Similar to any other disease, Alzheimer’s has aspects that are unique to the individual. While there are common symptoms that everyone will experience there are certain ones that are unique to certain individuals. There are many aspects in a dementia patient’s life that is affected. They are affected psychologically, emotionally, culturally, spiritually, and socially. While working with the family of a person who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and the individual you need to be aware of what aspects in their life are important. In the realm of Alzheimer’s the cognitive symptoms are fully understood however the psychological symptoms are not (Passmore,n.d.). Some psychological symptoms such as disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, agitation, and
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The social element is affected is on numerous levels. Stigma and relationship changes are two of the more important social changes. Many years ago individuals diagnosed with dementia were viewed as “burdens” (Alzheimer 's Association , 2015) . The 2012 World Report by Alzheimer’s Association discussed these stigmas. One quote, “The public ‘attitude towards Alzheimer’s in some instances is not very ice. Infact, excuse my expression, but I’d have to say it sucks”. (Batsch & Mittelman, 2012). But it does because we let it. The reason we have these stigmas is because we as a society let it occur. As clinicians and members of society it’s our job to try and reduce the stigma. The most common way to reduce stigma’s in society is to educate the general public on the disease (Batsch & Mittelman, 2012) . An individual’s culture, can also shape the populations outlook on Alzheimer’s while you cannot change an individual’s culture, you can educate them on the facts. The media has also contributed to the stigmas and misconceptions of Alzheimer’s disease (Batsch & Mittelman, 2012). The media heavily focuses on late stage dementia; this is the face of dementia that is often associated with the diagnosis.
Individuals diagnosed often experience social changes in their relationships. Most often when they have the inability to make significant decisions they are sometimes excluded (Alzheimer 's Association , 2015). The individual will experience role changes, loss of ability to care for themselves, causing them to rely on family members or caregivers to make sure their needs are met. This can create a sense of fear and sadness (Alzheimer 's Association , 2015). These events can completely change the relationships of all parties
The social element is affected is on numerous levels. Stigma and relationship changes are two of the more important social changes. Many years ago individuals diagnosed with dementia were viewed as “burdens” (Alzheimer 's Association , 2015) . The 2012 World Report by Alzheimer’s Association discussed these stigmas. One quote, “The public ‘attitude towards Alzheimer’s in some instances is not very ice. Infact, excuse my expression, but I’d have to say it sucks”. (Batsch & Mittelman, 2012). But it does because we let it. The reason we have these stigmas is because we as a society let it occur. As clinicians and members of society it’s our job to try and reduce the stigma. The most common way to reduce stigma’s in society is to educate the general public on the disease (Batsch & Mittelman, 2012) . An individual’s culture, can also shape the populations outlook on Alzheimer’s while you cannot change an individual’s culture, you can educate them on the facts. The media has also contributed to the stigmas and misconceptions of Alzheimer’s disease (Batsch & Mittelman, 2012). The media heavily focuses on late stage dementia; this is the face of dementia that is often associated with the diagnosis.
Individuals diagnosed often experience social changes in their relationships. Most often when they have the inability to make significant decisions they are sometimes excluded (Alzheimer 's Association , 2015). The individual will experience role changes, loss of ability to care for themselves, causing them to rely on family members or caregivers to make sure their needs are met. This can create a sense of fear and sadness (Alzheimer 's Association , 2015). These events can completely change the relationships of all parties