Practical Help and Advice Relating To Alzheimer's Disease

With this guide we hope to provide some help and advice relating to Alzheimer's - in plain English. Please be mindful that nothing here constitutes medical advice and we urge you to seek consultation with your doctor.

Firstly, why is this disease called Alzheimer's?

Alois Alzheimer, a German neurologist first identified an 'unusual disease of the cerebral cortex' in 1906 and Alzheimer's disease was consequently named after him. In the hundred years that followed, scientists have discovered a great deal about Alzheimer's. So, let's see what we can translate into easy to understand parts.

Around half a million people in the UK have Alzheimer's disease and over 5 million in America.

If you have the slightest suspicion that you or a loved one may be in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, you must consult your doctor immediately.

It is far too easy to read into the symptoms and make the wrong conclusions. The more research you do, the sooner you discover that whilst there are some common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, be mindful that every individual is totally unique. Always keep in mind that no two people are likely to experience Alzheimer's disease in the same way. So if you are trying to compare the symptoms of someone you know with another patient ... it might never happen.

Let's take a look at the very basic symptoms.

The early signs of Alzheimer's disease may be memory lapses; can't remember where the car is parked, for example, and problems finding the right words during a conversation. Even the simplest words are on the tip of the tongue but just cannot recall them. Having read this far you might say "well that happens to everyone" - which is why it is important to get a professional diagnosis.

As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the patient may become confused, and the memory lapses become more frequent where they forget the names of people, even close relatives, places that were once very well known to them, appointments and recent events as well as paying bills.

It would be difficult or indeed impossible to imagine the emotions that Alzheimer's disease thrusts upon patients. Without doubt they lose confidence and become withdrawn as their communication problems get worse. This in turn may trigger mood swings, sadness and anger, even fear. People will need support from those who care for them and as the disease progresses more support will be required. There is no way of predict how you would react as a carer for someone with Alzheimer 's disease. You can't say "pull yourself together, take a couple of painkillers and have an early night" and hope that all will be okay in the morning. It is important that you seek as much help as possible from professional and voluntary organisations that can provide valuable resources such as information, advice and practical help. As well as specialist Alzheimer's charities that can offer excellent support, there are other voluntary organisations and groups . We can't list them all here because they vary from country to country. Use a search engine to seek your local social services department. For example in the UK we have Citizens Advice Bureau, CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) but your local library will certainly be able to help with lists of such groups in your locality. Even if you are not religious, consider places of worship and local community organisations because they too may have resources or know of people who may also be able to help. [ Privacy Policy ]