Alzheimer's
Disease
Alzheimer's
Disease (AD) is a
progressive degenerative brain disorder which
slowly destroys brain cells, robbing the individual of the ability to
think,
remember, speak, and to perform a simple task.
- AD
can
occur in adults in their 40's and 50's but, is more common in people
over
65.
- AD
is not
normal part of aging. There is no known cause or cure.
- Approximately
1/4 million people in Canada have AD
Many
people worry needlessly
about whether forgetfulness means AD. The
10 warning signs of AD are:
- Memory
loss that affects day-to-day activities.
- Difficulty
performing a familiar task (ex. difficulty choosing appropriate clothes
for the occasion).
- Problems
with language.
- Disorientation
of time/place (ex. think the year is 1971 instead of 2001).
- Poor/decreased
judgement.
- Problems
with abstract thinking.
- Misplacing
things (ex. putting car keys in the fridge).
- Changes
in mood/behaviour (ex. anger/anxiety).
- Changes
in personality.
- Loss
of
initiative.
Caring
for a loved one with AD
can be very stressful. Providing care can
put great stress on family relationships. Be aware of the signs and
symptoms
of stress:
- increased
feelings of stress
- physical
drain
- emotional
drain
- feelings
of being alone in the situation
As
the
disease progresses, care needs become greater and eventually take over
the whole life of the careprovider. The physical and emotional drain
can
be overwhelming.
What
can you do to relieve
stress?
- Identify
stress before your health breaks down
- Seek
support
- Ask
for
help
- Maintain
your own interests/social outings
- Exercise
- Laugh
For
more information contact:
Alzheimer's
Society of Saskatchewan
Inc.
140 Faulkner Cres.
Saskatoon, SK
S7L 3R5
Telephone: (306) 683-6322
Fax: (306)
683-6391
E-Mail: saskatoon@alzheimer.sk.ca
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