Impact of Alzheimer's Disease

 

The impact of AD is very significant that is felt not only by the patient but also by care givers and family members. Impact is both financial and emotional. As AD  progress in stages, the burden of care giving and the emotional stress will intensify. Unless the burden of care is passed on to professional care givers, it is important to understand what is to be expected to prepare for the changes that will take place. The impact on family members should not be underestimate. Decision on the treatment and type of care to be given must take into consideration the situation of immediate family such as an elderly spouse whose quality of life would inevitable be severely impacted. For example the choice of psychotic drugs to calm aggressive behavior may be needed in order for the care giver to cope and provide the best care under what is already trying circumstances.

 

AD patients at an early stage of detection, can for the most part continue to do normal daily activities. This must be encouraged with some help such as ensuring that these tasks are made as easy as possible with reminders posted and things made easily accessible. This will boost the confidence of the individual and lower the frustration level. Identification of these tasks and simplification of them also allows for the care giver to monitor the progression of the disease and anticipate necessary changes.

 

As the disease progresses, the ability of the patient to communicate will also deteriorate. This will also be a source of frustration. The care giver will also have to realize and accept this, and find other ways to communication either through physical means or greater anticipation. The patient and care giver (as well as family members) should ensure that there is connection between themselves.

 

It is important for family members to discuss and plan early on how care should be given to the patient and how such care would be paid for. As mentioned earlier, it is important that the care giver should be understand the disease and anticipate the changes that will take place, and that he or she will be able to physically and mentally cope. What should be avoided is to have multiple victims of the disease.

 

The latter stages of the disease will lead to the patient not having the ability to do anything for him or herself. They will require help with everything from feeding to dressing, and at this stage professional care givers help will likely be needed. Understanding the impact of Alzheimer's Disease by family members is therefore very important to prepare appropriately for the various stages.