Alzheimer’s disease is a kind of dementia affecting a person’s cognitive functions. Common symptoms include memory loss, disorientation, poor decision-making, and inability to complete daily tasks. It is a neurodegenerative disease affecting elderly people and considered to be the 5th leading cause of death among elders aged 65 years and older in the United States.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease which means symptoms worsen over time. There is no cure for it, yet symptoms for early-stage Alzheimer’s can slow down with prescribed medicines.
How Alzheimer’s Disease Affects A Person’s Life
- Memory Loss. Memory loss is prevalent among patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The build-up of harmful proteins in the brain is one of the major causes of slowly losing memory as it forms into tangles and plaques. These hinder the brain's function. As the condition progresses, the patient will have difficulty recognizing a person’s name and face regardless of his or her relationship to them.
- Sleeping Problems. People with Alzheimer’s disease experience changes in their sleeping patterns. They are often awake earlier than normal. Due to lack of sleep, they become irritable and restless. Alzheimer’s patients may have a reverse sleeping cycle wherein they are awake at night and asleep during the day.
- Poor Motor Skills. Alzheimer’s disease may lead to poor motor functions for mid to later stages of the disease. It starts affecting the patient’s balance and coordination, putting them at risk of possible fall injuries. They also encounter difficulty standing up or sitting down.
- Uncontrolled Bladder and Bowel Movements. Intensive care is needed to support patients with Alzheimer’s disease as they no longer have the ability to control their body when urinating and defecating. Incontinence happens when the signals responsible for performing these functions are not working the way they should be.
- Health Deterioration. Alzheimer’s disease may lead to the deterioration of overall health, not just cognitive decline. As the disease progresses, immunity is also compromised. The patient’s body is weakened due to insufficient nutrients since swallowing, chewing, or drinking become difficult. Thus, they are more susceptible to infections.
Though Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, treatment can help. Get checked by your physician as early as possible especially if there is a family history of the disease. Annual Physical exams and health screenings are essential to keep track of your health.
For health screenings and annual physical examinations in Tampa, schedule an appointment with Phoenix Medical Centers at (813) 462-2595.
