The first sign may be forgetfulness. “Where are my eyeglasses?” The reply: “You are wearing it!” Then, “Where are the car keys?” The reply: “It is there on the rack.” Then, “Have I eaten breakfast already?” The reply: “Yes, twice.” Then the worst question is: “Who are you?” And the reply is: “I am Nella, your wife!”
In the case of my father-in-law (in their old age, he and my mother-in-law were left in the ancestral house), we learned that one morning, he added tide powder to his coffee, because he thought it was sugar. So we hired a caregiver to take care of him, until he died.
These people all have Alzheimer’s disease. This is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out even simple tasks.
In most people who are diagnosed to have AD, the symptoms start to appear at mid60s. It is the most common form of dementia.
The World Health Organization estimates that there are 35.6 million people worldwide who are afflicted with AD. This number is expected to double by 2030 and triple in 2050.
Dementia is the loss of cognitive function: thinking, remembering, reasoning, and behavioral activities which interfere with a person’s daily life and activities.
AD was discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906. He had a female patient who had memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior and had a diagnosis of unusual mental illness. When she died, Dr. Alzheimer examined her brain and he discovered changes in the brain tissue of the patient. There were many abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled bundle of fibers (neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles). These two, namely plaques and tangles in the brain are characteristic features of AD. Another feature is the loss of connections between nerve cells in the brain. Neurons transmit messages to different parts of the brain, and from the brain to muscles and organs of the body.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: 1) Mild AD— people experience greater memory loss and other cognitive abilities. They may wander, get lost, unable to handle money and forget to pay their bills. They repeat asking questions, take time to dress up, and may have personality or behavior changes.
2) Moderate AD — damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought, at this stage. Memory loss and confusion, and problems recognizing family and friends, may be present. In addition, they are unable to handle multitasking or coping with new situations. They also may have hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, and may be impulsive.
3) Severe AD: As the plaques and tangles spread throughout the brain, and the brain tissue shrinks significantly, the person may prefer to stay bed until the end comes.
A nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, and mentally stimulating pursuits are healthy activities as people grow old to keep AD “at bay.” So to my young readers, take heed, and take good care of your parents and other relatives in their old age.
And I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety. Isaiah 46:4
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