What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can include:
A gradual memory loss
Decline in ability to perform routine tasks
Disorientation to time and space
Impairment of judgement
Difficulty in learning
Loss of language and communication skills
Changes in personality including inappropriate behavior, loss of interest, and changes in mood
Hallucinations and delusions/false beliefs
How does your physician know if it is Alzheimer's disease
There is no single test that can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. However, trained physicians are 80% to 90% accurate. Your physician needs to do a full assessment that includes:
An accurate medical and psychiatric history
A neurological/physical exam
Lab tests to rule out anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and other conditions
An evaluation of the person's ability to do common daily activities such as managing finances and medications
A mental status exam to evaluate the person's thinking and memory
A caregiver interview
Your physician may also request a brain scan, psychological testing and additional lab work if he/she needs additional information.
How can you help your physician?
You can be prepared for the appointment by bringing a list of medications, a log of symptoms or behavior changes and a list of questions or concerns. It is also helpful to provide an accurate history of the person's medical conditions and any previous psychiatric treatment.
What can your physician do?
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, there are ways to treat some of the symptoms of the disease. Your physician may suggest:
Use of medication to treat cognitive decline and memory loss
Referral to appropriate activities such as exercise, recreation and adult day care services
Appropriate treatment of medical or psychological conditions that may contribute to cognitive changes or decline
What can be done for behavioral problems?
At times, a person with dementia may display behavior problems such as wandering, paranoia, suspiciousness, combativeness or resistance to maintaining personal hygiene. These behavioral problems can seem overwhelming to the caregiver. The physician may suggest various strategies to assist in daily caregiving tasks such as:
Enrollment in the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return Program, an identification program for memory impaired adults
Modifying the person's environment in order to reduce confusion caused by over stimulation such as reducing noise and glare from windows
Explaining a task before engaging in the process, such as saying, "I am going to help you put on your shirt."
Providing a predictable routine at home with structured times for meals, bathing, exercise and bedtime
Providing reassurance to them without challenging their accusations or misperceptions and by redirecting their attention.
If it seems that suggested strategies aren't helpful in managing the person's behavior, the physician may want to use medications to manage symptoms of depression, restlessness, hallucinations, hostility and agitation. Be prepared to provide the physician with accurate information regarding the behavior problem such as the onset of the behavior, the frequency of the behavior, the time of day the behavior occurs, and the strategies you have tried.
How can your physician help you plan for the future?
The physician may suggest you start planning for health care needs now by completing an Advance Directive. An advance directive is a legal document that a patient signs while capable of making sound decisions. It directs how health care treatment will be made in the event of future incapacity. There are two types of advance directives:
Living Will which conveys the person's desire to die a natural death and not be kept alive by artificial means.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and/or Finances designates an individual who can make health care/financial decisions on behalf of the impaired person if he or she is not able to give consent.
Advantage Home Care, Inc.
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
How can your physician help you plan for the future?