While forgetfulness may be deemed as a usual sign of aging, Alzheimer’s is not. And Alzheimer’s Disease is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In the United States, it’s considered as the third leading cause of deaths in older people, next to heart disease and cancer. 

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are often mistakenly interchanged. Dementia is just one of the many symptoms of Alzheimer’s, which is a progressive and irreversible disease that is one of the leading causes of death in the elderly.

Here in the Philippines, there’s not a lot of information about Alzheimer’s and what may be easily brushed off as forgetfulness or aging may in fact be Alzheimer’s. Therefore, it’s necessary that when you suspect someone is developing Alzheimer’s that they get proper treatment and care. For the elderly and those with early onset Alzheimer’s, there are facilities such as Blessed Home that can help share the responsibility of caring for them. But first, let’s discuss what Alzheimer’s is.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys a person’s memory, judgment, and thinking skills. Those with Alzheimer’s may even find it difficult to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks. Unfortunately, this disease is also irreversible, so early detection is necessary to somehow slow its progress and provide treatment to its symptoms and support to those who have it.

This disease is also one of the leading causes of dementia, and often both diseases are interchanged. Dementia is a disease that causes a person to lose cognitive functioning, such as memory, thought, and reasoning. Dementia can have many other different causes, and so should not be solely mistaken for Alzheimer’s. (We will soon be discussing about dementia in our blog.) Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is progressive to the point that a person loses the ability to hold a conversation or may even lose touch with reality.

Causes and Signs of Alzheimer’s

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown, although many scientists believe that it is brought about by a combination of factors such as lifestyle, nutrition, heredity or family history, and environment.

People who develop Alzheimer’s often exhibit signs of memory problems, specifically mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Often, those with MCI may be more forgetful for their age, and people who have this are at a greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

Other symptoms of Alzheimer’s may not necessarily involve memory. They may have diminished cognitive functions, such as word-finding, spatial issues, and trouble with reasoning or judgment.

• Mild Alzheimer’s. Those with mild Alzheimer’s experience more significant memory loss. They may aimlessly wander off, get lost, repeat normal questions, take longer to respond to questions, lose their train of thought, or exhibit personality and behavioral changes. They may also have trouble accomplishing certain tasks such as responding to emails, handling money, or paying bills.
• Moderate Alzheimer’s. In this stage of Alzheimer’s, areas of the brain that control language, sensory processing, language, and conscious thought are affected. They may begin having a hard time remembering family and friends, even those that they regularly interact with. They may also have a hard time learning new things. Routine activities, such as getting dressed, may also be more difficult to carry out. Some people at this stage of Alzheimer’s also experience hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions.
• Severe Alzheimer’s. At this stage, the brain tissue significantly shrinks, causing them to be completely dependent on other people for care. They may also lose the ability to communicate and may be bed-ridden most of the time. At this stage, the body also slowly shuts down.

Dealing with a family member or aging loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging. We understand that you may need support to help carry you through difficult times, especially when you can’t be there for them. This is why at Blessed Home, we strive to provide a home-like environment where your loved one can live with dignity and feel right at home.