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What every family needs to know About Alzheimer’s

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What Every Family Needs to Know about Alzheimer’s disease

Author: Douglas Hardwick

Alzheimer’s disease touches the lives of millions of Americans. Today,  millions of  Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, and 1 in 10 families have a loved one afflicted with it. With no cure in sight, it is important for families to arm themselves with information about this devastating disease.

* Alzheimer’s disease begins slowly.

Like a stroke, Alzheimer’s kills brain cells. Unlike a stroke, however, Alzheimer’s does not strike suddenly. And, its effects are more far-ranging. Experts like to say that Alzheimer’s has an insidious onset. This means simply that the disease starts slowly and unfolds very gradually. So gradually, in fact, that the person who has Alzheimer’s may not realize that anything is wrong until a great deal of brain tissue has been destroyed.

* Early symptoms reflect what is happening inside the brain.

Alzheimer’s disease attacks tissue deep within the brain and spreads out to include all those regions associated with complex thinking and learning; those regions of the brain that make us uniquely human. As the path of destruction widens, individuals who have Alzheimer’s will eventually notice that their thinking skills are deteriorating. More often than not, they will notice that their memory is failing. But, it is not just a series of senior moments. Individuals stricken by Alzheimer’s will have more than a little difficulty finding the right words to express their thoughts and feeling. They may forget the names of familiar places and long-term acquaintances. They are likely to forget long standing appointments. To compensate for these everyday losses, they may withdraw from friends and avoid social gatherings. Their homes may become littered with notes and other reminders as they struggle to overcome their memory losses.

* Alzheimer\’s disease affects personality and behavior.

Interestingly, even as problems accumulate, many individuals will actively deny their difficulties. Denial is a common way of coping in the earliest stages of Alzheimer\’s. It is a defense mechanism that helps to preserve a sense of self-worth, which becomes increasingly fragile as thinking skills fail. Unfortunately, denial does not ‘work’ forever or for everyone. When denial no longer works, some individuals sink into depression. Others may react with angry outbursts, even rage, in the face of everyday frustrations. It is especially common for individuals afflicted with Alzheimer\’s to develop a kind of apathy. They lose interest in those things that used to bring them joy.

* Early signs of Alzheimer\’s may go unrecognized by family members.

Families often engage in their own form of denial when it comes to Alzheimer\’s in a loved one. Significant memory problems in their loved one may be dismissed as simply a part of getting old. As a result, family members often overlook the earliest signs of mental deterioration. They become concerned and seek outside help only after they begin to notice the more obvious changes in behavior or personality. By then, Alzheimer\’s has probably progressed to the point where their loved one can no longer live independently.

* Families must be prepared for what is going to happen.

Whenever the diagnosis of Alzheimer\’s is finally made, it is important for family members to understand that this is not a disease that can be cured or reversed. The fact is, individuals who have Alzheimer\’s will spiral downward toward total care and, ultimately, death. It may take years, but individuals who have Alzheimer\’s will eventually lose everything that defines their person hood. Among other things, their ability to communicate will continue to decline. They will lose the ability to dress and groom themselves. They will need assistance using the toilet. They may begin to wander and to experience hallucinations. In the final stages of the disease, individuals afflicted with Alzheimer\’s will be unable to recognize a spouse or a child. Motor skills will decline so much that they will be unable to walk or to feed themselves. They will lose all control of bowel and bladder. Eventually, all body systems will shut down.

* Families must be willing to reach out for help.

Families need to think carefully about the amount of assistance they are willing and able to provide. Affection for the afflicted individual, as well as a sense of obligation, can initially blind family members to the harsh realities of caring for their loved one. Families must understand that the kind of care required will become more and more demanding. Worse, they will have to watch as the deterioration takes place. Among family caregivers, stress reactions can be quite severe and depression is very common. To cope, family caregivers must seek help from their larger community. The local Alzheimer\’s Association should be their first stop. It is the best single resource available. The local Alzheimer\’s Association can direct families to a variety of services and assistance. For example, many communities have respite programs to give families a short break from care giving. Adult daycare also may be available to provide care during the day while family caregivers continue with their regular jobs. Often times, special support groups are available to help caregivers deal with the depression and other negative emotions that can develop over time. In any case, families of persons afflicted with Alzheimer\’s disease do not have to go it alone. Help is available.

