by Jane Allyson

Created on: March 19, 2008   Last Updated: December 27, 2011

Alzheimer's disease is a fatal, debilitating disease of the brain that eventually leads to dementia and death. On the 21 September 2006, the world united to commemorate World Alzheimer's Day to raise awareness of this terrible disease that affects over 24 million people worldwide.

The medical journal The Lancet warns us of an imminent dementia epidemic, citing that every seven seconds one new case is found and that by the year 2040 there will be 81 million people suffering from dementia.

Unless you have had a personal confrontation of the disease yourself or you have looked after a patient who is suffering, it is difficult to appreciate the magnitude of stress, sorrow and sheer devastation that the illness will bring.

Many people face Alzheimer's on a personal level through the experience of watching the demise of older relatives, and often find that by gaining a better understanding of the disease, and of the symptoms and progress of deterioration, it helps to deal with the effects that the illness had not only on the life of the sufferer, but also that of the family caring for them.

Learning about the progressive symptoms of the disease will help to ensure that you are prepared for what is to come, and to be able to recognize the varying stages which mark the different levels of deterioration.

If you intend caring for the patient at home then you must make certain that you have prepared yourself for what is yet to come and organize extra help for care giving and ensure that you make your home as comfortable and as safe as possible.

Diagnosis comes with a visit to the doctor. At the moment, tests that make a firm prognosis of the illness can be fairly time consuming so it is imperative that early medical advice is sought as speedily as possible. If Alzheimer's is caught in the early stages it is possible to prolong the life of the patient quite considerably.

Financial and legal issues are the first things that need to be seen to. The patient's wishes are very important. What does your relative wish for during her end of life care? Have you attended to all safety aspects of the home? Have you ensured that you have set up a good support system within the family? Do you have the ability to provide adequate care needs and are you geared up to dealing with worrying behavior?

Remember that your loved one is often not in control of what they say or do. Keep a sense of humor. Get plenty of emotional support during this difficult time by enlisting the

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>