Alzheimer's Disease and the Younger Generation

I've been with Alzheimer's Services for almost 4 months. Prior to becoming an employee, my knowledge of Alzheimer's Disease was quite limited. When I was in highschool, a friend's dad was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease and related dementia. I remember the toll his illness took on his family, and my friend, who, as a teenager, lost her dad.

It wasn't until I came to Alzheimer's Services, however, that I realized the true impact of Alzheimer's disease on younger individuals. Furthermore, I began to see how so many of us in our 20s and 30s are either unaware of the disease or just aren't interested because it doesn't really affect us right now. Many people think about the disease and immediately visualize the elderly. The stories we tell are about a grandmother or a great uncle. The reality is that in the next 10 years, the stories could become about our own parents.

Early-Onset Alzheimer's is on the rise. Those baby boomers are coming into their 60s and people are living longer, into the age of Alzheimer's. Statistics show that Alzheimer's affects 1 in 8 over the age of 65. To give a little perspective, my husband's parents will be over 65 in 10 years. If one of them developed Alzheimer's disease, we would become caregivers in our 30s.

Many people in their 20s and 30s don't think about Alzheimer's because they can't get it yet. That doesn't mean we won't be faced with caring for a loved one who does. It is my hope that my generation can begin to see that this disease can affect them sooner than they think and not shy away or brush the topic aside. Raising awareness now will better prepare us for what may come in the future.

For more information about Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Services, visit our website at www.BRhope.com.

SPIRITUAL SUPPORT AS COPING AMONG ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS

Alzheimer’s disease can be a devastating condition for anyone experiencing the symptoms. This disease can also affect the family of the person who is experiencing the symptoms, particularly the primary caregiver. The symptoms of the Alzheimer’s disease are felt by the person who is suffering from the disease and witnessed by the caregiver. While observing a loved one experience the symptoms of the Alzheimer’s disease the caregiver may develop an overwhelming sense of burden.

This study examined the relationship between spiritual support and burden among Alzheimer’s caregivers. The collection of data was accomplished by a packet of surveys mailed to Alzheimer’s caregivers. We learned in this study, spiritual support is not the sole reason for perceived burden to be low; rather, spiritual support causes a more positive outlook on the burden, triggering the caregivers to report lower levels of perceived burden. We all must be confident in the knowledge of supports used in achieving the ability to cope with stress when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

To read more click on the link: http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-04162012-152226/
 

Today is my first full day as a full time employee at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area. I have recently graduated from Louisiana State University, Graduate School of Social Work. The above information is a small portion of my recently defended thesis which I found thoroughly interesting. As researching the topic I became more and more convinced coping with perceived burden cannot be done alone, whether a higher power is called upon and/or we receive a call here at Alzheimer’s Services. I am honored to be employed by such a wonderfully helpful organization and I look forward to many fantastic endeavors.

by Katherine Schillings, Program Coordinator

50 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

1. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects a person’s brain.
2. Alzheimer’s slowly makes it harder to think, learn, remember and make decisions.
3. Alzheimer’s has no cure.
4. There are medications that may help ease some of the symptoms.
5. No one knows what causes Alzheimer’s disease.
6. A family history of Alzheimer’s can be a risk factor for developing the disease.
7. The biggest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is aging itself.
8. Nearly half of all people age 85 and older have the disease.
9. There are two types of Alzheimer’s disease—early-onset and late-onset.
10. Early-onset Alzheimer’s occurs in people younger than 60.  It is linked to a family history of Alzheimer’s.
11. Late-onset Alzheimer’s may or may not be inherited.  It occurs in people 60 and older.
12. Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include getting lost in familiar places or having problems doing everyday tasks.
13. Dementia is a term used to describe memory loss and confusion.
14. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, but other conditions can also cause it.
15. Parkinson’s disease, stroke and brain injuries can all cause dementia.
16. Dehydration, reactions to medications and head injuries can all cause temporary dementia.  This kind of dementia can be treated and often cured.
17. Many people misplace items or forget people’s names.  This does not mean they have Alzheimer’s disease.
18. If memory loss begins to interfere with daily living, Alzheimer’s could be the reason.
19. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be different for different people.
20. If you notice symptoms of dementia in yourself or someone you care for; consult a health care professional.
21. Doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by eliminating other causes of dementia.
22. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is important.
23. Early diagnosis means you can take advantage of medications and treatments.
24. An early diagnosis means a person can make medical and financial plans for their future care.
25. People with Alzheimer’s will need a power of attorney for financial and medical decisions.
26. They will also need a will and an advanced directive or living will.
27. Alzheimer’s is progressive.  This means symptoms get worse over time.
28. As the disease progresses, people often have trouble with the concept of time and numbers.
29. Personality changes, such as an increase in anger, anxiety and depression, are common.
30. A person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s may wander.
31. A person in the later stages may no longer recognize loved ones.
32. A person with Alzheimer’s may be unable to care for him or herself.
33. The average length of Alzheimer’s disease varies.
34. Scientists are learning more about the disease all the time.
35. With more knowledge, new treatments may become available.
36. Knowing that memory loss and confusion are due to a disease may help a person cope with these often scary changes.
37. Understanding Alzheimer’s can help if you have a loved one with the disease.
38. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s you will need to change what you expect from the person.
39. Being flexible is key to coping with the changes caused by Alzheimer’s. 
40. Having information about the disease can help you adapt.
41. Most people with Alzheimer’s live at home with family and friends providing much of their care.
42. Alzheimer’s affects family members and friends as well as those with the disease.
43. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult.
44. Caregiver support groups can help.
45. It is important for caregivers to eat right, exercise and get enough rest.
46. All caregivers need help.
47. Caregivers can get help from other family members, friends or community organizations.
48. Many communities offer support services such as meal delivery, in-home care, transportation, adult day care, or respite care.
49. Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area is a good place to find resources.
50. You don’t have to do it alone.  If Alzheimer’s disease is affecting your life, you can take steps to ease the suffering this disease can cause.

 For more information, contact us at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area
(225) 334-7494 or our website: www.Brhope.com