Alzheimers Disease – Recognizing The Signs And Stages

• Tweet
• Pin It

Are you at risk for Alzheimers Disease? Your risk factor naturally increases as you age. According to the Alzheimers Association, 10% of all people over 65 suffer from Alzheimers and 50% of people over 85. Genetic predisposition is only evident in 1% of the cases, primarily in premature aging instances. People with Down syndrome are also prone to developing Alzheimers in their 30s or 40s. Environmental toxins like aluminum, low educational levels, head trauma, high cholesterol and high blood pressure may predispose you to brain degeneration.

The National Institute on Aging lists seven warning signs pertaining to Alzheimers Disease: asking the same question over and over again; repeating the same story several times using the exact same words; forgetting how to cook, play cards or perform an activity that is done regularly; losing one’s ability to pay bills or balance the checkbook; getting lost in familiar surroundings or losing objects like keys and wallets; neglecting to bathe or wearing the same clothes over and over again; and relying on a spouse or loved one to make decisions for them that they normally would have made themselves.

The moderate stages of Alzheimers involve sufferers wandering off, enduring mood swings, forgetting manners, changing behavior, having trouble accomplishing basic tasks, repeating stories and forgetting names. The worst-case scenarios involve Alzheimers patients forgetting who family members are, speaking in gibberish, refusing to eat, being unable to control bowel or motor functions, groaning or screaming, forgetting how to walk, tearing easily or needing total assistance for daily life.

There are many places to turn for Alzheimers help. Attending an Alzheimers support group can work wonders for the caregivers, who are probably feeling mixed emotions of helplessness, depression, anxiety, impatience, resentment, fear and frustration. For the Alzheimers Disease sufferer, minimizing clutter and confusion around the house is a good start. A long term care facility may be eventually be needed but unconditional love and support can go a long way.