Do You Know About Alzheimer’s Disease

August 13, 2007

Someone you love has been diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s disease. If you are like most families, you know very little about this disorder. You don’t know what to expect, you don’t know what questions to ask, you may not be sure you even want to know. But you have probably heard enough about Alzheimer’s disease to be afraid.Over the last couple of years you may have watched your family member become increasingly dependent, forgetful, and confused. A person whom you have relied upon may now be acting in ways different than you have come to expect. Unpredictable mood changes, such as angry outbursts, may be occurring with increasing frequency, or mom may show less and less interest in maintaining her typically spotless home. There have been enough changes in the behavior of your family member that you have sought the advice of your physician. You may be concerned that the changes are due to depression, and frequently in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease there is depression as individuals become aware that they are “slipping” and are increasingly forgetful. You may have attributed the changes to other health problems. But now your physician, after a careful examination has advised you that the behavior changes are most likely due to Alzheimer’s disease. The physician and nursing staff will most likely have discussed with you,the nature of this disease, what you can expect, and how it will be treated, they may have even provided you with some written information.

And now you are at home. Bits and pieces of your physician’s discussion run through your mind. You have a thousand unanswered questions, and you don’t know where to start. Until recently little was know regarding Alzheimer’s disease and few resources existed to help families with an Alzheimer member. In recent years, more investment in research has occurred, it aims to determine the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and to find better ways to manage and treat afflicted patients.

We now have an improved understanding of the deteriorated functioning or the Alzheimer brain. We can only hope that breakthroughs in prevention and treatment are near; but at the present time the assistance that can be provided consists or recommended coping strategies so that

( 1 ) The Alzheimer family member is helped through the progression of this disorder to maintain his/her dignity and as much independence as possible, for as long as possible

(2) The family caregivers be provided with as much support as possible to remain psychologically and physically healthy, and financially intact.

Fortunately there are many agencies in the community and numerous trained professionals to assist family members in their new role as caregivers. Because Alzheimer’s disease affects so many areas of functioning, many disciplines have become involved in conducting research and providing services for victims and their families. The collective insights of physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, lawyers, economists, and others who are knowledgeable in the special problems of Alzheimer’s disease. Provide practical information for the care of Alzheimer family members, and they have attempted to increase awareness of community resources that may be able to provide even more comprehensive information specifically addressed to each family’s unique concerns.

Posted in Alzhemier Disease