Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
Description: A progressive and degenerative disease of the brain (of unknown cause) that results in increasing mental deterioration that begins with memory loss but leads to a demented state and complete disorientation.
Incidence: Common (forty percent of those over age eighty-five)
Prevalence: Females slightly more than males; age over sixty
Signs and symptoms:
- Progressive memory loss
- Personality changes
- Intellectual decline
- Losing interest in activities
- Sleep disturbances
Risk factors:
- Family history (in twenty percent of cases)
- Advanced age
- Head trauma
- Down’s Syndrome (may have early onset of Alzheimer’s)
Usual Treatment:
- Medications (may temporarily improve memory, but does not halt disease)
- Support and education of family
- Patients often need nursing home placement as disease progresses
Usual course: Progressive degeneration ending in death, generally within eight to ten years; at the beginning, symptoms may be mild with only loss of recent memory and inability to learn new information. This stage is followed by the need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). In the severe or final stages, there is the inability to walk or to perform any ADLs, resulting in complete dependence.
Spiritual Considerations:
· Families have difficulty coping with this disease. As people with AD become more and more debilitated, they often forget their loved ones’ names. Provide assurance and support for the family. Nursing home placement is often necessary for safety and better care. Recommend a facility that has a unit specialized in caring for people with AD.
· Encourage family members to arrange for durable power of attorney and advance directives as soon as possible (in preparation for the time when the person is no longer able to make independent decisions).
· Encourage the family to attend an AD support group. These groups often meet in local churches. Consider starting a group in your own community if there is an identified need.
Suggested scriptures: Psalms 40:16-17; Philippians 4:8
Resources:
Alzheimer’s Association
919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000
Chicago, IL
1-899-272-3900
Alzheimer’s Disease International
