One of the most baffling and destructive diseases in the aged population today is Alzheimer’s disease. Although not strictly limited to later years in life, it normally occurs in most people after the age of 65.
The course of this disease is usually lengthy, with seven to nine years between diagnosis and death being common, although there have been cases of 15 years or longer from onset to death. The course of the disease, although predictable, is not steady. As the disease progresses the patient becomes disoriented, may begin to misplace things, have trouble with things like balancing the checkbook and become generally forgetful. Further progression brings language impairment, personality change and eventually incontinence and total lack of response to the environment.
The cause of this disease is unknown and there is no known cure.
Diagnosis is difficult, as there are many disorders that can lead to memory loss and confusion. Physicians must first exclude the possibility of other treatable diseases such as depression or the possibility of the interaction of different medications.
Victims of Alzheimer’s disease frequently become hostile if they misperceive events in the environment around them, and they may become frustrated by the gradual deterioration of their own mental and physical processes.
Although Alzheimer’s disease can display some of the same symptoms of senility, it is far more devastating. It can begin in a person as early as the late 40s and span 20 years.
Jerome Stone, founder of the Alzheimer’s disease and Related Disorders Association and the spouse of an Alzheimer’s sufferer, has done much to further the study of this disease. Alzheimer’s support groups have formed around the country and specialized treatment centers are now in many areas.
One side effect of Alzheimer’s disease is the difficulty it causes the rest of the family. Families of victims of this disease often suffer from feelings of embarrassment and shame. Alzheimer’s sufferers may display many inappropriate actions in public and produce a lot of negative emotions that gather around the disease. Caring for sufferers often leaves the family in terrible financial straits. Frequently it is difficult, if not impossible, to care for them at home.
Sufferers are encouraged by professional treatment teams to keep as active as possible. Certain cognitive and mental exercises may help certain aspects of memory. Consultation with a physician is always done first to provide a correct diagnosis and possible treatment ideas. Occupational therapy, recreational therapy and other activities may be provided. Helping the family structure the home environment to provide a lot of routine and safety is important.
Research continues to search for the cause and a cure, but there is no immediate hope for any breakthrough. The federal government is spending millions of dollars in this area. The National Institute on Aging is conducting research.
One day there may be a cure for this disease, but until then the families of Alzheimer’s sufferers need to remain in close contact for the latest help available.
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