alzheimer disease. what is dementia? what is alzheimer?

ALZHEIMER DISEASE

WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER?

HOW ARE THE BRAIN AFFECTED

ALZHEIMER THREE STAGES

EARLY STAGE:

The early stage of Alzheimer's disease (also referred to as "mild Alzheimer's disease") refers to people of any age who have mild impairment.

MIDDLE STAGE:

The middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease is also called "moderate Alzheimer's disease." In this stage, thinking and memory continue to deteriorate but many people will still be somewhat aware of their condition. People in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease need help with many daily tasks.

LATE STAGE:

The late stage of Alzheimer’s disease may also be called "severe" or "advanced.” People in the late stage have decreased mental ability. Eventually, they become unable to communicate verbally or look after themselves. They also become more frail physically and need 24-hour care. The goal of care at this stage is to continue to support the person to ensure the highest quality of life possible.

COMORBIDITY EFFECTS: DEPRESSION

Up to 40 to 50 per cent of people with dementia experience depression at some point. Depression can make the symptoms of dementias worse. For example, depression can cause increased forgetfulness, confusion, and anxiety.

Possible causes of depression

• In the early stages of dementia, the person may experience depression after hearing his diagnosis.

• Social isolation may also cause depression in some people with dementia.

• Fatigue is associated with depressive symptoms.

• Depression can be a side effect of certain medications.

Coping with depression

• Encourage pleasant activities that she can still enjoy, such as short walks or outings.

• Set realistic expectations. If you expect too much from her, she may feel frustrated and discouraged.

• Establish a consistent daily routine. This will help reassure her as well as reduce confusion.

• Counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and group therapy may be helpful.

• Antidepressant medications may help. Talk to the person's doctor about the options.

TREATMENT OF ALZEIMER DISEASE

There are several medications that can help with symptoms such as memory decline, changes in language, thinking abilities and motor skills. Although there is still no cure for Alzheimer's disease, those who respond to these treatments can experience improvements in their quality of life for several years.

IS IT GENETIC OR ACQUIRED?• Family history

• Another strong risk factor is family history. Those who have a parent, brother, sister or child with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease. The risk increases if more than one family member has the illness. When diseases tend to run in families, either heredity (genetics) or environmental factors, or both, may play a role.

• Genetics (heredity)

• Scientists know genes are involved in Alzheimer’s. There are two types of genes that can play a role in affecting whether a person develops a disease—risk genes and deterministic genes. Alzheimer's genes have been found in both categories.

• Risk genes increase the likelihood of developing a disease, but do not guarantee it will happen.

• Deterministic genes directly cause a disease, guaranteeing that anyone who inherits them will develop the disorder.

MEDICAL INTERVENTION DECISIONS

Sometimes, the hardest part is deciding how much medical care the person will be getting. If the person has already told you or has written down his wishes, this makes it easier. However, if you or someone else has to make the decision, it is important that you understand what the different levels of medical care involve.

1.EXTRAODINARY MEDICAL CARE

2.CONSERVATIVE MEDICAL CARE

3.COMFORT OR PALLIATIVE CARE

EXTRAORDINARY MEDICAL CARE

This type of treatment prolongs life as long as possible by using all available types of treatment. This could mean putting someone with late-stage Alzheimer's disease on kidney dialysis for kidney failure, using tube feeding when she can no longer swallow, or using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to restart the heart.

CONSERVATIVE MEDICAL CARE

This type of treatment maintains or improves the current health status. For someone with Alzheimer's disease, it might include using blood pressure medication to treat high blood pressure, insulin for diabetes or setting a fractured hip.

COMFORT OR PALLIATIVE CARE

This type of treatment provides comfort when there is no treatment for an illness and death is near. Pain control is a priority, as is the emotional and spiritual support to the individual and the family.

WHAT CAN I DO TO MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE MY BRAIN HEALTH?

BACK UP MEMORY APPLICATION FROM SAMSUNG

1.Douglas Mental Health University Institute

6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, (Quebec) H4H 1R3,

Phone: 514-761-6131 Fax: 514-761-6

2.Alzheimer Society of Montreal 4505 Notre-Dame Street West, Montreal, Quebec, H4C 1S3 Tel.: 514 369-0800 Fax: 514 369-4103 Email: info@alzheimermontreal.ca

3.ALZHEIMER GROUPE 5555 Westminster Ave, Suite 304 Montreal, Quebec H4W 2J2T 514.485.7233 F 514.485.7946

4.The Alzheimer Society of Quebec, a non-profit organization1040 Belvedere Avenue, Local 312 Québec (Québec) G1S 3G3 Québec (Québec) G1S 3G3 Phone: 418 527-4294 Toll free: 1 866 350-4294

5.The Jewish General Hospital Foundation 3755 Côte St. Catherine, Room A-107Montreal, QuebecH3T 1E2 Phone: 514-340-8251 Fax: 514-340-8220 Email us at: info@jghfoundation.org