Dementia or Old Age?

Dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease is the progressive death of the brain's nerve cells, evidenced in gradual behavior change in an individual. Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that causes dementia (forgetfulness due to the killing of nerve cells). Alzheimer's and dementia, often preceded by a period of denial, do not actually cause death in the patient; rather, the patient usually dies of cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, or some other disease. Alzheimer's and dementia merely weaken the brain's control of body systems, and thus allowing illnesses to end the patient's life.

The progressive death of the brain's nerve cells varies with individuals who may deteriorate at different rates. The progression of the disease may last for a period of 8 to 20 years - that makes Alzheimer's and dementia even more frightening for the patient as well as for the family members who live and work with him or her.

Some of the dementia symptoms due to Alzheimer's disease are similar to those experienced in old age.

Fact: Your brain weighs approximately 3 pounds, but it is the most important organ in your body.

· You use your brain to gain access to your short-term and long-term memory through senses (sight, smell, taste, sound).sensation, people, objects, and places.

· You use your brain for language articulation and communication.

· You use your brain to perform complex tasks.

· You use your brain to execute body movements.

· You use your brain for judgment and reasoning.

· You use your brain to maintain social skills.

In the pre-Alzheimer's stage, your brain functions normally. At early onset of dementia, signs and symptoms become more apparent.

Dementia symptoms

The signs of dementia are many; however, there is no single behavior that can be identified as characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The following dementia symptoms are usually gradual and progressive until they become problematic in the patient:

· Lack of concentration and focus (absence or gradual disappearance of memory cues in the brain)

· Inability to recognize and use proper verbal and non-verbal cues (e.g. a smile)

· Inability to understand sounds (loss of interest in listening to music and becoming a passive listener)

· Loss of senses (inability to enjoy good food, to appreciate music or to create art)

· Inability to understand and identify problems

· Difficulty in differentiating and prioritizing (poor timing, lack of planning, inability to cope with changes)

· Reduced daily activity and mobility (dead brain cells requiring little or no stimulation)

· Social withdrawal (little social interaction, lack of personal hygiene)

· Inappropriate actions (dressing inappropriately)

· Difficulty in learning new things

· Tendency to suspect the activities of others.

Signs and symptoms of old age

Aging is "benign senile forgetfulness." The signs and symptoms of old age are different from those of Alzheimer's disease. Old age symptoms, manifested in forgetfulness, are simple lapses in memory:

· Forgetting the name of a person just met

· Not finding the right word or expression while communicating

· Taking more time to learn a new things

· Taking longer time to react or respond.

The above symptoms often worsen due to frustration and increased anxiety, giving the concern of Alzheimer's and dementia. These lapses may be a nuisance, but never a problem. The changes in behavior are continual and gradual, due to the decrease of brain function, but never problematic.

Another important criterion is the normal cognitive function of the brain.

Alzheimer's disease may take away the memory, but not the mind of an individual. Respect the dignity and rights of the individual afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Stages of dementia

Early onset of dementia (3 to 5 years)

Memory loss is characteristic of the early onset of dementia.
The first area in which nerve cells die in Alzheimer's disease is located in the center of the cerebral hemisphere, where short-term and long-term memory resides. The rest of the brain still functions normally.

At this early onset of dementia, use compensatory coping strategies to deal with the problems due to memory loss.

At this stage of Alzheimer's disease, do not do things for the patient; instead, encourage independence as much as possible. Observe without interfering is often the best option.

What you can do to help the Alzheimer's patient at the early onset of Alzheimer's:

· Play games to stimulate language.

· Get old photos and ask questions about them.

· Engage in activities to maintain mobility.

· Play music to provide a stimulating environment.

· Stimulate senses through human touch and hugs.

Moderate stage of dementia (3 to 5 years)

As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the patient may have trouble dressing and may become disoriented. Difficulties in language expression may become more evident. In addition, processing visual and sound information is problematic. Agitated behaviors may also become more commonplace.

What you can do to help the Alzheimer's patient at the moderate stage:

· Go through old albums and talk about good old times.

· Sing songs to help evoke memories.

· Use simple laguage and always speak at eye level, facing the Alzheimer's patent.

· Always acknowledge the patient's concerns and worries, however irrelevant or trivial they may be.

· Continue to stimulate senses through human touch and hugs.

Final stage of dementia

At the severe stage, the devastation of Alzheimer's moves into the frontal lobes of the brain, causing the loss of judgment, reasoning, and social interaction. At this stage, the Alzheimer's patient can become violent and immobile. Sadly, the individual will be bedridden and relatively unresponsive.

At this end stage, there is little you can do, except making most of the decisions regarding the patient. Accept and expect communication to become only single words or gestures.

No miracle cures

Alzheimer's disease is a life-altering experience. Life is filled with expectations - which are completed altered with the onset of dementia.

There are no miracle cures. However, dementia can be delayed through active stimulation of the brain through activities and a proper brain diet.

For the Alzheimer's patient, he or she must accept the inevitable. Just continue to do what is possible, and as long as possible. In life, everyone has to deal with losses. Focus on ad make the most of what remains, rather than what is lost.

For the patient or family, change the way you think about life's circumstances, and learn to let go of some and embrace others.

Remember, every disease affects the body and leaves the body with limitations. Just learn to adjust to limitations.

Remember, the dementia patient has lost the memory, and not the mind.