Dementia is a general term used to cover a group of symptoms which affect intellectual and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen over time Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s:
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion, significant social and behavioral changes, and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing. Alzheimer changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer’s progresses it may lead to increasingly severe symptoms, including:
- Disorientation
- Mood and behavior changes
- Deepening confusion about events, time and place
- Unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers
- More serious memory loss and behavior changes
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty walking
Americare works with patients with various stages of dementia.