Author : Douglas Hardwick, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of Virginia. Dr. Hardwick has extensive interests in aging and holistic health issues. He developed the website: www.holisticwebworks.com – a holistic health information hub

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Filed Under: Common Questions, communication Tagged With: Dementia Info, Information for family, What is dementia

What is Dementia? and What can I do about it?

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What is Dementia? Causes, Symptoms & Management Methods

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of specific and general symptoms which include a progressive mental decline of cognitive functioning that impacts a person\’s normal daily activities.It is not classified as a disease, per se,but rather as a syndrome which includes characteristic signs and symptoms. These signs also include actual physical deterioration of the brain which leads to the cognitive deterioration, as well as reduced physical mobility.

There are many different types of dementia for which they mostly fall under two categories: primary dementia and secondary dementia. Primary dementia does not result from any other disease. Secondary dementia is caused by another disease or illness which also leads to dementia like symptoms.The two most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer\’s Disease (AD) with 60-percent of all dementia cases, and Vascular Dementia which accounts for 20-percent.

Causes of Dementia

There are many different causes of dementia, which often result because of external or internal damage or changes to the brain.The most common causes of dementia include:

>> Diseases such as Alzheimer\’s disease, Parkinson\’s disease, and strokes.

>> Diseases that affect blood flow and circulation (vascular disease)

>> Excessive consumption of drugs and alcohol

>> Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency

>> Infections such as AIDS, or Creutzfeld Jacob\’s disease

>> Infections to other organs

>> Head injuries and trauma

>> Thyroid problems, hypoglycemia.

>> Bleeding on the brain, or fluid accumulation on the brain

>> Poisoning

>> Inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain

>> High cholesterol and atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)

Symptoms of Dementia

Recognition of symptoms early on can lead to better management of dementia and improve the general quality of life for the patient.Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dementia are:

>> Memory loss and memory confusion

>> Feeling of disorientation

>> Reduced ability to communicate

>> Inability to think in specific terms

>> Confusion or inability to perform familiar tasks

>> Mood and behavioral changes

>> Confusion over the location of personal items and familiar places

>> Decrease in personal initiative

>> Personality changes.

Management of Dementia

Unfortunately, there is no cure for primary dementia and Alzheimer\’s disease which can only be managed with palliative care which brings some relief of symptoms. Management for dementia falls under three main categories: pharmacotherapy, nonpharmacological therapy, and improved caregiver services.

Pharmacotherapy:

Treatment for dementia with the use of drugs and medication is aimed at three categories of symptoms,to improve brain functioning and cognition, to treat behavioral symptoms, and for pain management.Although dementia is not reversible, doctors will look at whether or not the decline in mental functioning is the result of other conditions which are treatable. This could include conditions such as: deficiency in vitamin B and folic acid, decreased supply of oxygen, thyroid problems, infections, anemia,depression and heart conditions.

When these conditions are not present, and the onset of symptoms is due to primary dementia,the doctor may prescribed medication that is FDA approved for dementia and Alzheimer\’s, and/or medication that is prescribed ‘off-label’ to treat dementia,and dementia related secondary symptoms.

Four medicines classified as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have been approved by the FDA for dementia by Alzheimer\’s and include: Tacrine (Cognex®), donepezil (Aricept®), galantamine (Razadyne®), and rivastigmine (Exelon®).In clinical studies, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine have been shown to mildly slow the rate of cognitive decline and improve activities of daily living (ADLs) and behavior in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease for a period of 6-18 months.

Of these four acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil is the most prescribed and has shown to be the most effective but side-effects occur in approximately 17 percent of patients with the 5-10mg dosages. Donepezil is expected to delay the onset of AD for about one year in people suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Rivastigmine was also effective but side-effects occurred in approximately 50 percent of patients for the 6-12mg dosages, with 25 percent needing to be taken off the drug. It is also approved for Parkinson\’s disease dementia by the FDA.

