Information: about Alzheimer's Disease

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What is Alzheimer's Disease?

  • Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive and fatal brain disorder named for the German physician who described this disorder in 1906, Alois Alzheimer.
  • Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia which is a decline in thinking, reasoning, and/or remembering. Another form of dementia is vascular dementia, which is the hardening of the arteries in the brain that causes blockage in blood flow.
  • Alzheimer's disease has no known cause or cure. Alzheimer's disease causes memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, personality changes, disorientation, speech problems, eventually loss of bodily functions. The patient loses the knowledge of how to eat or swallow. The brain losses the ability to communicate with the body. The immune system breaks down until the body cannot survive.
  • Another reason we at New Horizons Un-Limited are interested in reviewing Alzheimer's Disease is a prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in a much younger population, a complication for people with other disabilities, such as Down's Syndrome.

What are the causes of Alzheimer's Disease?

  • There is no known cause for Alzheimer's Disease. Research is being conducted to find a cure of a disease that costs on average $75,000 per patient in custodial care.
  • Researchers know that the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease generally have two major types of abnormalities. We have all heard of plaque building up in the arteries causing heart attacks. From a layman's view - Alzheimer's Disease patients exhibit an amyloid protein plaque building up in the brain. It attacks the neurons in the brain.
  • Research is also studying genes, education, and diet. (AHAF)

What are the signs of Alzheimer's in the early stages? Why do we miss them?

    The 10 early signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's. These signs are clues for the Caregiver that there may be a problem.

     

      1.) Memory changes that disrupt daily life.

      2.) Changes in planning and solving problems.

      3.) Difficulty completing familiar tasks.

      4.) Confusion with time and place.

      5.) Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

      6.) New problems with words in speaking or writing.

      7.) Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.

      8.) Decreased or poor judgment.

      9.) Withdrawal from work or social activities.

      10.) Changes in mood and personality.

What are the 7 stages of Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's causes memory, thinking and behavioral problems that comes on gradually. These problems get worse over time, however there are moments when the patient can be completely lucid. There is no known cure, but there are medicines that have, in some cases, slowed the progression of the disease.

    The 7 stages of the progression of Alzheimer's:

      Stage 1: Does not show any signs of memory problems, nothing is evident to health care professionals.

      Research is working on technology to detect subtle signs of Alzheimer's prior to noticeable memory loss.

      Stage 2: Memory lapses, forgetting familiar words or names. Forgetting the location of items used every day, still not evident enough to alert family or friends.

      Stage 3; Family and friends begin to notice problems with difficulty in memory, using the right words when visiting, unable to remember names of people, loss of ability to plan or organize tasks.

      Stage 4: Signs of Alzheimer's become more prominent, noticeable enough. Family seeks doctor assistance. Problems with memory, wandering, loss of time, day or night, loss of bodily functions increase.

      Stage 5: Time to seek out a Nursing Home, patient memory has major gaps, needs assistance in daily activities, needs help in dressing, no control of bodily functions. (See information on transferring to a nursing home below.)

      Stage 6: Severe memory loss, personality may change, patient may not know spouse or family, needs help in dressing, needs help in toileting, doesn't know day from night, maybe up 24 hours and will go until they collapse, tend to wander and get lost, and need to be watched 24/7.

      Stage 7: Cannot respond to environment, cannot control movement of arms and legs, incontinence becomes a real problem, unable to walk, needs support standing, unable to eat on their own, needs to be told to swallow, immune system can not fight off illness, circulation becomes a problem and leads to congestive heart failure which will be fatal.

Statistics:

  • Over 5 million adults have reported a diagnosis of some type of Alzheimer's Disease in the U.S. and by 2050 predicted to rise to 15 million people.
  • 36 million people living with dementia worldwide and by 2050 this number is likely to increase to more than 115 million people. (Alzheimer's Disease Research)

Prevention:

  • There is no known prevention. In some cases there can only be a slowing of the progression of the disease.
  • It is generally believed that exercise and brain or memory games or exercises, in other words keeping the brain active can assist in preventing age related dementia.
  • Research is also studying the following factors to find prevention solutions:
    • Amyloid protein plaque building up in the brain that attacks the neurons in the brain
    • Genes
    • Education
    • Diet
  • Alzheimer's Prevention Registry and GeneMatch is a research program of the Alzheimer's Prevention Registry. Its goal is to identify a large group of people interested in participating in Alzheimer's research studies based in part on their genetic information. For more information, visit this website or call (1-888-STOP-ALZ).

  • The A4 Study - if you are a healthy older adult with normal memory, this could be the right time for you to join the fight to prevent the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. This is a clinical study for older individuals who may be at risk for memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease. If you are interested in learning more about A4, call 1-844-A4Study or email: adear@nia.nih.gov or visit a4study.org

Diagnosis:

    "Alzheimer's from a Caregivers Perspective"

      "There were signs my wife expressed that I missed before we went to the Doctor. The signs came on ever so slowly. (Review the 10 signs above to look for as a caregiver.)

