Overview of Alzheimer’s disease

Symptoms of Alzheimer disease

Patient maintenance

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease which is found in elderly patients. Memory loss is the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients forgot almost every event. Neuropsychiatry and Neurology remain normal initially.

• Usually patients are diagnosed with the subtle recent memory loss.
• Although memory loss is often not recognized initially it develops slowly.
• Impaired activities of daily living most often judged by friends and family.
• Disorientation, poor judgment, poor concentration, loss of ability to understand or to perform particular purposive actions or expression via speech is also found as the disease progresses.
• Patients become rigid, mute, incontinent, and bedridden gradually.

• Notebooks and posted daily reminders can function as memory aids in early stages.
• Kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms need evaluation for safety.
• Patients must eventually stop driving.
• Caregiver burnout is common; nursing home placement may be necessary.
• Local and national support groups (Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association) are valuable resources.