judgement
  • Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
  • Changing in mood, personality, or behaviour

Even if you or someone you know has several or even most of these signs, it does not mean its Alzheimer’s disease.  Getting checked by a doctor can help determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are related to Alzheimer’s disease, or a more treatable conditions such as a vitamin deficiency or side effect from medication.  Early and accurate diagnosis also provides opportunities for you and your family to consider financial planning, develop advance directives and anticipate care needs.

Can Alzheimer’s be Treated?

There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Medical management is there to improve quality of for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and for their caregivers.   The treatment available addresses several arears:

  • Helping people maintain brain health
  • Managing behavioural symptoms
  • Slowing or delaying symptoms of the disease

Support from Family

Many people living with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at home by family members. Caregiving can have positive aspects for the caregiver as well as the person being cared for. It may bring personal fulfilment to the caregiver, such as satisfaction from helping a family member or friend, and lead to the development of new skills and improved family relationships.

Although most people willingly provide care to their loved ones and friends, caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease at home can be a difficult task and may become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behaviour.  As the disease gets worse, people living with Alzheimer’s disease often need more intensive care.