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 compromised at the beginning, middle, or end stages of Alzheimer’s. Early or middle stage deficiency of bodily control may include stiff muscles, dragging feet while walking, and having trouble standing or sitting properly. As the brain deteriorates towards the end stage of Alzheimer’s, the most severe changes occur, and the patient may lose other functions of their body that were once controllable. A person living with Alzheimer’s at this end stage may not be able to regulate their bladder or bowel. This often leads to premature excretion of urine or stool. Patients may also endure unexpected seizures and twitches. Eventually, the patient may have difficulty breathing or swallowing, which may precede the end of the patient’s life.
Alzheimer’s is a troubling disease that affects both the patient and their loved ones. If you or a loved one is affected by this disease, consider signing up for an Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial with Pharmasite Research in Pikesville, MD
[1]https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20an%20estimated%205.8,14%20million%20people%20by%202060.