{"id":8439,"date":"2022-07-27T01:41:10","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T00:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationalhealthcentres.com\/en1\/2022\/07\/27\/identifying-and-treating-pain-from-nerve-tension-copy\/"},"modified":"2022-07-27T01:52:40","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T00:52:40","slug":"alzheimers-knowing-the-signs-and-symptoms-and-living-with-the-condition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/internationalhealthcentres.com\/en\/2022\/07\/27\/alzheimers-knowing-the-signs-and-symptoms-and-living-with-the-condition\/","title":{"rendered":"Alzheimer\u2019s: Knowing the signs and symptoms and living with the condition"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There are lots of causes of dementia, and many different types too. You may often hear the terms Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia and understand that they are both related to memory loss, but it can be confusing to understand their differences, what each of them mean and how they are both related. \u2018Alzheimer\u2019s\u2019 is a type of dementia,
\nand along with \u2018vascular dementia\u2019 makes up the majority of dementia cases.<\/p>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s is a degenerative condition, meaning it will get worse over time. It occurs when an individual\u2019s brain cells begin to die and overtime,\u00a0 the brain will function less and symptoms will worsen. Alzheimer\u2019s causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The severity of these symptoms depends on the stage of the disease.<\/p>\n

The early signs of Alzheimer\u2019s<\/h2>\n

At the start, the symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s can be fairly mild and may even be confused with natural symptoms of \u2018getting older\u2019. Although everyone\u2019s experience may differ slightly, for the majority of people, the first signs of Alzheimer\u2019s is memory loss; finding it difficult to remember recent events and conversations, easily misplacing items such as keys and glasses or forgetting about important appointments and significant dates like birthdays.<\/p>\n

A person in the early stages of Alzheimer\u2019s may also have changes in their mood, becoming anxious or depressed and often frustrated and more easily annoyed. These symptoms can be particularly difficult for the individual and for close family and friends too.<\/p>\n

What to expect as Alzheimer\u2019s advances<\/h2>\n

As Alzheimer\u2019s worsens, the symptoms become more severe and a person suffering with Alzheimer\u2019s will eventually need day-to-day support. Some individuals start to have delusions and believe events have occurred that are not true. Changes in behaviour may also occur and they may also start to react aggressively to certain situations, become more agitated and behave differently to how they would\u2019ve previously behaved.<\/p>\n

As Alzheimer\u2019s progresses into the later stages, the person will become much less aware and may struggle with their basic needs such as eating, walking and bathing, requiring help with more or all of their daily activities.<\/p>\n

What to do if you think a loved one has dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n

If you think a loved one is experiencing the early signs of dementia, although it is a difficult topic to bring up and you may be afraid of upsetting or worrying them, it\u2019s important to encourage them to speak to their GP.<\/p>\n

Memory loss doesn\u2019t always mean dementia and can be linked to stress, anxiety and a natural part of getting older. However, it is important to ask your loved one to speak to a GP to get diagnosed with the cause properly. If dementia is the cause ofmemory loss and is found early, in some cases, the progression can be slowed down with medication and the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.<\/p>\n

What happens when you seek a dementia diagnosis?<\/h2>\n

Initially, a GP will ask more about the symptoms and how they have developed. They may also do a memory test and physical examination. Blood tests may be carried out to rule out any other conditions.<\/p>\n

Once or if any other causes are ruled out, your GP will refer your loved one to a memory clinic, or other specialist service, where more observations and assessments are carried out to confirm the diagnoses.<\/p>\n

How to support a loved one with Alzheimer\u2019s<\/h2>\n

As well as living with the symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s, the condition can also have a significant emotional, social, psychological and practical impact on a person\u2019s life, with a loss of independence, skills, self-esteem and confidence combined with worries about what the future will look like.<\/p>\n

When supporting a loved one with dementia, it can be helpful for you to try and understand how they might think and feel, as these emotions will also affect how they behave. They will probably be experiencing a world that is very different to yours, so trying to see things from their perspective will help you offer support.<\/p>\n

As a carer, family member or friend, you cannot help to slow down the symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s but by practicing the following, it can help you both manage living with the condition:<\/p>\n