Alzheimer Disease
Alzheimer Disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. It is characterized by several physical changes that occur in the brains of people with the disease. Brain cells shrink or disappear, and are replaced by dense, irregularly-shaped spots (plaques). Thread-like tangles also form within existing brain cells, eventually choking healthy brain cells. As a result of these changes, a person with Alzheimer Disease has less brain tissue than a person who does not have the disease. This shrinkage continues over time, affecting how the brain functions. As each area of the brain is affected, certain functions or abilities are lost. This results in specific symptoms or changes in behaviour. Eventually all aspects of a person's life are affected: how he or she thinks, feels and acts.
Symptoms of Alzheimer Disease
Alzheimer Disease affects each individual differently; it is difficult to predict the symptoms each person will have, the order they will appear of the speed of the disease's progression. The following will be affected as the disease progresses:
Mental Abilities - A person's ability to understand, think, remember and communicate. The ability to make decisions will be reduced. Simple tasks that have been performed for years will become more difficult or be forgotten. Confusion and memory loss, initially for recent events and eventually long-term events, will occur. The ability to find the right words and follow a conversation will be affected.
Emotions and moods - A person may appear uninterested and stop hobbies or other activities previously enjoyed. Or, he or she may quickly lose interest in an activity. The ability to control mood and emotion may be lost. Some individual show less expression and are more withdrawn.
Behaviour - Changes in the brain will bring about changes in the way the person reacts to his or her environment. These actions may seem out of character for the person. Some common reactions include repeating the same action or word, hiding possessions, or restlessness.
Physical abilities - The disease can affect a person's physical co-ordination. As the disease progresses, there will be a gradual physical decline. These changes will affect the person's ability to independently perform day-to-day tasks such as eating, bathing and getting dressed.
Although the disease results in changes, it does not affect the person' ability to appreciate, respond to and experience feelings such as joy, anger, fear, love or sadness.
By understanding the person's personality, life experiences, support systems and ways of coping, an approach to care can be created that preserves the individual's way of life.
The Progression of Alzheimer Disease
The progression of Alzheimer Disease varies from person to person and can span three to 20 years (the average length of the disease is between eight and 12 years). The progression can be described as a series of stages: Early (mild impairments), Middle (moderate impairments) and Late (severe impairments). This staging systems can provide a guide to the pattern of the disease, which can help when making care decisions.
It is important to remember that the disease affects each person differently. The order in which the symptoms appear and the length of each stage will vary from person to person. There is no clear line when one stage ends and another begins. Some people experience many of the symptoms in each stage, while others experience only a few. There may be fluctuations from day to day with a person appearing more confused one day, for example, and less so another.
To get more information on the stages of the disease, please contact your local Alzheimer Society.
Treatment and Strategies
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer Disease and no treatment that will stop its progression. However, several medications are available to help with some symptoms. These medications can slow down the decline of memory, language and thinking abilities. The treatments do not work for everyone and may be effective for a limited time.
It is vital for people with Alzheimer Disease to be involved in activities that emphasize their strengths and abilities. This will add meaning and greatly improve quality of life. By understanding the person's personality, life experiences, support systems and ways of coping, an approach to care can be created that preserves the individual's quality of life.
Risk Factors for Alzheimer Disease
The specific cause of Alzheimer Disease is unknown. However certain risk factors have been associated with the disease. Two of these are age and family history. Risk factors do not cause a disease; they indicate possible links to the disease. Uncovering risk factors increases our understanding of Alzheimer Disease.
AGE
Most people who develop Alzheimer Disease are over the age of 65. The older you become, the higher the risk for developing the disease, although it is not a normal part of aging. Some people have been diagnosed at a younger age. The term "early onset" is often used to refer to people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease in their 40's and 50's.
FAMILY HISTORY
People with a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer Disease have a greater chance of developing the disease than those with no family history.
Other factors being investigated by scientists include education level, genetics, toxins in the environment, diet and exercise.
Forms of Alzheimer Disease
SPORADIC Alzheimer Disease is the more common form of the disease and accounts for 90 to 95 per cent of all cases. The role of heredity in this form is unclear and is the subject of much research.
FAMILIAL AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT Alzheimer Disease is a less common form of the disease and accounts for 5 to 10 per cent of known cases. In certain families, this form is passed directly from one generation to another.
To learn more about Alzheimer Disease and Heredity, please contact your local Alzheimer Society.
The information contained on this website is not intended to replace clinical diagnosis by a qualified health professional.
SOURCES:
What is Alzheimer Disease? - Alzheimer Society of Canada
Day-to-Day: The Progression of Alzheimer Disease - Alzheimer Society of Canada
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