Alzheimer's Dementia

     Alzheimer's disease is a disease that affects an estimated 5.6 million people in the United States. The CDC defines Alzheimer's as, "...not a specific disease but rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with everyday life." Alzheimer's is not simply forgetting where you put your keys one day. Although it is one of the most recognizable symptoms people think of when they think of Alzheimer's. Memory loss is often the earliest symptom of Alzheimer's. Individuals may have trouble remembering recent events or conversations while retaining other memories from the distant past. As the disease progresses, this forgetfulness intensifies, impairing the patient's ability to perform simple, everyday tasks, recognize familiar faces, or recall important information like dates or names.

    In the next stages of Alzheimer's the cognitive decline worsens beyond memory impairment. Alzheimer's leads to a further decline in mental function, affecting various mental processes. The patient may struggle with concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making, making it increasingly difficult to follow directions or plan ahead. Tasks that once seemed effortless become extremely difficult, if not impossible. It's a process that completely erodes the patient's confidence, free will, and self-independence in most cases. 

    Alzheimer's also disrupts the patient's language and communication skills, impairing both comprehension and expression. Individuals may struggle to find the right words, repeat themselves frequently, or have difficulty holding or following conversations. As the disease progresses, coherent speech becomes more sporadic, compounding frustration, loneliness, and isolation. The patient may feel as if they're fighting this disease alone. 

    Disorientation and confusion are hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's, as individuals struggle to make sense of their surroundings and situations. They may become lost in familiar places, forget the date or time frequently, or experience difficulties recognizing people they knew very well, perhaps a child whose face they've seen every day for years. As you can imagine, this disconnection from reality can lead to anxiety, agitation, a sense of vulnerability, and a sense of loss for the patient. They may begin to forget who they are. To me, that is the scariest part of Alzheimer's Imagine waking up one day and forgetting everything about yourself with no sense of self. That is horrifying.

    Alzheimer's impairs judgment and decision-making abilities, making individuals vulnerable to poor choices and risky behavior. They may struggle to assess situations accurately, exhibit poor financial behavior, or fall prey to scams or exploitation. This part of the mental decline especially poses a challenge not only to the patient but also to the caregiver. Often the caregiver is forced to put the patient in a nursing home or some other assisted living facility that can better care for the patient. My mother was forced to do this exact thing with my grandmother when I was younger. It had become too difficult to care for her alone.

    Alzheimer's disease also often precipitates noticeable changes in personality and behavior, altering fundamental aspects of the patient's character. Nia. NIH.Gov lists the following personality changes most seen among patients:

"Getting upset easily

Getting worried easily 

Getting angry easily

Acting depressed or disinterested in things

Hiding things or believing that other people are hiding things

Imagining things that aren't there

Wandering far from home

Pacing a lot

Showing unusual sexual behavior

Hitting you or other people

Misunderstanding what he or she sees or hears."

In some cases, previously calm or non-violent patients may become aggressive or paranoid, posing even more challenges for loved ones or caregivers.

    As Alzheimer's progresses, it can and often will lead to a decline in motor skills and coordination, impacting mobility and daily life. Individuals may experience difficulties with balance, moving, and fine motor movements, increasing their risks of falls and accidents. These physical impairments greatly reduce and diminish the patient's independence and quality of life.

    I chose this topic because I have seen the effects of Alzheimer's Dementia on my grandmother. It's a horrific disease that affects not only the patient but also the patient's loved ones who are forced to watch the patient's mind slowly deteriorate. It's a personal topic that I think about often.