Alzheimer’s disease is degenerative, which means it becomes worst overtime. Learn what to expect overtime, learn what to expect as Alzheimer’s progresses.
Alzheimer’s disease is a generative brain disorder which usually occurs in people over 65. Alzheimer’s is fatal and the body seizes to function due to complication of the disease such as pneumonia. This disease can last anywhere from three to 20 years averaging about seven to eight. The first sign is memory loss followed by personality changes and progressing to a loss of control over bodily functions. These changes gradually happen in a generally distinguishable set of stages. In the earlier mild stages of Alzheimer’s, symptoms are not immediately evident, and then a patient will begin to suffer small memory lapses such as forgetting the names, familiar places or people. As Alzheimer progresses, the inflicted individual may experience confusion about everyday tasks and people. They often become disoriented about time and place and then to exercise poor judgment. More than 40% of people with early stage Alzheimer’s exhibit apathy about their life and condition. People with the early stage Alzheimer’s can often continue living they have then for some time particularly when prescription medication is taken. However, the ability to live independently maybe lost as an individual enters midst age Alzheimer’s. At this point, patients often lose cognitive function rapidly forgetting recent events and even their personal history. They may have trouble sorting out the names and faces of familiar people and often forget personal information like their home address or telephone number. Mid stage Alzheimer patients experience personality changes as well often becoming withdrawn. In addition, may exhibit paranoid behavior and often can have hallucinations. People with mid stage Alzheimer’s had an increasing dependence on others and may need help eating, dressing, grooming, and using the toilet. Gradually control body function begins to decline as the person enters late stage Alzheimer’s. People in the late stage require round the clock care. People with late stage Alzheimer’s usually will not recognize others even though their own name. They could no longer communicate, move around without assistance. As Alzheimer’s runs it course, the body slowly shots down and the resulting medical condition like pneumonia will lead to death. Although Alzheimer disease is fatal, prescription medications can often help patients maintain their quality of life for longer periods of time. The personality changes, cognitive lapses and eventual demise of a person with Alzheimer’s disease are extremely difficult on both patients and their love ones. For this reason, it is important to seek guidance and support from a doctor and care team.
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