Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) is a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is not a normal part of aging. The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is increasing age. Most individuals with the illness are 65 and older. Other risk factors includes: Age, family history and genetics are all risk factors we can’t change. Others strongest evidence links brain health to heart health. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels. These include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Alzheimer’s gets worse over time. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem …show more content…
It can be easy to explain away unusual behavior as part of normal aging, especially for someone who seems physically healthy. Any concerns about memory loss should be discussed with a doctor.
Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages: mild (early), moderate (middle), and severe (late).
Mild Alzheimer’s Disease (Early-stage)
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects.
Friends, family or neighbors begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration. Common difficulties include:
› Problems coming up with the right word or name.
› Trouble remembering names when introduced to new people.
› having greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work …show more content…
› Confusion about where they are or what day it is.
› The need for help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion.
› Trouble controlling bladder and bowels in some individuals.
› Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night.
› An increased risk of wandering and becoming lost.
› Personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand wringing or tissue shredding.16
Severe Alzheimer’s Disease (Late-stage)
In the final stage of this disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases, but communicating pain becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive help with daily activities.
At this stage, individuals may:
› Require full-time, around-the-clock assistance with daily activities and personal care.
› Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their
Alzheimer’s gets worse over time. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem …show more content…
It can be easy to explain away unusual behavior as part of normal aging, especially for someone who seems physically healthy. Any concerns about memory loss should be discussed with a doctor.
Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages: mild (early), moderate (middle), and severe (late).
Mild Alzheimer’s Disease (Early-stage)
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects.
Friends, family or neighbors begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration. Common difficulties include:
› Problems coming up with the right word or name.
› Trouble remembering names when introduced to new people.
› having greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work …show more content…
› Confusion about where they are or what day it is.
› The need for help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion.
› Trouble controlling bladder and bowels in some individuals.
› Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night.
› An increased risk of wandering and becoming lost.
› Personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand wringing or tissue shredding.16
Severe Alzheimer’s Disease (Late-stage)
In the final stage of this disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases, but communicating pain becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive help with daily activities.
At this stage, individuals may:
› Require full-time, around-the-clock assistance with daily activities and personal care.
› Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their