      "When your loved one asks you to help, you automatically respond, so it is hard for you to recognize problems." If someone on the outside or someone with fresh eyes on your situation comments about a loved one's behavior, it may be wise to take their comments under consideration.

      "It became obvious to my family when my wife could not carry on a conversation. I took her to the doctor. He gave her various memory and language tests which she failed. He diagnosed Alzheimer's Disease. He prescribed medicines, he briefed me as a caregiver what to expect in the future. I realized our lives had changed from this day forward. "

      "I set down a series of steps on how I was going to care for and to work with her, the patient."

    Everyday Health Special Report: The Caregiving in Early Alzheimer's Disease

      This article by Chris Iliades, MD, Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MS, MPH claims the caregiver is an important role in the early diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease and presents some common symptoms everyone should become more familiar. These include misplacing items, repeating the same phrase, taking longer, forgetting to eat, neglecting hygiene or depression. This article offers suggestions on what family and friend caregivers can do to help your loved one.

Needs and Solutions

    How should the caregiver take care of the patient?


    As your loved one begins the decline of Alzheimer's, the caregiver must learn how to work with their loved one, to reassure, comfort, redirect, encourage as their mind mistakes, forgets, changes, and they become lost.

    For a full listing of tips on how to approach the Alzheimer's patient, visit: Alzheimer's from a Caregiver's Perspective: 10 Tips for Caregivers for those who care for people with Alzheimer's Disease. When Marvin's wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, he stepped in to provide an integral part of her care. The following is what he learned as a caregiver, as an assistant at his wife's Care Home and what he shares in an official capacity for the nursing home with new caregivers who are coping with a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease.

    Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is based on the highly successful Chronic Disease Self-Management Program developed by Dr. Kate Lorig and her colleagues at Stanford University. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a national program sustained by extensive collaborations with community-based organizations. For over 12 years they have been training class leaders. Currently, over 1,700 Class Leaders have been trained in 32 states. Since the program's inception, reaching over 70,000 caregivers. In the six weekly classes, caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools to: reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; communicate their needs to family members and healthcare or service providers; communicate more effectively in challenging situations; recognize the messages in their emotions, deal with difficult feelings; and make tough caregiving decisions. Class participants also receive a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook, developed specifically for the class. Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and caregiving has a significant negative impact on a caregivers' physical and emotional health. Contact Powerful Tools For Caregivers, at 4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd #703, Portland, OR 97214 or Phone 1-503-719-6980 or send e-mail to mail@powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org.

How should the caregiver talk or work with their loved one with Alzheimer's or Dementia?

What kind of care will your loved one require?

Immediate medical attention and treatment are most effective - when started early.

    Treatments and Therapies
    • Medications.
    • Occupational Therapy.
    • Physical Therapy.
    • In some instances, the disease can be controlled or slowed.
    • Life style changes such as weight control.
    • Dietary supplements.
    • Care services - The behavior of those with Alzheimer's can be difficult to deal with for the lone caregiver. You may need a companion caregiver or day care during the day or assistance at night so the caregiver can get a full night's sleep. Constant vigilance over the erratic behavior of the patient can become exhausting for the caregiver.

    Moving to a Nursing Home

      Moving to a Nursing Home can be very dramatic for both the Patient and the Caregiver. Once the loved one has been placed in a Nursing Home, it is best for the Caregiver to stay away until your loved one adjusts to the new surroundings. Yes, it is hard. The Caregiver must realize it is not easy for the patient. Your anxiety can transfer to the patient causing more problems. The Nursing Home staff will let you know when it is ok now for you to visit your loved one. The Caregiver must learn to adjust to the new situation too.

      When you can visit them, now you can offer comfort. The Nursing Home is not a warehouse, visit the patient on a regular basis. Your loved one may not be able to communicate with you, but their sixth sense tells them you are there and that gives them comfort. Don't upset them by telling them your problems, leave your problems at the door. When your time is over, never tell the patient, "I am going home." Say instead, "I am going to get groceries or some other excuse, and how you will see them again later, they won't remember and will glad to see you the next day."

Recovery

  • There is no cure for Alzheimer's yet.
  • In some cases there can only be a slowing of the progression of the disease.

Awareness

  • Public awareness of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's for early diagnosis.
  • If caught in the early stages, one can take medicine that may be able to slow the progression of the disease.
  • Identify the stages, so one can encourage the activities of the brain that can still be aware and creative.
  • Identify and develop an appreciation for each persons strengths and accomplishments.
  • Become aware of the affect on daily activities.
  • Become aware that the person may not be able to tell you if they have a headache, have pain in another area of their body or have fallen.

