Contrary to what some believe that Alzheimer’s disease isn’t something that is typical of aging.Although it is possible that we experience”senior moments,” which we “loosely” call “senior instances,” it is an actual serious disease that not everyone suffers from it or will develop it!


Vickie Wacaster is a patient and Hospice Advocate with Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice)


Before you determine that your loved one’s mental loss and confusion are the result of an irreparable disease process Get a thorough medical examination, which includes an examination of the medications. A complete dementia diagnostic evaluation includes:


* Examinations of the neurological and physical.


* Family and patient interviews (including an extensive medical and lifestyle history).


* Tests for mental and neuropsychological health.


The patient’s ability to function focus, attention, language visual skills, memory and executive performance are analyzed. Additionally neuroimaging (CT as well as MRI scans) as well as blood tests and other tests in the laboratory are possible. The test will give the patient with a diagnosis. At present, a definitive diagnosis of dementia is made only after an autopsy postmortem and arrangements for this should be made prior to. Being involved in studies for research is a wonderful method to help others suffering from dementia.


After eliminating the cause of memory loss, doctors may examine irreversible diseases like Alzheimer’s as a possibility diagnosis.


Even if an evaluation reveals any underlying illness which, with treatment may reverse the symptoms of the effects of dementia, there are options at hand to help ease its symptoms.


Understanding the probable cause of dementia is the first step to manage it in a way that is effective.



The beginning of the stage


The first stage of HTML0 is often omitted and misunderstood identified by


family members, professionals and family members as “old age” or an inevitable part of aging. Since the onset of the illness is gradual, it’s difficult to determine when it starts. The patient could:


  • Display difficulties in the language

  • Memory loss is significant particularly in the for the short-term

  • Be confused in time

  • Become lost in familiar places

  • Show difficulty in making decisions

  • Lack of motivation and initiative

  • Signs of aggression and depression

  • Display a decline in interest in hobbies and other activities.



Mid stage


With the progression of disease, issues are more apparent and


restricting. The person who has dementia experiences problems with everyday living and also:


  • Can be very elusive particularly of recent events or names of individuals.

  • No longer able to live a life without any problems

  • is unable to cook or clean, or shop

  • Can become extremely dependent
  • Needs help with the personal care of oneself, i.e. washing the toilet, toileting, and dressing

  • Has increased difficulty when it comes to speech

  • Displays issues with wandering and other behavior abnormalities

  • It is lost in the home and the community

  • Could have hallucinations



Late stage

This is the stage that is complete dependability and inactivity. Memory disturbances are extremely serious and the physical aspect of the illness is more apparent. The person could:


  • Are having difficulty eating

  • Do not recognize family members, friends and objects that are familiar to you

  • Do not have a problem in understanding and interpreting events

  • Inability to locate their way within the home

  • Have trouble walking

  • Do you suffer from bladder and urinary incontinence

  • Show inappropriate conduct in public

  • Limit yourself to a bed or wheelchair


At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease at present. However, there are medicines that could temporarily slow the progression of symptoms caused by Alzheimer’s disease for some individuals.


While there is no cure, there’s plenty that can be done to help those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and also things that can reduce the burden on the caregiver. Talk to your doctor or social worker health professional for more information.


“To love someone is to discover the song that is in their heart and to be able to sing the song whenever they’ve lost it.” -Arne Garborg – Arne Garborg



– Vickie C. Wacaster is a patient and the Hospice Advocate of Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice).

The article COLUMN November is the month of awareness for Alzheimer’s appeared in The Andalusia Star-News.