What Alzheimer’s disease means?

There is a lot of fear around the word “Alzheimer’s,” which is understandable. When we think of Alzheimer’s, we envision the loss of memory and the mind. We picture not recognizing loved ones, accidental self-harming behavior, and loneliness. Does Alzheimer’s mean the brain is a lost cause? Does Alzheimer’s mean that life is over? Can anyone get Alzheimer’s disease?

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that affects memory skills and thinking, and ability to do tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. Unfortunately, it is irreversible, and it is progressive, meaning this disease will worsen over time and can’t be stopped or cured yet. Certain people have a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease, anyone over the age of 65 or has a family history; however, anyone can get Alzheimer’s. 

SIGNS

Alzheimer’s disease onset symptoms are gradual, meaning the decline in brain functioning is slow. The early signs of Alzheimer’s disease are frequent forgetfulness of appointments and events and repeating questions and conversations. These generalized early signs can lead to a self-diagnosis. However, the everyday forgetfulness of where the car keys were last placed or repeating a question due to lack of hearing or attention are not examples of early Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer's disease forgetfulness is forgetting the keys' location and forgetting that the keys are needed, the purpose of the keys, and what the keys look like. 

TREATMENT

Although Alzheimer’s disease does not have a cure, it does not mean life is destined for misery. Each individual’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease is different, and there is no absolute outcome. It is possible to live a long time and only experience mild symptoms for several years. Some medications temporarily improve symptoms. Also, there are resources and services to support people with Alzheimer’s disease to help maintain independence and functioning for as long as possible. 

OUTCOME

Alzheimer’s disease is fatal; the disease itself does not kill. Since the nerve connections in the brain are damaged, the ability to do normal voluntary functions becomes extremely difficult, such as swallowing. The inability to swallow food correctly can cause food or liquid to go down the windpipe when it is supposed to go down the esophagus. This commonly leads to aspiration pneumonia, an infection in the lungs from the food that developed into pneumonia, which is the actual cause of death. Additional causes of death are malnutrition, dehydration, other infections like sepsis, and even injuries caused by a fall. 

Participating in social events, reading, playing board games, playing an instrument, and other activities that require mental and social engagement can positively impact and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.