Alzheimer's disease is a fatal neurological condition that results in the progressive decline of cognitive function. An estimated 5.3 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease, based upon a report by the Alzheimer's Association. Speak with your doctor to discuss how you can manage the potential effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Memory Loss
The predominant effect of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss--a condition also referred to as dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50 to 70 percent of all forms of memory loss in the United States, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Patients with this condition can begin to forget important events or may ask you for the same information repeatedly. While sporadically forgetting information is common, patients with Alzheimer's disease cannot recall forgotten information later on--especially details that were learned recently. As this condition progresses, a patient can begin to have difficulty remembering common information, such as her name or where she lives. Patients can also have difficulty recognizing close family members or friends. These effects of Alzheimer's disease can severely impact work, family and social interactions.
Decreased Cognitive Function
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, a patient can develop noticeable deficits in cognitive function. This condition can affect your ability to manage complex tasks or make logical decisions. You can have difficulty making dinner, paying bills on time or knowing what to do if you break a glass. Patients with Alzheimer's disease become increasingly dependent upon family members and friends for help with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing or using the toilet.
Personality Changes
This condition can significantly affect a patient's personality and behavior. A normally patient and calm parent or loved one can suddenly become depressed, irritable and snippy to those around him due to Alzheimer's disease. If you are typically shy and introverted, you can become loud and extroverted as a result of this disease. Behavioral changes, such as decreased concentration or lack of interest in a favorite hobby, can also occur.
Speech Loss
Alzheimer's disease can impact your ability to hold a normal conversation. You can develop difficulty following other people's speech patterns while conversing. It can also become difficult for you to recall certain words or you may frequently repeat the same information while talking with others. Certain people with this condition can have difficulty remembering the names of certain items, such as a pen or a watch. Eventually, patients with this condition lose the ability to speak in a coherent manner.
