Alzheimer's Disease
One of the many possibilities of the ageing process
which threaten a person’s dignity physical and psychological security is
the development of Alzheimer’s diseases. The condition is characterised
by alterations in thought processes (e.g. altered cognition, perception,
confusion and disorientation) which is related to the degeneration of
nerve tissues and progressive dementia.
Warning Signs
The pneumatic coined from the word “ALZHEIMER” and found in the
material that is distributed by the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders
Association (ARDA) makes it easy to remember the early warning signs.
These are:
- A memory problem which is NOT caused by alcohol abuse or
head injury.
- L anguage problems. Difficulty naming objects, finding
the right word to use in a sentence, and often speaking nonsense.
- Z ips and buttons are difficult to fasten. Alzheimer
sufferers find it difficult to dress themselves
- H ygiene. Those with Alzheimer’s may not care about how
they look and may not want to bath.
- E xtreme mood swings. A change in mood for no reason –
like being calm then suddenly becoming scared or angry and
aggressive within minutes.
- I mpaired judgment. Strange behavior – like wearing
underclothes over clothes in public.
- M any Alzheimer sufferers get lost in familiar places
such as their own neighbour hood.
- E ven recognition of their own family and friends becomes
difficult.
- R ecalls memories of childhood at times , but cannot
remember anything that happened the same day.
- S uspicious of other people and may accuse them of
stealing or hiding things
Persons living with an older person who displays a number of these
signs should contact the nearest Health facility or the Alzheimer’s and
Related Disorders Association at (031-724321)
It is also important to focus on the following when dealing with
the sufferers:
- reduction of environmental confusion by keeping things simple
around the person.
- Maintenance of physical safety by controlling the environment in
order to reduce the risk of injury;
- Reduce anxiety provoking situations;
- Enhance the quality of life;
- Encouraging positive feelings of self
ABOVE ALL THIS JUST LOVE, RESPECT AND PROTECT THE
ELDERLY,
and the Alzheimer sufferers will not be difficult to live with.
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