  • People First Language from disabilityisnatural.com by Kathie Snow offers insight into society's use of language when using the term disability. The term disability is a societal construct to identify characteristics related to a medical condition that may entitle an individual for services or legal protections. The use of this language encourages freedom, respect and inclusion for all, and recognizes forms of language that can isolate, create negative stereotypes and place attitudinal barriers for individuals. "Using People First Language, putting the person before the disability—and eliminating old, prejudicial, and hurtful descriptors, can move us in a new direction. People First Language is not political correctness; instead, it demonstrates good manners, respect, the Golden Rule, and more—it can change the way we see a person, and it can change the way a person sees themself!" For more articles by Kathie Snow to "help us begin to use more respectful and accurate language and create positive change," visit People First Language and More

Viewpoint

  • The person with Alzheimer's disease, sees the world in snapshots. There is less and less continuity and more and more simply living in the moment.
  • The Alzheimer's patient does have the ability to learn and activities that continue to work with mind and body are beneficial to the person's well being.
    • (Hopeful Aging)

On-Line Discussion

    Visit our NHU Community Forum on Alzheimer's Disease for more insights, awareness, viewpoints, experiences, needs and solutions.

Research:

  • Alzheimer's, was discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician in the early 1900's, thus the name for this terrible disease. The general public first became aware of the disease when Dr. Ronald Petersen, Mayo Clinic examined Ronald Reagan in 1994 and diagnosed his memory loss as Alzheimer's Disease. Dr. Petersen now states, "We have come light years since I examined Ronald Reagan in 1994." As an example, Aircept, a major drug for cognitive decline was not approved by the FDA or marketed until 1996. Namenda, a drug that appears to protect the brain's nerve cells against excess amounts of glutamate, available in Europe, became available in the U.S. in 2003. Namenda XR (28 milligrams) was finally approved by the FDA in July 2010.

    It has only been in the last 25-30 years that doctors and scientists, have increased their awareness of Alzheimer's Disease. There are now several studies that give hope we will find a cure. As an example, the gene APOE4 has been associated with Alzheimer's. The drug Bexarotene, a Cancer drug to combat Lymphoma appears to give scientists hope. Meformin, a medicine that re-sensitizes insulin receptors in the brain. Several studies relate to amyloid protein as it affects the brain.

    Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease and Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome

    Alzheimer's Gene Raises Newborns' Cerebral Palsy Risk This article in Science Daily (Feb. 5, 2007) identifies the Apolipoprotein E (APOE), a gene associated with heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease in adults, can also increase the likelihood that brain-injured newborns will develop cerebral palsy, discovered by researchers at Children's Memorial Research Center and Northwestern University.

    Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease This article on the Alzheimer's Association website discusses, how as they age, those affected by Down syndrome have a greatly increased risk of developing a type of dementia that's either the same as or very similar to Alzheimer's disease. This article will inform you of the causes, risks, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for Alzheimer's in those with Down Syndrome. Those with downsyndrome are more likely to have early onset Alzheimer's and 75% more likely after age 65.

    Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease Risk This article at WebMD also discusses how those affected by Down Syndrome have an increased risk to Alzheimer's disease, how to recognize symptoms and the factors that may contribute to Alzheimer's in those with Down Syndrome.

    Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trial Resources

    There are more than 150 active clinical trials and studies in the United States, testing ways to understand, treat, prevent, or cure Alzheimer's disease. You can make a difference by participating in research. Before you start, research all the risks, side effects, expectations, time commitment, duration and location, study partner requirement, who can participate, safety, placebos, withdrawal requirements, privacy, expenses and more. To find out more visit the following:

    Finding a cure: the future

    Being able to detect Alzheimer's in the early stages by examining the blood vessel in the retina in the eye gives hope that we will find a cure. To quote scientists: We do not know a cure yet... we must make the public aware...if caught in the early stages, scientists predict with new research, new drugs coming on the market almost daily, in 10 years or less Alzheimer's patients will be taking medicine daily just the same as a heart patient takes Aspirin daily or diabetics take Insulin daily thus delaying the progress of Alzheimer's in terms of years.

Learn More about Alzheimer's Disease

    Alzheimer's Association

    Alzheimer's Foundation of America mission is to provide optimal care and services to individuals living with Alzheimer�s disease and related illnesses and to their families and caregivers. National toll-free carregiver helpline: 866-232-8484.

    Alzheimer's disease from the Mayo Clinic, an overview, symptoms and causes, diagnosis and treatment and information about doctors and care at the Mayo Clinic.

    National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center

    ThirdAge.com ThirdAge.com is a baby boomer women's health news and information website that provides information on this health condition. Inside the condition centers at ThirdAge.com you can learn more about all conditions, including Alzheimer's Disease. Research the condition by topics such as causes, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and more. Learn how to take action with information on Alzheimer's Disease treatment options, prevention methods, support groups, and more.

References

  • Person to Person, by L. Gething, Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Baltimore, Maryland, 1992,
  • Disability and Rehabilitation Handbook, by Robert Goldenson, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1978, p..
  • Alzheimer's from a Caregivers Perspective by Marvin G. Welstead, (I write this from a Caregivers perspective, having been married to my wife 67 years, having watched her suffer with Alzheimer's 8 years 23 days.)
  • Alzheimer's Disease: Frequently Asked Questions, Link no longer available. Find out more at Bright Focus: Alzheimer's Disease Research

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