DEMENTIA, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND THE IMPACT ON FAMILIES

This month’s edition of Wellness Wednesday will be about Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. This topic is close to my heart as I have recently had family members diagnosed with these conditions. Let’s get straight into it.

Types of Dementia | Source: Palm Vista Senior Living

Did you know that Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of Dementia, and they aren’t different conditions? I recently discovered this whilst navigating the many pathways to diagnosis and treatment in this area. There is no direct pathway to a diagnosis, and so you will need to refer to your local General Practitioner to determine the best pathway for your circumstances.

SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA

Symptoms are quite similar for both, given their close ties to each other clinically, so I will present the same list for both conditions.

Symptoms of Dementia | Source: Codex Genetics

The symptoms for these conditions include:

• Difficulty remembering recent events
• Repeating stories and conversations
• Vagueness in everyday conversation
• Difficulty planning, organising and thinking logically
• Takes longer to perform everyday tasks
• Language difficulties, such as maintaining trains of thought or finding the right words
• Changes in behaviour and personality
• Mood swings
• Out of character behaviours
• Disrupted sleep patterns

CAUSES OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA

Whilst there are no real confirmed causes associated with either Alzheimer's or Dementia that can be proven, it has often been observed in those over the age of 65, and whilst Dementia can be hereditary, there are many cases with no links in the family tree to anything related to Dementia.

Dementia | Source: The Corporate Review

Both Alzheimer's and Dementia are progressive conditions with no cure; those with these conditions will die from these conditions.

TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA

Whilst there is no cure for either of these conditions, the symptoms can be managed whilst the conditions are in relatively early stages with the following medications:

• Lecanemab, which prevents plaque from damaging the brain. This slows the progression of this condition.
• Donanemab, which breaks down amyloid plaques in the brain and also slows the progression of this condition.
• Cholinesterase inhibitors, which stop the chemicals in the brain from breaking down and allow brain cells to communicate more effectively.
• Cholinergic medications also stop the breakdown of chemicals in the brain and allow brain cells to communicate effectively.

Brain degradation caused by Alzheimer's Disease | Source: Altoida

Finally, if you know someone with Dementia, please know that their behaviours are often not their fault, and it is more likely that their outbursts will target those they know over strangers. It is also more likely that those with Dementia will eventually need to enter Aged Care Facilities to ensure their care needs are met completely. This condition is tough on the loved ones of the person diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.