Oak Valley Health’s patient education pages share the skills, knowledge, and habits patients and families need to know to cope with a daily health issue. We hope this information can influence patient behaviour to improve health outcomes and provide you with a sense of control and autonomy.
Learn more about the risks, causes, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, language, and/or behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease causes a decline in mental abilities that clearly affects daily function, and the disease gradually progresses over time. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.
Several contributors: protein called beta-amyloid forms deposits in the brain; tangles of brain fibres (neurofibrillary tangles), and changes in levels of certain neurotransmitters
The root causes of the above changes are not clearly known
Can rarely be caused by a gene mutation inherited from one or both parents
Older age
Family history of dementia
Brain injury
Heart or blood vessel disease
Prior stroke
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
Diabetes
You should see your doctor to discuss your concerns and have a thorough assessment including clinical testing, blood tests, and sometimes a brain scan
The disease progresses slowly and we encourage families and individuals to focus on positive attributes and abilities rather than limitations that the disease creates
For those with known, diagnosed Alzheimer’s Disease, there are several stages:
Early stage
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Clear, noticeable changes to family, friends, or clinicians
Moderate stage
Increasing difficulty communicating and expressing thoughts
Some difficult recognizing extended family or friends
Increasing functional dependence for some daily activities such as toileting, dressing
Severe stage
Require full support for most daily activities
Significant deficits in communicating needs
Difficulty mobilizing
Loss of control of bowel and/or bladder function
At this time, there is no treatment to cure Alzheimer’s disease or stop it completely. The goals of treatment are:
To manage behavioural changes and, if possible, to slow the progression of the disease’s symptoms
To assist you and your caregivers in managing day-to-day life
The following treatment options are available:
Medicines may aid in slowing down cognitive changes – speak to your doctor about whether these may be right for you
There are other medications that can be used if there are significant behavioural concerns
Other non-medication based treatments (mental and physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet, socializing) are very important for all individuals
Cognitive therapy offers education, support, and memory aids (most beneficial during early stages)
Counseling and guidance can assist you in dealing with a wide range of emotions including anger, relief, fear, and isolation
Support groups provide family members with further education and support
You or a member of your family becomes concerned about your safety
There is a sudden change in cognitive abilities
There is danger to yourself or others due to behaviours associated with the dementia
There are serious thoughts of self-harm or attempts to harm oneself or others
