Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting over 5 million adults in the US. As of today, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease; however, medical professionals are making new discoveries daily, taking strides toward winning the battle against it. In this article, we are going to provide you with facts pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease along with how to improve the quality of life for those living with it.
Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
A specific cause of Alzheimer’s disease has yet to be found, but many scientists and medical professionals believe that its onset is brought on by a combination of environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and genetic makeup. Alzheimer’s disease gradually damages the brain, eventually affecting cognitive functions such as memory. This damage to the brain may actually begin more than ten years prior to the development of noticeable symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease develops in four stages including:
- Preclinical (few to no noticeable symptoms)
- Mild/early-stage
- Moderate
- Severe/late-stage
Signs of Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
In mild Alzheimer’s disease, a person may seem to be healthy but has more and more trouble making sense of the world around him or her. The realization that something is wrong often comes gradually to the person and his or her family. Problems can include:
- Memory loss
- Poor judgment leading to bad decisions
- Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
- Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks
- Repeating questions
- Trouble handling money and paying bills
- Wandering and getting lost
- Losing things or misplacing them in odd places
- Mood and personality changes
- Increased anxiety and/or aggression
Signs of Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
In this stage, more intensive supervision and care become necessary, which can be difficult for many spouses and families. Symptoms may include:
- Increased memory loss and confusion
- Inability to learn new things
- Difficulty with language and problems with reading, writing, and working with numbers
- Difficulty organizing thoughts and thinking logically
- Shortened attention span
- Problems coping with new situations
- Difficulty carrying out multistep tasks, such as getting dressed
- Problems recognizing family and friends
- Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia
- Impulsive behavior such as undressing at inappropriate times or places or using vulgar language
- Inappropriate outbursts of anger
- Restlessness, agitation, anxiety, tearfulness, wandering—especially in the late afternoon or evening
- Repetitive statements or movement, occasional muscle twitches
Severe/Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
In this stage of the disease, communication becomes impossible and many bodily functions are unable to be controlled. Those with severe Alzheimer’s disease need to be provided with constant care.
The Highest Quality of Life
At San Simeon by the Sound, we pride ourselves in providing residents with the personalized care and nurturing environment necessary for maintaining a high quality of life. Each member of our staff is highly trained and knowledgeable on how best to meet the needs of residents living with Alzheimer’s disease. Caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is one of our many specializations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help provide your loved one with a loving environment where he or she can thrive.
