Alzheimer’s Awareness

Before focusing on Alzheimer’s Disease, it is important to express a few realities and distinguish the difference between normal aging and mild cognitive impairment/dementia. There are many changes in the ability to think that are considered a normal part of the aging process. These slow declines are typically subtle, affecting the speed of thinking and overall attention span. The cognitive changes with abnormal aging are more severe and may include other thinking abilities. Abnormal aging can be further broken down into mild cognitive impairment and dementia, which are broad terms to express that the cognitive decline is greater than would be expected for that person’s age, education or development. Individuals who experience mild cognitive impairment are still able to carry out everyday tasks, where those who experience dementia symptoms are not able to do so. To further complicate matters, it is very difficult to specifically determine when an individual should be concerned with the changes they are experiencing, as symptoms vary from person to person – what is considered normal aging for one individual may not be for another.

Normal Aging
• Mild forgetfulness
• Slowness in thinking/collection and storing information
• Poor attention span
• May need reminders and other memory joggers
• Difficulty multitasking
• Difficulty holding information

Mild Cognitive Impairment/Dementia
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Repetitive questioning
• Forgetfulness of recent events
• Repeated falls or loss of balance
• Decline in planning and organization
• Changes in hygiene
• Changes in diet/eating habits
• Changes in language abilities, including comprehension

Alzheimer’s Disease is a degenerative disease that attacks the brain and is the most common cause of dementia among people age 65 and older. In a brain affected with Alzheimer’s Disease, holes develop between neurons and interferes with the firing/communication between them. Such interference continues to worsen over time, which can be broken down into three stages – Mild/Early Stage, Moderate/
Middle Stage and Severe/Late Stage.

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s Disease an individual may still function independently with minor forgetfulness.

Mild/Early Stage
• Difficulty finding the right word/name
• Difficulty remembering new people’s names
• Difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings
• Losing/misplacing objects
• Difficulty planning/organizing
• Mood/personality changes
• Repetition of stories

In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, which is typically the longest stage, lasting years, the dementia symptoms are more prominent, and noticeable to others. Such symptoms interfere with the individual’s ability to perform tasks, requiring a greater level of care.

Moderate/Middle Stage
• Increased forgetfulness/confusion
• Logic deteriorates/feelings dominate
• Impaired language
• Social withdrawal
• Restlessness/agitation/anger
• Sleep problems
• Loss of impulse control
• Needs assistance with activities of daily living
(ADLs)

In the final stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia symptoms are severe causing individuals to no longer be able to function appropriately in their environment through conversation and movement. During this time

significant personality changes may occur, and individuals tend to need extensive help with activities of daily living.

Severe/Late Stage
• Loss of short-term memory and severe long-term memory loss
• Need round the clock assistance/care
• Increasing difficulty communicating
• Vulnerable to infections
• Cannot recognize family/friends
• Changes in physical abilities, including walking, sitting, eating and swallowing
• Minimal mobility

Cognitive changes are one of many life challenges that may require further assistance, guidance and education. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms listed above, please reach out for help, and know you are not alone. My experience with patients with varying severities of dementia and the care they require enables me to better assist you through navigating this scary phase of life, and better prepare you for what is to come.

Jessica Yarab, LCSW

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), my passion is helping people live their life to the fullest! Challenges, transitions and stressors are inevitable in this world, but I strive to use my education and experience to help adolescents, young and older adults live joy-filled lives, regardless of circumstances.

With a diverse background, I am well versed in a wide range of areas of clinical interest; including substance abuse, mood disorders, self-esteem/body
body imagine, anger management, grief and loss. This versatility is at the core of my work ethic as a Social Worker; helping as many people as I can with whatever obstacles life is putting in front of them.

Lotus Living Therapy
239-360-2131
www.lotuslivingtherapy.com
501 N Goodlette Frank Rd. Ste C210
Naples, FL 34102