Seniors
Common Senior Health Issues
Mental Wellness
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For many of us, our number one concern about aging is the possibility of losing our mental capabilities. But, do we really know what this means?
First, a general term for the weakening of mental abilities is dementia. Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging. Dementia is caused by disease. It can also be temporary in nature. Reactions to medications, vision and hearing problems, infections, nutritional imbalances, diabetes, and renal failure can all cause dementia. Accurate diagnosis is the important first step to help and management.
Second, dementia is not the same thing as Alzheimer's disease. There are many forms of dementia; Alzheimer's disease is one of them. One of every three people over age 90 has moderate to severe dementia. But only about half of those seniors suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's–What Does It Mean?
- In 1907, Alois Alzheimer, a physician, first described the disease that came to bear his name.
- Individuals with Alzheimer's demonstrate impaired memory and orientation, short concentration, poor planning and judgment, personality changes, perceptual, speech and walking disorders. In the final stage, other body functions are also affected by the disease.
- As the disease progresses from early to mid-stage to late-stage, individuals with Alzheimer's become increasingly dependent on care.
- Accurate assessment and diagnosis lead to management and help.
Alzheimer's–What's the Cause?
We don't yet know what causes Alzheimer's. The destruction of nerve cells in the brain leads to its symptoms. Losing nerve cells is a function of normal aging, but the loss occurs more rapidly in individuals with Alzheimer's. We do know that, although Alzheimer's can strike younger people, the chance of getting it increases with age and is higher for women and people with less formal education. Researchers are also beginning to investigate the role genetics may play in developing Alzheimer's.
What Can Be Done?
As with many other illnesses, there is as yet no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, more medications are becoming available to control and reduce its symptoms. For example, anti-dementia and psychotropic drugs are prescribed for mild Alzheimer's. Other factors, such as care and personal environment, are important for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Physical, emotional, and mental activities, such as music therapy and exercise, are helpful. And here's a useful tip: people with Alzheimer's should never be reminded that they are "not themselves." Try instead to be with them in their world. In addition, more senior communities are being built and staffed especially for dementia care.
How Can We Get Along?
In spite of profound changes in people we once knew, friends and family can help by showing unconditional regard for the person with Alzheimer's. Demonstrating empathy helps keep the person from becoming a patient. Physical touch, eye contact, calmly paying attention and respecting their dignity all help people with Alzheimer's disease feel secure and close to their loved ones. Friends and family must accept what cannot be understood. But they too, along with caregivers, need respite and support.
More Helpful Links
- Connect to the Rochester, N. Y. chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, an excellent resource.
- Reach Dementia.com for diagnosis, treatment and help topics.
- Alzwell.com is dedicated to care giver's support.
- University of Rochester's Center for Aging is involved in leading-edge research.