According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about five million people in the United States are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, or memory loss that can also cause problems with behavior. Anyone can be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, however, the most common age is 65 and older. Alzheimer’s disrupts the way electrical charges travel in the cells and the activity of neurotransmitters. This causes nerve cells to die, which in turn causes tissue loss. Overtime, the brain degrades and shrinks, wreaking havoc on all brain functions. (“Alzheimer’s Association”).
Relationships change when a patient is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and no longer can participate in everyday activities. In an article published by Dementia Today(2012), …show more content…
Also, the patient’s children would be immensely affected emotionally. “They (adult children) may feel overwhelmed by the looming responsibilities…” (Dementia Today 2012). Adult children, commonly parents, have many responsibilities outside of taking care of their parents; which could lead to anxiety and stress. Following this article, it talks about children and adolescents that are effected by an Alzheimer’s diagnoses. Children may feel sad or frustrated at the thought of losing a loved one. They may also be confused as to why their loved one does not know them. Children should be encouraged to ask questions. (Dementia Today …show more content…
My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia which is closely related to Alzheimer’s, but dementia is the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s without the brain deterioration. I asked my mother, “How has your relationship been effected by your mother’s dementia?” She responded, “It has been effected a lot. I really do not have a relationship like we had before, and I can no longer hold a conversation with her like before. I feel like I have lost her support.” Next, I asked how she has been emotionally effected, and she answered, “I have been angry because it is like my mom is gone, even though she is still here. It makes me sad to think of her.” My last question I asked was “How do you think it has impacted your children?” Her response was as follows, “I think it has effected them greatly because it is as if their grandmother is not here like they once knew her. It is very
Relationships change when a patient is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and no longer can participate in everyday activities. In an article published by Dementia Today(2012), …show more content…
Also, the patient’s children would be immensely affected emotionally. “They (adult children) may feel overwhelmed by the looming responsibilities…” (Dementia Today 2012). Adult children, commonly parents, have many responsibilities outside of taking care of their parents; which could lead to anxiety and stress. Following this article, it talks about children and adolescents that are effected by an Alzheimer’s diagnoses. Children may feel sad or frustrated at the thought of losing a loved one. They may also be confused as to why their loved one does not know them. Children should be encouraged to ask questions. (Dementia Today …show more content…
My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia which is closely related to Alzheimer’s, but dementia is the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s without the brain deterioration. I asked my mother, “How has your relationship been effected by your mother’s dementia?” She responded, “It has been effected a lot. I really do not have a relationship like we had before, and I can no longer hold a conversation with her like before. I feel like I have lost her support.” Next, I asked how she has been emotionally effected, and she answered, “I have been angry because it is like my mom is gone, even though she is still here. It makes me sad to think of her.” My last question I asked was “How do you think it has impacted your children?” Her response was as follows, “I think it has effected them greatly because it is as if their grandmother is not here like they once knew her. It is very