What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease is a disorder of the brain, which results in problems with memory and thinking abilities, as well as personality changes.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a large group of illnesses that cause a person’s mental skills to progressively deteriorate.
An estimated 38,000 New Zealanders have dementia and it is estimated that 8% of adults over the age of 65 are affected1 and approximately 50% of these are not being diagnosed for Alzheimer’s Disease.2
As our population ages so does the incidence of dementia within our society.3
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease increases with age. Over 65 years of age the likelihood of suffering doubles every 5 years.
What are the signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Those affected with Alzheimer’s Disease may have trouble remembering recent events and completing familiar tasks. They may even forget the names of people they know or not recognise them at all, and misplace familiar items. However, these symptoms are not always distinguishable from the forgetfulness that occurs with being depressed, bereaved, under stress or anxious.
As Alzheimer’s Disease advances, further signs may include inappropriate use of words, disorientation and loss of ability to perform day-to-day tasks such as cooking, dressing, bathing and shopping. There may also be agitation and confusion between day and night. Eventually, people with Alzheimer’s Disease can no longer care for themselves. The rate of change from person to person may vary, it can be rapid in some people and gradual or uneven in others.
Alzheimer’s Disease affects not only those who have it, but also profoundly changes the lives of family members and friends who are close to the person with Alzheimer’s. While the ability to function in day-to-day life for the person with Alzheimer’s starts to deteriorate, family and friends may feel the person is becoming more distant to them.
If you think someone you know may be suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and has not been diagnosed, please speak to your doctor.
