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Alzheimer's
Disease
While families and nursing
homes cater to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other related
memory disorders or dementia, there is a growing trend towards facilities
that provide specialized care and housing tailored to the special needs
of individuals with this disease.
Care that fosters residents'
individual skills and interests in an environment that helps to diminish
confusion and agitation is what sets these facilities apart. Specialty
services are provided in a secure environment, such as activity programs
designed to include reality orientation classes and specially trained
professional staff skilled in handling the behavior associated with
memory impairments.
Many facilities that specialize
in Alzheimers or related dementia disorders have building design features
that assist with the problems associated with this disease: color-coded
hallways, visual cues, and secure wandering paths for additional security.
Similar to Assisted Living
communities, most provide assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing,
and other daily activities. Assistance with medications differs according
to state regulations. Meals, laundry and housekeeping are usually provided
within private and semi-private rooms in a residential type setting.
The Alzheimer's Association
has developed a list of warning signs that include common symptoms of
Alzheimer's disease (some also apply to other dementing illnesses).
Individuals who exhibit several of these symptoms should see a physician
for a complete examination.
Memory loss that
affects job skills. It's normal to occasionally forget an assignment,
deadline, or colleague's name, but frequent forgetfulness or unexplainable
confusion at home or in the workplace may signal that something's wrong.
Difficulty performing
familiar tasks. Busy people get distracted from time to time.
For example, you might leave something on the stove too long or not
remember to serve part of a meal. People with Alzheimer's might prepare
a meal and not only forget to serve it, but also forget they made
it.
Problems with language.
Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person
with Alzheimer's disease may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate
words, making his or her sentences difficult to understand.
Disorientation to time
and place. It's normal to momentarily forget the day of the week
or what you need from the store. But people with Alzheimer's disease
can become lost on their own street, not knowing where they are, how
they got there or how to get back home.
Poor or decreased judgment.
Choosing not to bring a sweater or coat along on a chilly night
is a common mistake. A person with Alzheimer's, however, may dress
inappropriately in more noticeable ways, wearing a bathrobe to the
store or several blouses on a hot day.
Problems with abstract
thinking. Balancing a checkbook can be challenging for many people,
but for someone with Alzheimer's, recognizing numbers or performing
basic calculation may be impossible.
Misplacing things.
Everyone temporarily misplaces a wallet or keys from time to time.
A person with Alzheimer's disease may put these and other items in
inappropriate places -- such as an iron in the freezer, or a wristwatch
in the sugar bowl -- then not recall how they got there.
Changes in mood or behavior.
Everyone experiences a broad range of emotions -- it's part of being
human. People with Alzheimer's tend to exhibit more rapid mood swings
for no apparent reason.
Changes in personality.
People's personalities may change somewhat as they age. But a person
with Alzheimer's can change dramatically, either suddenly or over
a period of time. Someone who is generally easy going may become angry,
suspicious or fearful.
Loss of initiative.
It's normal to tire of housework, business activities, or social obligations,
but most people retain or eventually regain their interest. The person
with Alzheimer's disease may remain disinterested and uninvolved in
many or all of his usual pursuits.
The Alzheimer's Association
is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated to research
for the causes, cures, treatments and prevention of Alzheimer's disease
and to providing education and support services to affected individuals
and those who provide their care.
The Alzheimer's
Association
National Headquarters
919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611-1676
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