Page 107 - Dementia-Care-Specialist-Toolkit

Alzheimer’s Caregiving Tips
………………………………………....

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S?

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible brain disorder that gets worse over time. It slowly
destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out simple tasks.
Alzheimer’s affects people’s ability to communicate, think, problem-solve, behave, and
function physically.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

MILD ALZHEIMER’S
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, people experience greater memory loss and
other cognitive difficulties. Problems can include wandering and getting lost,
trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to
complete normal daily tasks, and personality and behavior changes.

MODERATE ALZHEIMER’S
In this stage, damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language,
reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. Memory loss and
confusion grow worse, and people begin to have problems recognizing family
and friends. They may be unable to learn new things, carry out multi-step tasks
such as getting dressed, or cope with new situations. In addition, people at this
stage may have hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and may behave impulsively.

SEVERE ALZHEIMER’S
People with severe Alzheimer’s cannot communicate and are completely
dependent on others for their care. Near the end, the person may be in bed most
or all of the time as the body shuts down.

WHAT CAUSES ALZHEIMER’S

Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease in most
people. In people with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a genetic mutation is usually the
cause. Late-onset Alzheimer’s arises from a complex series of brain changes that
occur over decades. The causes probably include a combination of genetic,
environmental, and lifestyle factors. The importance of any one of these factors
in increasing or decreasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s may differ from
person to person.

(Continued on next page)

104