Alzheimer’s Disease and How YOU Can Help

How you can understand and help your loved ones dealing with Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slows the efficiency of proper brain functioning, memory, and simple everyday tasks. The disease destroys neurons and connections in parts of the brain and causes widespread damage that slowly spreads. Alzheimer's is also a progressive disease, which means it worsens over time, often affecting individuals ages 65 and older. Alzheimer’s is also linked very closely with dementia, a related “umbrella” term that is used to describe the collection of symptoms that individuals affected by atypical changes in the brain experience. Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, which hinder the cells’ ability to communicate. This leads to a host of behavioral and reasoning changes, as shown through the disease. In fact, Alzheimer’s accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s disease progresses in three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. In mild Alzheimer’s, an individual can experience symptoms such as a decline in aspects of simple cognition, wandering, taking longer to complete tasks, and behavioral changes. In moderate Alzheimer’s, individuals suffer symptoms such as severe memory loss and confusion, and they may also suffer from an inability to learn new things and undertake multi-step tasks. In the final stage, severe Alzheimer’s, tissues in the brain shrink, and plagues spread throughout the brain. Individuals are entirely dependent on care from others, because they cannot communicate and function on their own. 

There are many simple activities that families at home can do to support their loved ones dealing with Alzheimer's, such as going for walks, doing art projects, and playing puzzles or board games. In particular, scrapbooking has shown to be a beneficial way for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's to remember cherished memories. It also allows for the mind to be challenged, allows neurons to build new connections, and slows the progression of dementia.