Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease - Is Dementia or Forgetfulness? Pages 4–5 Severe memory loss that interferes with daily life Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia Symptoms: short and long-term memory loss, understanding abstract ideas, difficulty in learning new things, problem solving, concentrating, coordination, judgment, language, orientation, motor integration, and social skills An evaluation is needed to figure out the reason for the memory loss

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. What Is Alzheimer's disease? Page 5 Alzheimer’s disease causes changes in the brain Does not occur suddenly, progresses gradually over time Damage to the brain takes place over many years Most common cause of dementia More than 5 Million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States Source: Alzheimer’s Association

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Pages 6–7 Memory loss Difficulty in performing familiar tasks Problems with language Disorientation to time and place Poor or decreased judgment Problems with abstract thinking Misplacing things Changes in mood or behavior Changes in personality Loss of initiative Source: © 2005 Alzheimer’s Association

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. Diagnosis - Why Get A Diagnostic Evaluation? Pages 9–10 Start with the person’s primary doctor Diagnosis may identify a treatable condition Diagnosis confirms the presence of an illness that causes irreversible dementia Early Diagnosis helps in making future plans An evaluation in Diagnosis Center will include: Medical history Psychological tests Medical tests Physical examination Brain scans

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. Treatments and Medications Pages 10–11 Currently, there is no medication that can stop or cure Sometimes medications reduce agitation in the middle stage All medications need to be prescribed with caution Currently many efforts are underway to find new treatments Having a competent and kind caregiver Supporting Strengths and Abilities Involvement in social and challenging activities Maintaining the general health of a person Proper nutrition, exercise, hearing, and vision aids and care of other illnesses

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. The Stages of Alzheimer's disease Page 12 Symptoms don’t occur in the same order in all people Everyone does not get all of the symptoms Effects of Alzheimer’s disease change over time Length of AD depends on many factors - age and other illnesses There are 3 stages in Alzheimer's disease. They are: Early Stage Middle Stage Late Stage

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. Early Stage - Common Changes in Mild AD Pages 12–13 Forgetting names and events shortly after they happen Losing spark or zest for life, feeling depressed Difficulty in starting activities Handling money unreliably Difficulty in learning new things, making new memories Trouble finding words Talking less Losing the way while going to familiar places Asking repetitive questions

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. Middle Stage - Common Changes in Moderate AD Pages 13–15 Less concern for appearance and personal hygiene Sleep pattern changes Mixing up people’s identities - a son is a brother, wife a stranger Safety issues with poor judgment - wandering, self-neglect Trouble recognizing familiar possessions Repeating stories, favorite words, movements (tearing tissues) May accuse, threaten, curse, fidget, kick, hit, bite Forgetting table manners Napping frequently or waking at night to go to work

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. Late Stage - Common Changes in Severe AD Pages 15–16 Does not recognize self or close family May pat or touch everything Speaks, but difficult or impossible to understand May choke on food, refuse to eat, forget to chew or swallow Bladder and bowel control is lost Forgets how to walk or is too unsteady or weak to stand alone May cry out repetitively, groan, scream, or mumble loudly Loses weight and skin becomes thin and tears easily May have seizures, frequent infections, falls Needs total assistance for all activities of daily living

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. The Perspective of the Person with AD Pages 16–17 Not all people with AD respond to the diagnosis in the same way Those who don’t show they care when given the diagnosis may actually be in denial Supportive counseling and possible medication may be helpful Planning for the future Interacting with others in their situation, participating in Internet organizations Note: Encourage and support their ongoing participation in family and community life

Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher. The Effects on the Family Page 18 Family needs to reorganize and to create a care plan New roles and skills may need to be developed Family member(s) responsible for the care of the person is important Caregiving has positive aspects as well Caregiving has been described as a career and as a journey Prepare the best, accept support when it is offered