Alzheimer’s Disease

Many of us must have watched “Finding Nemo,” or maybe our children or grandchildren have. It was actually a heart-warming and funny movie but we certainly wouldn’t want to be like Dory who suffers from short-term memory loss.  

Merriam-Webster describes Alzheimer’s Disease as a degenerative brain disease of unknown cause that is the most common form of dementia. It usually starts in late middle age or in old age and results in progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, disorientation, and changes in personality and mood. It is marked by the degeneration of brain neurons especially in the cerebral cortex and by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and plaques containing beta-amyloid.

Alzheimer’s Disease was first described by German neurologist Alois Alzhemier in 1906 and was later named after him.

Dr. Don R. Powell, President and CEO of the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, in his book A Year of Health Hints, describes the symptoms and how to help someone who has early signs of this disease:

Symptoms of Alzheimer's:

• Brief attention span
• Decreased bowel or bladder control (rarely)
• Depression
• Disorientation
• Forgetfulness (especially about recent events)
• Inability to handle minor tasks, or to speak clearly
• Irritability, hostile behavior, or paranoia
• Lack of spontaneity
• Mental deterioration
• Neglecting to perform routine tasks

It's especially helpful to put structure in the life of someone who’s in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Some suggestions include:

• Maintain daily routines.
• Post reminders on an oversized and prominently displayed calendar.
• Make “to do” lists of daily tasks for the person with Alzheimer’s to complete, and ask him or her to check them off as they’re completed.
• Put things in their proper places after use, to help the person with Alzheimer’s find things when he or she needs them.
• Post safety reminders (like “turn off the stove”) at appropriate places throughout the house.
• See that the person with Alzheimer’s eats well-balanced meals, goes for walks with family members, and otherwise continues to be as active as possible.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com