What is Alzheimer’s? Named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who described the condition in the early twentieth century, Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative and terminal brain disorder, mostly affecting those over 65. It is the most common form of dementia, which affects a person’s memory and behavior. (Though the terms “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” are used interchangeably, technically, Alzheimer’s causes a type of dementia. Dementia is a broad medical term that refers to the gradual loss of intellectual function.)  Currently, Alzheimer’s can be neither prevented nor cured, but some medications seem to arrest progression of the disease, and thus delay or mitigate some of its symptoms. 

Aging vs. Alzheimer’s? Often, family-members, and even health care professionals, attribute the first subtle symptoms of the disease to the general effects of aging. First symptoms are often loss of short-term memory, difficulty completing routine tasks, mood fluctuations, declining interest in activities or apathy, as well as mildly “strange” or “eccentric” behavior. Perception and movement may be affected—“clumsiness” is actually the disease starting to hinder motor functions—and language difficulties may arise.

How the Disease Progresses: Options. As mentioned above, Alzheimer’s is not curable. But options include care-giving, medication, and—eventually—facilities specializing in dementia care. The focus should be on patient safety and reduced burden for the primary care-givers.

During the early pre-dementia stages of Alzheimer’s, independent living may still be possible. Care-givers (family-members or hired helpers) might label objects, for instance, and leave notes around the house to help jog a waning memory. Familiar routines can help reinforce independence and mitigate the anxiety that often accompanies the progression of the disease. But living with Alzheimer's can be distressing not only for the patient, but for family-members and care-givers. “Adult day-care” may provide a respite for care-givers, while still enabling a patient to live at home.

As the disease advances, and dementia progresses, motor control and memory are further degraded. Alzheimer’s patients may not remember the right words or phrases to communicate their needs fully. This inability to communicate, as well as the continuing loss of independence, can be very frustrating, leading to anger and aggression, in some cases. If independent living becomes too much of a burden for both patient and caregivers, a care facility that specializes in dementia may become the best option..

When full dementia sets in, the patient is often completely out of touch with reality, and with their own memories and previous lives. Communication with health care-providers or family-members may vanish. Though patients can still sometimes be reached with cues such as music or contact with loved ones, visitors should acknowledge that unpredictable behavior is now the norm.

Health care providers can identify all symptoms and provide the easiest possible environment for the afflicted. Always discuss all options with your insurance companies and health care providers.