The neurodegenerative brain disorder, which causes memory loss and negatively affects the thinking skills and ability to carry out normal day-to-day tasks, is known as Alzheimer’s disease.
Most people with this disease have late-onset type symptoms that first appear in their mid-60s. However, in rare cases, Alzheimer's can occur in people aged between 30 and mid-60s. It’s also the most common type of dementia among older adults.
How many people are affected by Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer’s affects almost 60-80% of dementia patients.
Worldwide, at least 50 million people are believed to be living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. In the UK, around a million people are affected by the condition.
Most of the people affected are over 65, but many under 65 also have this condition. The number of affected people will only grow until an effective way to treat it is developed.
With current population trends, the situation will only worsen, because as people get older, they are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.
So, it’s important to have regular check-ups and be on the lookout for any symptoms related to Alzheimer’s.
The scientific bit!
Alzheimer's disease is named after Dr Alios Alzheimer, who discovered this disorder when observing the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental condition.
The woman experienced symptoms such as memory loss, language problems, and erratic behaviour. People with Alzheimer’s can also experience abrupt changes in personality, along with mood swings.
Here comes the science….further examination of her brain led to abnormal clumps called ‘amyloid plaques’ and tangled bundles of fibre called ‘neurofibrillary’, or taus, tangles. The amyloid plaques and taus are the major sign of Alzheimer's disease. Another feature is the loss of nerve cell connections.
The neurons or nerve cells in the affected individuals are not able to communicate and start to die, causing the brain to shrink. Neurons transmit messages between different parts of the brain, and from the brain to muscles and organs in the body. Many other complex brain changes are thought to play a role in Alzheimer's.
The damage to nerve cells usually occurs in parts of the brain involved in memory, such as the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. Later on, it progresses to the other areas, such as the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for language, reasoning, and social behaviour. Eventually, many other areas of the brain are damaged.
The science behind how Alzheimer’s occurs we appreciate can be a bit overwhelming so now we’re going to delve into what it looks like in reality.
What does Alzheimer’s disease look like?
As Alzheimer’s disease is caused by faulty proteins in and around brain cells, specifically, the cells responsible for forming memories, early-stage signs include memory problems, language difficulties, and confusion.
Having problems with memory is the first sign that you or a loved one may be affected by Alzheimer's. However, initial symptoms can vary, some of them include a decline in other aspects of thinking, such as finding the right word, vision/spatial issues, and difficulty in reasoning or judging a situation.
Another early onset Alzheimer’s sign is mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but not everyone with Alzheimer's will experience MCI.
Some common problems and issues faced by people with Alzheimer's are difficulty driving a car, cooking a meal, or paying bills. They may ask repetitive questions and have difficulty focusing on a particular thing.
They can get confused easily and might find it difficult to pay attention. As the disease progresses, some people become worried, angry, or violent.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
As stages of the disease progress, the symptoms become more severe. Some of these are:
Loss of memory
Inability to judge situations
Lack of initiative
Slowed cognitive ability
Difficulty in managing finances
Forgetfulness and difficulty in recognising places, things, etc
Losing things or misplacing them in odd places.
These are just some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease can cause emotional distress to not only the affected individual, but also their family.
How long can a person live with Alzheimer’s disease?
The life expectancy of a person with Alzheimer’s disease varies from person to person. It also depends on the age of the person at the time of the diagnosis.
For example, if a patient was 80 when diagnosed with dementia, they might live for 3 to 4 years. On the other hand, a patient diagnosed at a younger age can live for 10 or more years.
Currently, there is no cure or treatment available for Alzheimer's disease, though advances in medical practice have led to the development, research, and testing of new treatments. However, your loved ones' GP can prescribe medication to mitigate certain symptoms and keep them under control.
Home care services for your loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Having a loved one diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder can be worrying and emotional. You may feel like you need to take on full responsibility for caring for them. But, providing your loved one 24/7 uninterrupted care can be a massive overburden and lead to exhaustion in the long term. You are likely to eventually feel physically and emotionally drained.
Asking for help and support can make you feel guilty but it’s important to remember that there is no shame in reaching out for help with personal care services for your loved one when it starts to affect your well-being. Respite care will not only help you, but will also be beneficial for the well-being of your loved one. So whether it’s just visiting once a week to give you a break or supporting your loved one everyday, our care team are here to work with you to ensure your loved one has the support they need to stay happy and safe at home.
Find out more about our Homecare Services and Care at home in the Melksham, Bath and surrounding areas by giving us a call below.
Helping your loved one to continue living independently and confidently in their own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 - Email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com - Book a call here