Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and its Effects
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia and a common disease that affected an estimated 5.8 million Americans 65 years and older in 2020[1]. This disease can also take a large toll on the patient’s loved ones. Why is this? Alzheimer’s causes an individual to forget aspects of their life, extending to the point at which they may have no recognition of their loved ones. The patient may no longer recognize their close loved ones visiting them, even though they may have known them for years. Although this devastating effect of Alzheimer’s disease may be the most known symptom, there are many others that people may not know about. Follow along as we take a look at the other symptoms to help you or a loved one understand a more in-depth view of Alzheimer’s.
Memory Loss: As aforementioned, memory loss can have a damaging effect on personal relationships. This is not the only troubling effect from the loss of memory. Memory loss may cause crucial mistakes in a patient’s life. Examples may include misplacing money or important objects, trouble keeping up with bills and other tasks that were once simple and routine, getting lost in public, and trouble remembering how to do work, which may lead to termination.
Dwindling Attention Span: People living with Alzheimer’s disease can often find it difficult to pay attention. Unintentional disruption and lack of attentiveness may occur in activities such as reading books or magazines, watching television shows and movies, or paying attention to someone in a conversation. Not being able to concentrate or carry out once basic enjoyments may lead to a patient experiencing frustration and a potential outburst of anger.
Incontinence and Lack of Bodily Control: Bodily functions may be [...]