What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

 

It is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain in which brain cells die and are not replaced.  It results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior, and is the most common form of dementing illness.

 

 

Testing

• Includes a thorough medical history of the person with symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease as well as family members.
• An assessment of the person’s mental status
• A thorough physical exam
• A neurological exam
• A series of lab tests
• Psychological and other exams

Testing is 80 to 90% accurate.  Autopsy is necessary.

 

10 signs of caregiver stress

• Denial –mom’s going to get better
• Anger – if he asks that question again I’ll scream
• Social withdrawal – from friends and activities that once brought pleasure
• Anxiety – facing another day and what the future holds
• Depression – begins to break your spirit and affects your ability to cope
• Exhaustion - makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks
• Sleeplessness - caused by never-ending list of concerns such as wandering, falling etc.
• Irritability – leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions
• Lack of concentration - makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks
• Health problems begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically.