I had a patient today with severe Alzheimer/Dementia and it amazes me how the disease can be one of the most debilitating mental disorders. Dementia is a neurological disorder in which the primary symptoms involve deterioration of mental functioning. The patients lose the ability to care for themselves and can lose the ability to recognize familiar surroundings and family members. It takes a toll on the family and most families don't understand the disease process.
Alzheimer is a form of dementia which is progressive and irreversible brain disorder that's characterized by a gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and eventually physical function. Our former President Ronald Regan was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease at age 83. Patients with a family history of Alzheimer disease are at greater risk. It is also revealed that older adults with Alzheimer disease are more likely to have cardiovascular disease than patients who do not have Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer disease involves a deficiency in the important brain messenger chemical acetylcholine, which plays an important role in memory.
As with many problems associated with health and aging, exercise may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease and some people say that Sudoku exercises the brain and may also reduce the risk. Some people say if you forget where your glasses are, it's okay but, if you forget that you wear glasses then you have to worry.
Many families become emotionally and physically drained by the extensive care required for the person with Alzheimer disease. Family members become depressed and higher levels of burden, as well as lower levels of well-being and physical health. The family members neglect their own care and well-being. Sometimes it's best to refer the family members to Alzheimer/Dementia units to place their loved ones. These units have the staff and expertise to care for the patient better and more efficient than the family could ever imagine.
Alzheimer is a form of dementia which is progressive and irreversible brain disorder that's characterized by a gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and eventually physical function. Our former President Ronald Regan was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease at age 83. Patients with a family history of Alzheimer disease are at greater risk. It is also revealed that older adults with Alzheimer disease are more likely to have cardiovascular disease than patients who do not have Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer disease involves a deficiency in the important brain messenger chemical acetylcholine, which plays an important role in memory.
As with many problems associated with health and aging, exercise may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease and some people say that Sudoku exercises the brain and may also reduce the risk. Some people say if you forget where your glasses are, it's okay but, if you forget that you wear glasses then you have to worry.
Many families become emotionally and physically drained by the extensive care required for the person with Alzheimer disease. Family members become depressed and higher levels of burden, as well as lower levels of well-being and physical health. The family members neglect their own care and well-being. Sometimes it's best to refer the family members to Alzheimer/Dementia units to place their loved ones. These units have the staff and expertise to care for the patient better and more efficient than the family could ever imagine.
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