Alzheimer's disease affects a person's entire lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Thinking skills, memory and behavior changes are all affected by Alzheimer's. More than five million Americans are diagnosed with the disease, and it is the seventh leading cause of death. Nearly 50 percent of Americans over the age of 85 suffer from the condition. Understanding the effects of Alzheimer's is necessary to adjust and change living conditions for the optimal quality of life.
Memory and Forgetfullness
Memory loss is common for everyone; however, a person with Alzheimer's has persistent memory loss that gradually worsens. Initially, a person writes down notes as reminders to himself. Items may be placed in odd locations; for example, the remote control on the microwave. A person will forget how to drive to a familiar location. Recalling a home address, phone number and birth date are difficult and eventually impossible. Recent events and eventually long-term events will not be recalled. Eventually, a person will no longer recognize family members and, when looking in the mirror, herself. The ability to use the appropriate words and follow a conversation will be forgotten, including the ability to identify everyday objects.
Behaviors and Emotions
Alzheimer's disease causes changes in a person's cognitive skills. Cognitive skills include visual processing, logic and reason. A person may forget how to turn off a stove if a pan is burning or be unable to balance a checkbook. A person who has enjoyed cooking for many years may be unable to follow a basic recipe. Counting backwards in groups of twos or fours is difficult and eventually impossible. Alzheimer's changes a person's behavior. A person may feel a caretaker or family member is working "against them" and have feelings of anxiety and paranoia. Sleep patterns eventually become disrupted. Aggressiveness, social withdrawal and mood swings are common, according to The Mayo Clinic. Repetitive actions are common such as muttering the same word, rubbing hands together or shredding a tissue.
Physical Changes
Urinary and fecal incontinence are one of the first physical signs of Alzheimer's. A person diagnosed with Alzheimer's should be placed on a regular toileting schedule to avoid accidents--initially incontinence is caused by the inability to locate the restroom and not the inability to control urine or bowels. A person will experience vision problems and have difficulty differentiating distance and contrast. Activities of daily living such as bathing, eating and getting dressed become increasingly difficult. A person will begin to have difficulty walking and falls are common. Eventually a person will require assistance sitting up in bed. Swallowing food and chewing become difficult; a person will often require a mechanically softened or pureed diet.
