Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is a progressive neurological condition that affects mental function and memory. It is a constantly developing condition that affect how the brain cells transmit messages.
Alzheimer's is an invisible disability
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia
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50 million people around the world are estimated to be living with Alzheimer's
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Early-onset Alzheimer's can occur in individuals as young as their 30s and 40s
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Alzheimer's is not a normal part of ageing
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Two-thirds of the global Alzheimer's population are women
Symptoms of Alzheimer's
Not everyone with Alzheimer’s will experience the same symptoms; however, memory loss is a key symptom. For others, memory loss is so severe and debilitating that it significantly impacts their daily life.
Symptoms are variable and broad and may include:
- forget recent events or conversations
- misplace items or put them in the wrong place - and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again.
- Getting lost in familiar places
- forget appointments
- forget the names of people, objects or places
- struggle to find the right words
- repeat themselves
- increasing confusion and disorientation, eg getting lost in familiar places
Other symptoms may include:
- mood changes
- feeling unsettled by unfamiliar situations or changes in routine
- becoming withdrawn
- difficulty making decisions
- delusions and hallucinations
- obsessive or repetitive behaviours
- speech and language difficulties
- changes in sleeping patterns
Changes in mood and personality: Individuals with Alzheimer's can become confused, suspicious, depressed, aggressive, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends, or outside their comfort zone
Sources:
Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/blog/alz/october-2019/10_ways_to_help_a_family_living_with_alzheimer_s
Alzheimer’s Research UK: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/blog/how-does-dementia-affect-everyday-life/
Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/migrate/downloads/creating_a_dementia-friendly_workplace.pdf
Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/helping-a-loved-one/caring-dementia/#legal
Caring Senior Service: https:www.caringseniorservice.com/blog/challenges-alzheimers-dementia-caregivers%3Fhs_amp%3Dtrue
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447
National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
NHS UK: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/carers/
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