What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with the disease — those with the late-onset type symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s and is very rare. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s can vary from one person to another. Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of the disease. Decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as finding the right word, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. Impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the early stages of Alzheimer’s. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and include increased confusion and behaviour changes.

Alzheimer’s causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.

Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease:

Early symptoms include:

• Memory loss
• Misplacing items
• Forgetting the names of places and objects
• Repeating themselves regularly, such as asking the same question several times
• Becoming less flexible and more hesitant to try new things

Middle-stage symptoms include:

• Increasing confusion and disorientation
• Obsessive, repetitive or impulsive behaviour
• Delusions (believing things that are untrue)
• Problems with speech or language (aphasia)
• Disturbed sleep
• Changes in mood, such as frequent mood swings, depression and feeling increasingly anxious, frustrated or agitated
• Difficulty in performing spatial tasks, such as judging distances
• Agnosia

Later symptoms include:

• Difficulty in changing position or moving around without assistance
• Considerable weight loss – although some people eat too much and put on weight
• Gradual loss of speech
• Significant problems with short and long-term memory

Support:

Alzheimer’s has a huge impact on someone’s life. As well as on their family and carers. There is practical and emotional support available to help everyone affected.

Local authorities provide some practical support services and should arrange an assessment of care needs following a diagnosis. The type of services available may vary depending on where you live. But can include home, day, and respite care. Access to specialist healthcare can be arranged through your doctor if needed.

You may need to think about legal and financial matters. Also seek advice on the best approach for you. If you wish, you can arrange for a loved one to make financial, legal and health decisions on your behalf. This is called Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

If you drive and are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s you must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and your insurance company. You may not have to stop driving straight away, and you can discuss this further with your doctor.

Many organisations provide information, support and care services to people affected by dementia, as well as families and carers.