November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (Go Purple in Austin!
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that leads to memory, thinking, and behavior problems. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. It is also the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease gets worse over time and eventually comes to a point where a person can no longer accomplish daily tasks. In the beginning, memory problems are mild, but as the disease progresses, patients become unaware of their environment and may no longer be able to carry on a conversation. Once their symptoms become noticeable, Alzheimer’s patients typically live an average of eight years, but can survive for as many as 20 years depending on other health factors. Although those ages 65 and older are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, there are thousands of others under the age of 65 who have early-onset Alzheimer’s.
There are no drugs or treatments to cure Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can slow down its progression. Researchers are constantly looking for new treatments as they search for a cure for this mind-robbing disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms:
Part of Alzheimer’s disease awareness is knowing the symptoms so you can know whether a loved one may be developing it. The symptoms include:
- Memory Loss – People may forget things they’ve learned as well as dates and events. They may also ask for the same information over and over again.
- Trouble Planning or Solving Problems – You may notice a loved one taking longer to complete tasks they used to be able to do much quicker. You may also notice they have trouble following directions, even a simple recipe becomes complex.
- Confusion with Time or Place – People with Alzheimer’s often lose track of time. They also forget where they are and even how they got there.
- Misplacing Things & Unable to Retrace Steps – As people forget dates and events they may also start to misplace objects. Although they would be able to retrace their steps in the past and find what they were looking for, that is no longer the case. This may lead them to accuse others of stealing because they can no longer find what’s theirs.
- Mood & Personality Changes – Because of the changes that are going on in their mind, you may notice major shifts in mood and personality. They may become confused, suspicious and even depressed.
As it's Alzheimer's Awareness Month, BrightStar Care of Austin is honored to care for many individuals living with the disease.
BrightStar Care of Austin provides in home health care support to Alzheimer patients. We provide families in Austin with 24/7 caregivers and home nursing. Schedule a complimentary in-home BrightStar Care assessment today! - CLICK HERE