Alzheimer's Disease And Dementi A Case Study

Alzheimer’s disease/dementia: The Cost and Effect on Caregiver and Patient

Alzheimer’s disease is a disease which hits close to home for many families including my own. My grandmother was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 64. After battling with Alzheimer’s for over 15 years and watching her mind and body deteriorate, she finally succumbed to the effects of it in 2015. This journey is never an easy one for any family to go through. The caregivers and family members all undergo this massive lifestyle changes. Physical, psychological, emotional, social, and economic changes occur in the life of the caregiver and patient. Along this journey, many disciplines will be researched. Becoming more knowledgeable of the cost and effect this

disease has on individuals, will globally impact the way we assist others when this transition in life occurs.
MEDICAL
According to the medical dictionary, Alzheimer’s disease is defined as “the most common form of dementia, a neurologic disease characterized by loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting at least six months, and not present from birth. Alzheimer’s Disease usually occurs in old age, and is marked by a decline in cognitive functions such as remembering, reasoning, and planning.” (“Alzheimer's disease | definition of Alzheimer's disease by Medical dictionary,” n.d., p. 1). Alzheimer’s disease (AD) begins with slight memory loss, followed by the inability to keep employment, pay bills, and do normal every day activities. Individuals can no longer reason or show judgement. Losses in communication, mood, and personality are often affected. Many people die within several years after their diagnosis while others may live 20 years with the disease. AD is one of the leading causes of adult deaths after heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is basically unknown but is believed to have genetic connections or family history. AD destroys the neurons in the location of the brain which controls short term memory called the hippocampus. When neurons stop functioning, short term memory and doing familiar tasks begin to decrease. The cerebral cortex, which is the area of the brain that controls language and reasoning, slowly begin to fade. Personality changes occur. Outburst, agitation, wandering, and aggression begin to impact the individual’s life. As the changes increase, so does the disease. Many people become incontinent and helpless; not responsive to anything going on around them.