The Journey of Alzheimer Disease

• Published in: Family health (Edmonton) Vol. 21; no. 2; p. 4
• Main Author: Huhn, Arlene
• Format: Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: Edmonton Edmonton Journal 01.07.2005
• Subjects: Aging; Alzheimer's disease
• ISSN: 0830-0305

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease is similar to beginning a journey, as both involve passing from one place to another.The passage will be different for everyone, whether you are the one with the disease, a family member or a caregiver. The journey is not always pleasant, nor is it always unpleasant - it is usually a combination of the two. All caregivers, whether male, female, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, or friends, struggle with making the Alzheimer journey. Memory loss, one of the first signs, can make it difficult to accept the diagnosis. Although your loved one may not be able to remember yesterday's conversation, it can still be possible to remember the name of a childhood pet. This may make the diagnosis seem unlikely. After all, we all occasionally forget a conversation or the name of someone we know. However, those with the disease forget more than just occasionally. Although long-term memories (such as the family dog's name) may be intact, problems with short-term memory (yesterday's conversation) may indicate Alzheimer Disease. * There are many different types of dementias, some with very distinct signs and symptoms, and others with similar signs and symptoms. Alzheimer Disease is the most common type of dementia. This article refers to all collectively as Alzheimer Disease.