Alzheimer’s disease
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s is a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. As a deteriorating type of dementia, the disease starts mildly and gets progressively worse.
Every so often I forget where I put my glasses – does that mean that I am developing Alzheimer’s or is this just ageing?
Just because you forgot an item on your grocery list doesn’t mean you are developing dementia. Most people have occasional memory lapses, which increase with age. Memory problems that characterise warning signs of Alzheimer’s are usually more frequent which then interfere with safe or competent daily functioning: forgetting to turn off the stove, leaving home without being properly dressed or forgetting important appointments.
The disease usually involves a decline in other cognitive abilities: planning a schedule, following multi-step directions, carrying out familiar logistical tasks like cooking a meal. It can also involve social withdrawal, confusion, agitation and mood changes. Alzheimer’s can also affect or slow down walking.
Diagnosing Alzheimer's usually involves a series of assessments, including a memory and cognitive test called a 'Mini Mental State Examination'. A thorough medical work-up will be done to determine whether the cognitive problems can be explained by other conditions such as another type of dementia, chronic ailments or possibly side effects from medication. Brain scans may also be done.
What causes Alzheimer's?
The cause is unknown for most cases. Aside from age, which is the single biggest risk factor, there are health issues that can increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Heart and vascular problems, including stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure appear to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Depression has also been associated with increased risk.
Can one prevent developing Alzheimer's?
Many researchers have been trying to figure this out. So far there is no clear answer. There are hints that behaviours that keep us healthy and engaged, i.e. exercise, healthy diet, social activities or educational activities, may keep dementia at bay for some time, probably because those behaviours promote overall brain and body health, as well as emotional wellbeing. Education may promote what is called cognitive reserve, essentially the idea that the more we learn and stimulate our brains, the more brain cells we have that can temporarily compensate for some memory and thinking problems. But no vitamin, supplement or brain game has been found to be a magic wand.
What to do and what to prepare for if you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's
What and how to tell your family
The process of acceptance of your diagnosis might include sharing your condition with family and friends. Seeing a therapist might help your process as well as guide you in dealing with others. You can expect different responses from those close to you - some might want to find cures and other solutions, some might withdraw and become uncommunicative. Give them time to come to grips with the news. A trained therapist or counsellor can help you anticipate and deal with these responses effectively.
How long can you live independently?
One cannot know the speed of your mental decline. It is different for everyone, until the disease realises its ultimate purpose.
Revise your will
It is important that you make your wishes known to your partner and family while you are able to make decisions for yourself.
End-of-life decisions
This very individual choice should be shared with your loved ones so that your personal instruction can be fulfilled when you can no longer make decisions. A living will is enforced when one is no longer capable of making decisions around treatment and end-of-life care. The declaration will stand as your Living Will and Directive, which will include, for example, a request not to be kept alive by means of mechanical systems or not to have medication administered other than to relieve pain. You can also include other decisions such as organ donation.
When will advanced care be needed?
Your end-of-life wishes should include how you would like to receive care in the final stages of Alzheimer’s. Care provided in an Alzheimer’s unit focuses on bringing comfort, self-respect and peace to the final stage of your life. Discuss the stages of Alzheimer’s with your treating doctor. Your choice might be to receive care at home. Anglo Medical Scheme covers Frail Care at home (rendered by a Registered Nursing Agency) or in a Frail Care Centre specialising in Alzheimer’s care. Certain limits apply depending on your plan type, so be sure to call us to confirm your benefits.
Identify facilities specialising in Alzheimer’s care when your family can no longer care for you at home
Phone our Call Centre on 0860 222 633 to understand the benefit and where and when you can obtain the care.