Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s disease affects 1 out of every 8 people in the United States. It is a long and debilitating disease that affects every aspect of a person’s life from the way they preform daily tasks, to the physical and mental abilities that are diminishing. Along with the lifestyle changes that Alzheimer’s disease presents, it also affects one’s psychological perspective as well their view on what they can offer their family and society. There are some ways to maintain a level of independence with a disease of this magnitude but there are also factors in lifestyle choices that can make it worse. Alzheimer cannot be cured, it cannot be slowed, but there are ways to keep the effected person at a certain level of comfort, independence and safety that is relevant to their survival, emotionally and physically.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness that destroys certain functions of the brain such as memory and thinking abilities. Alzheimer’s usually affects those who are 60 years and older but has been known to occur sooner, it is thought of as an elderly disease. Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is not the same as being diagnosed with cancer or other physically sickening diseases because it takes many years and several stages to reach its full intent.

There are four stages of the Alzheimer’s disease ranging from simple forgetfulness in the beginning stages to being completely dependent on a caregiver to fulfill even the most basic needs, these symptoms are a result of amyloid plaques and neuro fibrillary tangles in the brain. Basically AD cause the brain to shrivel up and die (NIA, 2012). There is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease or a way to test chemically for the disease, so doctor diagnose AD based on an evaluation of t...

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... Therapy In Dementia?C.O.P.E. (Caregiver Options For Practical Experiences). International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15(1), 86-89. Retrieved December 20, 2013, from http://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1002%2F(SICI)1099-1166(200001)15%3A1%3C86%3A%3AAID-GPS124%3E3.0.CO%3B2-8?r3_referer=wol

National Institute on Aging. (2012). Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet. National Institute on Aging. Retrieved December 22, 2013, from http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet

Shah, A., & Mukherjee, S. (2000). Cross-cultural Issues In The Measurement Of Behavioural And Psychological Signs And Symptoms Of Dementia (BPSD). Aging & Mental Health , 4(3), 244-252. Retrieved December 20, 2013, from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=097e44f4-a18f-4e19-b403-8d88f9d7178f%40sessionmgr111&vid=3&hid=109

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