ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA

After heart disease and cancer, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common terminal illness among the older populations of the industrial world—and its prevalence is rising.  It is a disease that takes away memory, reason, and personality before claiming life itself. More than 19 million of us have a close relative with Alzheimer’s disease.

Currently, the only definitive diagnosis comes from tests of function.

Functional Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

1. Recent memory loss that is affecting both job performance and close interpersonal relationships, like family
2. A loss of initiative or motivation to start or complete tasks or projects
3. Trouble paying bills or handling money
4. Mood or personality changes, commonly a flat mood or irritability
5. Avoiding other people or isolating oneself
6. Taking longer or forgetting routine tasks and making disjointed choices

Though there is currently no treatment available to cure this disease, medications are available for delaying the onset and to alleviate symptoms, especially with early detection.

Family and caregivers of patients with this disease are themselves vulnerable to symptoms of depression, anxiety and caregiver burnout.  Dr. Paul Standal provides supportive therapy to the family and caregivers of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.  He helps caregivers cope by increasing self-esteem, self-care and respite issues. He also helps by providing more practical solutions to common problems, helping with suggestions for increased orientation and structure, and providing a greater sense of control and balance to the patient.