Alzheimers is one of the few diseases that is not caused by lifestyle abuses, cares nothing about race, but can cause destruction generation-wide. It is such a debilitating disease, I hope they find a cure soon. Alzheimers is just one disease that causes dementia, memory loss. Alzheimers is a terrible way to end a life. Alzheimer’s is a sad disease as it is, and is hard to watch loved ones going through it. Alzheimers is the most common cause of dementia (artery disease, Parkinson’s and other brain disorders can also lead to dementia). Alzheimers is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain. Alzheimers is the leading cause of dementia in people over the age of 65 and affects over 300,000 people. It is a Chromosome disease, so it is one the is difficult to cure because you would have to change the persons DNA to prevent it.
About 47% of the elderly over age 85 suffer from Alzheimers and is the commonest reason for someone to be admitted to a nursing home. The disease does not discriminate between races. It does appears to affect more women than men simply for the reason that they tend to live longer.
There are three stages to Alzheimer’s.
Stage one
This stage which last about two to four years,consist of subtle changes, such as a lack of energy and a zest for life. Also there is a lack of humor, decreased interest in family life, friends sports and other favorite pastimes. The first stage also shows the beginning of a loss of short term memory though past memories may remain unaffected. Toward the end of this stage, the person may not be able to hold a job, carry out most daily tasks or organize time and dates.
Stage Two
This stage may last several years and is characterized by extreme confusion and difficulty in coping with new situation since long term memory fails and is gradually erased from the mind. The patient will still recognize familiar faces and perhaps latch on to one or two in a last grasp to retain some sanity. Many functions must be given up- driving most obviously. The patients may babble since they lose track of not only other conversations, but their own. wandering and getting lost are more frequent. Some call this. Sun-downing, which is a phenomenon associated with extreme restlessness, agitation and wandering. This may become a daily occurrence usually around four o’clock in the afternoon.
Stage Three
In this stage, perhaps lasting only one or two years, the deterioration is virtually complete. The victim cannot remember faces- even his/her own. The overall nervous system regulating bodily functions is damaged so greatly that incontinence, difficulty in coordinating body movements and sometimes seizures results. The patient becomes emaciated to the point of a vegetative state.
To see a family member go thru these stages and knowing there is nothing you can do is both emotionally draining and traumatic for both sufferer and family members alike. To witness the “Death of the Mnd Before the Death of the Body” is very heart wrenching.
Caring for a family member with this disease literally places additional stress on you as the caregiver. So the more you know and understand about Alzheimers the better is for you and your family enabling you to cope with this devastating disease.
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Article is by Wray R. Herring
http://www.alzheimerslearningctr.com
Wray has first hand knowledge and experience in caring for
some one with Alzheimers.
For Additional information and products click on http://www.alzheimerslearningctr.com
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