Alzheimer’s Disease

1. Although it is true that a degree of increased forgetfulness commonly accompanies aging, the memory loss cause by Alzheimer’s Disease, or A.D. is far more severe in nature.  A.D.  primarily causes the degeneration of the brain, so in a sense it is a mental illness.  Working for six years as a caregiver to many individuals affected by A.D., I have learned that just because some of the early symptoms of the disease, such as forgetfulness, are similar to our common notions of aging, A.D.  is often confused with the aging process.
2. When you understand the distinctive characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease, you will see how it differs from the normal aging process.
3. Alzheimer’s is generally divided into three stages, early, middle and final, each with varying intensity of memory loss, disorientation, and loss of independence.

• • Stage one is the earliest stage of the disease, and it may last for two to four years.
  • Short term memory loss
  • Mild disorientation
  • Personality change

As the first stage progresses, the symptoms become severe.

• • The middle stage of the disease may last for several years.
  • Extreme confusion
  • Loss of independence
  • Restlessness
  • Repetitive behavior

When the severity of these symptoms approaches an extreme, the individual enters the final stage of this disease.

• • The final and terminal stage of the disease is usually fairly short in relation to the other stages.
  • Incontinence
  • Inability to communicate
  • Grand mal seizures

4. Alzheimer’s Disease does not follow any hard and fast rules. It hits people of different ages, and there is no cure available at this time.  The disease is progressive, as seen by changes in memory loss, disorientation, and loss of independence, and leads ultimately to death.

5. This information may help each of us to have an accurate understanding of the disease and provide the ability to cope with behaviors of an individual affected by Alzheimer’s Disease.