What You Need To Know About Therapy For Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is a brain disorder that worsens over time and affects millions worldwide. As the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer's disease can cause impairment in memory, mood, behavior, and cognitive capabilities, significantly impacting individuals and their loved ones. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer's; by 2050, this number is projected to grow to around 13 million.

Although there is no cure for this condition, various methods are available to support individuals with Alzheimer's and their loved ones. If you or someone you love is living with Alzheimer's, it can be beneficial to look further into the symptoms and causes of Alzheimer's, available treatment options, and how therapy might offer guidance. 

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for conditions that affect a person's memory, reasoning, thinking, personality, behavior, and mood. As a progressive illness, Alzheimer's symptoms often start mild and worsen as time passes. 

In the early stage of Alzheimer's, an individual may experience symptoms like the following:  

• Difficulty with short-term memory, such as the names of others
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Misplacing items

If you have memory difficulties, it can be beneficial to take them seriously, as the CDC notes that memory problems are often "one of the first warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias."

In the middle stage of the disease, people with Alzheimer's may experience worsening symptoms, including: 

• Confusion about where they are or what day it is
• Difficulty remembering information about themselves or their past
• Sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns
• Personality and behavior changes, such as compulsive behaviors and delusions

The late stage of the disease is characterized by increasingly severe Alzheimer's symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty communicating
• Loss of awareness of recent experiences and surroundings
• Difficulty walking, sitting up, or standing
• Inability to perform daily tasks
• A loss of memory about relationships or one's own identity 

As the illness progresses, a person with Alzheimer's disease may not recognize loved ones and may require assistance with tasks like eating, going to the bathroom, and getting in and out of bed. 

What  are the causes of Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's research is still evolving, and scientists have not yet determined what causes the disease. However, as the National Institute on Aging notes, the causes may include age-related changes in the brain and genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 

It is believed that an abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain may also cause brain cells to die. This gradual, continuous death of nerve cells may result in Alzheimer's symptoms. 

How is Alzheimer's disease treated?

Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer's, research is consistently evolving, and various treatments exist to help clients manage their symptoms and try to slow the progression of the disease. Medications may be useful for improving a client's quality of life and helping them maintain their independence and cognition for an extended period. However, consult your doctor before considering, changing, or stopping a medication. 

Aside from medication, there are several other methods for supporting those with Alzheimer's in maintaining cognition and keeping mental abilities as sharp as possible. Staying mentally, socially, and physically active can contribute to overall health and well-being. Therapy may also be beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. 

Can therapy help clients manage Alzheimer's?

Therapy may be valuable for helping those with Alzheimer's manage their symptoms. Because an Alzheimer's diagnosis can be distressing for the individual and their loved ones, therapy may also be useful for navigating the emotions surrounding the disease and any additional mental health conditions that may arise, such as anxiety or depression. 

There are several forms of therapy that may benefit Alzheimer's patients, including but not limited to the following:

• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): A form of therapy focused on helping the client keep their mind active through memory exercises and stimulation.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and shift unhealthy or unhelpful thought patterns.
• Music Therapy: A treatment that involves getting creative by making music or playing an instrument. 
• Reminiscence Work: A treatment involving discussing the patient's life and past, potentially helping them retain memory and quality of life.

A 2022 study found a high prevalence of depression among those who care for family members with Alzheimer's. 

When navigating an Alzheimer's diagnosis, a licensed professional's support may help manage associated emotions and stress. A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy found that psychoeducational therapy improved caregiving skills, quality of life, and mental health among caregivers of people with Alzheimer's. 

Alternative support options 

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can be stressful and time-consuming, and caregivers may have little time to commute to and from a therapist's office. In these cases, online therapy, delivered via a platform like BetterHelp, may be more convenient than in-person therapy. For those with busy schedules, online therapy can be flexible, allowing you to meet with a therapist wherever you have an internet connection and eliminating the need for a commute.

Research has proven online therapy effective for those experiencing various mental health concerns. A 2017 study found that internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy was effective at treating conditions like depression, which may be prevalent among those caring for someone with Alzheimer's. 

Having a family member with Alzheimer's can be distressing, but help is available. Regardless of the format it takes, therapy can offer valuable support and guidance in navigating an Alzheimer's diagnosis and maintaining mental health.