Alzheimer's disease brings not only memory loss but without treatment it robs many individuals of the ability to do simple things. Victims forget how to dress themselves and have no sense of the appropriate way to put on a garment or garments at times. I have seen a woman who was once a beautiful, well educated, classy lady become a frightened, confused and disoriented person to the point of trying to put her underwear on her head and both legs in the sleeves of a blouse.
Eating a meal is a challenge for an Alzheimer's victim. They may remember to use a utensil but instead of eating a salad with a fork they try to eat with a knife. (I have seen a person attempt to eat steak with a spoon and spaghetti with a butter knife.)
The disease robs people of the common sense required to remember to go to the bathroom. When they do remember to go and where to go, if left to tend to themselves in the bathroom there is no telling what may happen. They may not use toilet tissue or wash their hands or they may take off their clothes and not put them back on.
Many times the person with Alzheimer's is also someone that needs and wants to be loved. They remember touching and holding hands, they like to be kissed and stroked. At times it is okay but out of nowhere it can become an almost sexual contact. Suddenly family, friends and caregivers are uncomfortable to the point of being upset at times. The victim of course can't help this, they are truly sick and have no way of understanding proper social interaction any more.
Other common issues for Alzheimer's victims include not being able to communicate in a way that makes sense to others. Repeating the same words or phrases all the their waking hours. They can't think of the right word and can become quite agitated because of it. Another issue for these individuals is not being able to sleep or sleeping too much.. Hiding things and becoming fearful of the dark, afraid of strangers, fear of travel and out doors. Dread of water or the feeling of the shower water leads to hygiene issues.
A very difficult issue is that one day they may remember a childhood acquaintance and not remember a spouse or close family member. From day to day the mental challenges change as well as the physical abilities. Some victims become aggressive and angry others become quiet, very shy and timid. Victims of Alzheimer's get lost easily even in their own neighborhoods and homes. They may go to the bathroom but they may have actually gone in the hall or the garage, it is the bathroom to them.
Alzheimer's disease changes life for the victim and everyone that knows that person.When the proper medications are given in the right dose many of the issues mentioned here are cleared up. They happen much less and it usually only happens when the patient is sick or off medications. We are lucky that there are some medications actually helping people continue a longer quality of life before the disease robs them completely of their mental capabilities and health..
As the number of victims of this disease increase more issues arise. Alzheimer's has also been diagnosed in younger people, this will also increase issues that affect individuals with the disease and their caregivers. Research, medications, treatment programs and better facilities have improved the quality of life for Alzheimer's victims and their families. Perhaps one day the disease will be cured and people won't have to face such issues any longer.