Grieving Memories Lost
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

One in 10 Americans over age 65 and nearly half of those over age 85 have Alzheimer's disease (AD) … a total that adds up to about 4.5 million people.* The condition is not a normal part of aging; it’s a disorder of the brain's nerve cells that impairs memory, thinking and behavior. It leads, ultimately, to death.

AD is often called a family disease because the chronic stress of watching a loved one slowly decline affects everyone. To help patients and their caregivers understand the changes that occur as the disease progresses, AD is broken into early, middle and late stages. The symptoms and progression within these stages vary from person to person.

Early Stage
People with AD may have trouble remembering recent events, activities or the names of familiar people or things. They may not be able to solve simple math problems, and so may not be able to handle their finances. In addition, they may exhibit poor judgment, have a tendency to lose things and withdraw from social situations.

Caregiving in this stage focuses on adjusting to the diagnosis and making plans for the future. Learning as much as possible about AD will make caregiving easier. Seek emotional support from family members, a support group or counseling. Having the AD patient create powers of attorney for finances and health care can ensure that he or she is cared for by trusted family members or friends.

Middle Stage
Alzheimer's patients may forget how to do simple tasks like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. They can no longer think clearly and begin to have problems speaking, understanding, reading or writing. They may not recognize family and friends at times. Anger, paranoia, wandering, violence, eating problems, hallucinations and incontinence may occur.

The caregiver's role expands to full time, as patients in this stage require care or supervision 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Keeping the patient safe becomes a priority. Respite care – provided by family or friends, adult day care programs, in-home help or short nursing home stays – is vital to provide the primary caregiver with periodic breaks.

Late Stage
Patients may lose the ability to communicate, walk, smile, swallow or participate in personal care activities. They may be unable to recognize people, places and objects. Seizures and weight loss may occur, and patients may spend the majority of time sleeping.

The patient may need to be placed in a skilled nursing facility. Hospice services are often available when a physician anticipates that the person has less than six months to live.

Help Is Available
For additional information about Alzheimer's disease, talk to your health care provider. Resources for caregivers, including emotional support, counseling and educational programs, are widely available. The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) and the Family Caregiver Alliance (www.caregiver.org) offer programs and referrals.**