DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMERS

DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMERS

Dementia basically means loss of memory. We all forget things from time to time; where we put the car keys, where we parked the car, or forgetting what we were going to do next. As we grow older, our bodies go through numerous metamorphoses. The hair turns gray, the skin develops wrinkles, gain/lose weight, even our brains can lose the intellectual capacity of our younger days. Older events can be remembered more so than recent ones. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, with multiple strokes being the second.

Alzheimer’s affects mostly the memory. It can cause deterioration of the mental faculties, loss of concentration, speech impairment, and may affect one's emotional stability. This disorder usually starts somewhere in middle or old age and can last from three to ten years. This is normally a slow, gradual decline which happens all through the brain, but mainly focuses on memory. It affects the neurons in the brain and heredity may be involved.

According to New York neurologist, Dr. Norman Pflaster, at age 85, 45% of people have dementia. Multiple strokes, or TIAs, slowly affect the neurons of the brain, and may even cause hallucinations or paranoia. Management of delusions is the key to caring for someone with this disorder. Namenda and Aricept are two medications that help stop delirium. Care can range from home health, to having someone come in from time to time to check on the patient, or placement in a nursing facility.

Each case is different and each person reacts differently under their own circumstances. Some patients may become violent while others become humbled by the disease. The worst cases can cause a strain in family relationships, but it is important to remember that the patient is still the same person they were before. They just need whatever it takes to keep them as healthy as possible in this "last chapter" of their life.  

Two things that cannot be controlled are genetics and aging. Genetics may play a role in this disease, but only a small percentage of cases are linked to a family member with dementia. Making healthy lifestyle choices may deter the disease for a while; healthy eating, challenging the mind, being socially/physically active (if possible), and getting the professional help needed to keep this disease from completely taking over. Alzheimer’s not only affects the patient, but every member of the family. Healthy choices in all areas will help make it easier to bear.