Worldwide, there are more than 55 million people living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form, occurring in more than 60% of cases, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
In the Region of the Americas, more than 10 million people live with dementia And estimates show that every 20 years, the number of people with this disorder will double, so it’s important to know a little more about it.
Although the onset of Alzheimer’s disease cannot yet be stopped or reversed, an early diagnosis can make a difference in treatment and in life with this condition.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association of America, there are three stages. It is worth clarifying that it is not the only classification, since others speak of six or four.
Driving, working, and social activities can still be done, but the person may feel memory loss coming on. You may forget words that she used frequently and the location of objects or places.
During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect memory or concentration problems, the Association mentions on its website.
Common difficulties include:
- Trouble finding the right word or name
- Difficulty remembering names when introduced to new people
- Difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings.
- forget about something you just read
- Losing or misplacing a valuable item
- Having more trouble planning or organizing
This is when people may have the most difficulty performing tasks like paying bills, but can still remember significant details about their lives.
They may slur words, get frustrated, angry, or act unexpectedly because damage to nerve cells in the brain can make it difficult to express thoughts and perform everyday tasks.
Some symptoms may be:
- Forgetting events or personal history information
- Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally demanding situations
- Not remembering your own address or phone number, or the school or university you graduated from
- Confusion about current location and date
- Difficulty controlling the urge to go to the bathroom
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and being restless at night
- Increased risk of becoming disoriented and lost
- Changes in personality and behavior, such as suspiciousness and delusions, or repetitive behaviors
There are those who can still say words or phrases, but communication is difficult. As memory and cognitive abilities worsen, personality can drastically change.
Also, it is at this time that people need a lot of help with daily tasks and a constant caregiver.
Their behavior may include:
- Need assistance at all times with daily activities and personal care
- Losing track of recent experiences and the events surrounding them
- Experiencing changes in physical abilities, including the ability to speak, sit, and eventually swallow
- Have a lot of difficulty communicating
- Becoming vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia
If you are a caregiver or family member of a person with Alzheimer’s, take into account all the medical recommendations to ensure a peaceful life.
