Alzheimers

These terms are often used interchangeably but have different meanings. Dementia is not a specific disease; it is a general term that describes a wide range of symptoms impacting a person’s ability to think and perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known and common type of dementia, but not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia can have other causes, or etiologies, such as frontotemporal dementia, Lewy Body disease, or vascular dementia.

The discovery that you or a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease can be an emotional experience. Whether it is you or your loved one that has the condition, this progressive disease will slowly affect your daily life. Optimal management of Alzheimer’s disease involves understanding how it progresses, obtaining an early diagnosis through medical and neuropsychological testing, and intervening as soon as possible.

Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Brain changes responsible for Alzheimer’s begin many years before a person demonstrates signs or symptoms of disease. During preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, a person will function as they always have, with few to no noticeable changes. However, biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, genetic indicators of Alzheimer’s risk, and early pathological brain changes may be present.

Mild Cognitive Impairment Due To Alzheimer’s Disease
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is diagnosed when a person has decline in thinking skills but is able to independently complete functional tasks just as they always have. The cognitive decline is mild but typically noticeable to others, and it is measurable through neuropsychological testing. Also known as the prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease, MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease characterizes the period between preclinical disease (where few to no symptoms are observable) and dementia. Cognition worsens gradually during this stage, which can range considerably in length. Symptoms might include the affected individual forgetting what they recently did, heard or read, trouble finding the right words or names to express their ideas, and getting lost when traveling a familiar route.

Mild Dementia Due To Alzheimer’s Disease
When caused by Alzheimer’s disease, MCI progresses to mild dementia over time. At this point, the affected individual will have more trouble with complex everyday tasks, such as paying bills, managing medications, or driving. Memory and language changes are likely to be more pronounced, though an individual may still recall important events and be grossly oriented to the date and their surroundings. Mood changes like withdrawal and apathy will become more evident, and decreased emotional responses will also be more frequent, especially in challenging situations.

Moderate Dementia Due To Alzheimer’s Disease
As brain changes progress, the affected individual will require a lot more support. People with moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease typically remember their own names and close family members, but major events as well as minor details can be difficult for them to recall. At this point, the affected individual cannot live independently as they need help with a variety of everyday tasks, including some simple activities such as maintaining good hygiene practices and remembering to eat. They require supervision and support to ensure their safety.

Severe Dementia Due To Alzheimer’s Disease
At this stage of Alzheimer’s disease, the affected individual will need help with almost all their daily tasks, including eating, toileting and moving. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 40% of people with Alzheimer’s disease will form contractures, or shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, and other tissues. Body movements will become more rigid and can cause severe pain, and they will also develop infantile reflexes like sucking. The person’s ability to respond to their environment is lost, and they might become immobile. Frequent hospitalization can occur, and the most common cause of death in someone at this stage is pneumonia.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that may slow the progression of the disease, maximize independent function, and improve quality of life.

Alzheimer’s Treatment Options
Non-drug treatments focus on minimizing controllable risk factors for cognitive decline, and treating the behavioral, psychological, and emotional symptoms of Alzheimer’s. These treatments include:

• Behavior assessment
• Validation therapy
• Promoting engagement in meaningful activities
• Increasing physical exercise
• Healthy diet
• Social and cognitive engagement
• Psychoeducation
• Caregiver support
• Connection with community supports and services
• Environmental modifications to promote safety and independence

Drugs for Alzheimer’s disease
There are three classes of medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Each has its own strengths and drawbacks. It is best to speak to your doctor to identify the drug or drugs that may be best for your particular situation. A psychiatrist or other physician might also prescribe medications that can help with emotional or behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as depression, agitation or wandering.