Who am I?
Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. After she died, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is poorly understood. About 70% of the risk is believed to be genetic with many genes usually involved. Other risk factors include a history of head injuries, depression, or hypertension. The disease process is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. A probable diagnosis is based on the history of the illness and cognitive testing with medical imaging and blood tests to rule out other possible causes. Initial symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. Examination of brain tissue is needed for a definite diagnosis. Mental and physical exercise, and avoiding obesity may decrease the risk of AD; however, evidence to support these recommendations is not strong. There are no medications or supplements that have been shown to decrease risk.
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, but recent estimates indicate that the disorder may rank third, just behind heart disease and cancer, as a cause of death for older people.
According to the World Mercury Project theirs’s is a new take on Alzheimer’s. Since Alzheimer’s disease barely existed a century ago the growing rates of the disease prevalent today now meets the definition of a global epidemic. Alzheimer’s is another severe neurological disorder similar to autism, except occurring in adults. Current research strongly suggests that mercury exposure plays a role in the development of the disease. Scientists have shown that trace amounts of mercury can cause the type of damage to nerves that is characteristic of the damage found in Alzheimer’s disease.
Some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are:
- Repeat statements and questions over and over, not realizing that they’ve asked the question before
- Forget conversations, appointments or events, and not remember them later
- Routinely misplace possessions, often putting them in illogical locations
- Get lost in familiar places
- Eventually forget the names of family members and everyday objects
- Have trouble finding the right words to identify objects, express thoughts or take part in conversations.
They say that having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is like watching them sink in quick sand, and being unable to help save them. It is a slow debilitating sickness and it leaves you feeling helpless because of your inability to slow the progression. Making visual aids and written histories is said to be of great help in the ability for them to recall people, and putting them into a timeline of sorts. Some of you may have read the book, or seen the movie called: THE NOTEBOOK, it enlists this practice, hence the name of this production. This is a rather romantic spin on Alzheimer’s, as it is not normal to slip in and out of cognitive thoughts as Allie did in the movie. It is like a thief comes and steals a little more each month, until mercy takes over.
As parents it is important for us to teach our children what is happening when Alzheimer’s or Dementia strikes. Teach them to continue to love and be patient even when they are called by the wrong name. To honor and respect their elders, no matter the circumstances, as it is one of the TEN COMMANDMENTS. Have them join you in prayer asking for strength and patience, knowing God will give you all you need, and will never abandon you or your loved one.
We as authors can be like Nicholas Sparks, (Author of the Notebook), in shedding light on the effect that, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, has on the families of the victims. Make a point to showcase the patience and love it takes to care for these stricken loved ones. They are heroes in their own right.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
I Peter 5:7
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James 5:15
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Isaiah 41:13