Alzheimer's Disease- The Forgotten
It is flabbergasting to me, that with all the statistics that are being shared regarding the prevalence of the disease, individuals still do not know what it is. I am unsure on why this is still happening in 2016. Personally, I did not know what Alzheimer’s disease was until my mother was diagnosed in 2000 and had to do research on my own on what the disease actually was and there was very little how you live with the disease. I had to find out both on my own. To reiterate the statistics, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is rising at a fast rate. In 2016 [1], 5.4 million Americans of various ages have Alzheimer’s disease out that statistic, 5.2 million individuals are 65 and older. There are 200,000 individuals out of the 5.4 million Americans that have early onset Alzheimer’s, which means they are under the age of 65 years of age
Tables
| Stage | Characteristics | Interventions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | “Forgetful” early stage - insidious / gradual - recent memory loss - time / space disorientation - mood swings - slower / withdrawal / denial - impaired judgment - subtle language dysfunction - continues to worsen | seek interested & helpful GP - obtain thorough medical assessment - family conferencing - seek counselling / education - obtain legal / financial advice - secure power of attorney - adjust lifestyle (retirement, driving) - initiate individual / group supports | ||||||
| 2 | Confusion” early middle stage - obvious memory deficits - need for supervision in specialized activities - language / communication problems - anxiety / restlessness - problem behaviour becomes more severe - usually most difficult period for client | time for decisions / future planning - seek help in home - learn coping strategies - investigate day programs - examine placement possibilities - focus on safety / anxiety - compensate for deficits & maximize assets (client & family) | ||||||
| 3 | “Severe Dementia” stage - obviously disabled cognitively - full-time supervision needed - marked personality / behaviour problems - disorientation to person - communication very difficult - psychosis - physical disorders appear - can still reminisce | minimize stresses - seek more help from all sources (usually most difficult period for family) - focus on health - continue with support / education systems - step-up respite care - be prepared for placement | ||||||
| 4 | “Terminal” late stage - almost total loss of intelligence / physical functioning - few words spoken / understood - emaciation / susceptible to infection - death | usually requires placement - continue with all systems of support - death / autopsy arrangements - limit visits to institution as needed - rest / regroup |
References
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Alzheimer Organization (2016) What is Alzheimer’s ?
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Alzheimer’s Association (2016) Alz facts.
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Alzheimer’s Association (2016) Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Canada.
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Prince M, Bryce R, Albanese E (2013) Alzheimer and Dementia The global prevalence of dementia: a systematic review and metanalysis 9(1): 63-75.
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National Institute on Aging (2015) Lewy Body Dementia: Information for Patients, Families, and Professionals.
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World Health Organization (2012) Dementia: A Public Health Priority.
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