Memantine (Namenda) is a drug of a different class and works best in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer\’s. However, the addition of memantine to the above mentioned acetylcholinesterase inhibitors being given to mild to moderate Alzheimer\’s patients was no more effective than placebo.

Depression, agitation, paranoia, and anxiety are common symptoms associated with dementia and Alzheimer\’s. Doctors may prescribe anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication as well as anti-psychotics.

Dementia patients have many of the same physical ailments as non-dementia seniors to include chronic, persistent pain. Approximately 25 to 50 percent of seniors experience chronic pain so it must be reasoned that statistics for dementia patients must be similar. Chronic pain can contribute to depression, aggression, and poor cognition and should not be overlooked in dementia patients.

Therapy and Caregiver Services

Nonpharmacalogical therapy methods may be directed for dementia patients through music therapy (for mental stimulation), behavioral therapy (for depression), and psycho motor therapy (for agitation). Other mental stimulation therapies may include: simple games, picture observation, reading to patients, and other techniques. Physical exercise also benefits patients. Trained caregivers may initiate and participate in stimulation therapies. Having empathetic, attentive caregivers well trained in addressing the wants and needs of dementia patients is an important part of the overall treatment regimen for dementia patients. Advice, tips, and information for better caregiving for dementia patients may be found online.

About the Author: Jason L Morrow is the founder and editor of  OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Filed Under: Common Questions, EARLY STAGE, Guest Post Tagged With: Managing dementia, medications, What is dementia

What is Dementia? What are the Causes besides Alzheimer’s?

10/112 Comments

What is Dementia?

Dementia is actually a general term rather than a specific disease.

Dementia describes symptoms caused by a number of brain-affecting disorders. Dementia is common in senior citizens.

People with dementia experience impaired intellectual functioning that hinders normal activities and relationships, and they lose problem-solving abilities and have trouble maintaining emotional control. Senior citizens with dementia may experience personality changes and behavior problems such as agitation, delusions, and hallucinations.

Memory loss is common in seniors with dementia, but it does not define dementia. A person can receive a diagnosis of dementia only if two or more areas of functionality-for example, memory and language skills-have been adversely affected while the person retains consciousness.

Symptoms of dementia can be caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

They can also arise from reactions to medications, metabolic problems and endocrine abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, infections, poisoning, brain tumors, anoxia or hypoxia (in which the brain receives too little oxygen or none at all), and heart and lung problems. Though dementia is common in senior citizens, it is not a normal part of aging.

Which dementia treatments are available?

Medications to treat specific diseases associated with dementia (like Alzheimer’s) are available. This option cannot reverse damage to the brain, but it can improve symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.

This may improve the quality of life for senior citizens with dementia as well as easing the burden on those providing the care and delaying the move to a nursing home. In home health care for the elderly, though not a treatment, may be an effective way to provide care to the senior while giving their caretaker a daily or weekly break.

Also, senior citizens with dementia, especially during the early stages, can often benefit from practicing tasks designed to enhance cognitive functioning. An example of this is using memory aids like mnemonics, computerized recall devices, or note-taking.

What’s the prognosis?

Since many disorders can cause dementia,  Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease cause a gradual loss of mental functions, for example, but other types of dementia can be reversed or stopped with proper treatment. When senior citizens experience moderate to advanced symptoms of dementia, elder care and supervision at all hours is usually necessary to prevent them from harming themselves or others. They may need assistance with dressing, eating, bathing, or other daily activities.

What kind of research is being done?

Researchers are currently focusing on many of the aspects of dementia and hope to improve the quality of life of people with dementia. Research may eventually point to methods of prevention or ways to cure dementia.

Author: David Crumrine at the The Caring Space.

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Filed Under: Common Questions, EARLY STAGE, Recommended Reading Tagged With: explaining behavior, What is dementia

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