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Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thought, and actions. While Alzheimer’s disease is not a common part of aging, the largest recognized risk factor for the disease is rising age, and most people with the disease are 65 or older. Alzheimer’s in younger people is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include:
- aging
- having a family history of Alzheimer’s disease
- carrying certain genes
There are three main stages of Alzheimer’s: mild, moderate and severe. Each stage has a unique set of symptoms, degree of brain damage, and treatment options associated with it.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
People with Alzheimer’s disease experience more memory loss and other cognitive problems as the disease progresses. Wandering and getting lost are common problems, as are difficulties managing money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete everyday activities, and attitude and behavior changes. This is when most people are diagnosed.
Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Damage to the areas of the brain that regulate language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thinking occurs at this level. People’s memory loss and uncertainty worsen, and they have trouble remembering family and friends. They may be unable to learn new skills, complete multistep tasks such as dressing, or cope with new circumstances. People in this stage can also experience hallucinations, delusions, and hysteria, as well as act impulsively.
Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
Plaques and tangles eventually spread across the brain, causing brain tissue to shrink dramatically. People with serious Alzheimer’s disease are unable to speak and are entirely reliant on others to care for them. As the body shuts down near the end, the person may spend most or all of their time in bed.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Deficits in memory and cognition
- Issues with recognition
- Issues with spatial perception
- Issues with speaking, reading, or writing
- Changes in personality or behavior
Caring for Alzheimer patients
Family members and caregivers may use several techniques to help keep a person with Alzheimer’s safe and handle their behavioral changes in an empathetic manner.
Caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia requires patience and versatility. Find the following suggestions for everyday activities to alleviate frustration:
- Focus on individualized care: Tailor your caregiving to your loved one’s needs as each person with Alzheimer’s disease will experience its symptoms and progression differently.
- Patience and flexibility — along with self-care and the support of friends and family is helpful
- It’s a good idea to make changes to someone’s living space who has Alzheimer’s.
- Devise a daily routine by studying your loved one’s daily routines and trying to detect patterns in behaviour.
You can visit to learn more about caring for your loved ones with Alzheimer.
Written by: MCF Editorial Team