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The Effects of Alzheimer's Disease

Jan 9, 2023 | Faces of HDGH

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada and with an increase in Canada’s aging population, it’s a good time to learn more about dementia and its most common type, Alzheimer’s disease. While there is no cure for Alzheimer-type dementia, awareness and early detection may help slow the progression for you or your loved one so you can continue living independently.

In this blog, Louise Arpin, Occupational Therapist, Geriatric Assessment Program (GAP) explains the signs and differences between cognitive aging, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Cognitive Aging is Not a Disease

As with most body parts, the brain typically works less well as we get older. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between cognitive aging and age-associated memory loss from dementia.

Cognitive aging is a natural process that occurs in everyone and happens when the brain works less efficiently due to the aging process. Cognition refers to not just memory, but your overall thinking and reasoning skills, such as attention, mental processing speed, language, insight and inhibition to name a few. Cognitive aging manifests differently in each person, in part due to things like genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors, therefore changes typically tend to be variable and gradual. Most importantly, cognitive aging does not involve extensive neuron (brain cell) loss from disease or serious damage.

What are the signs and effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

In contrast to cognitive aging, dementia is associated with neurons becoming significantly damaged and eventually dying. Dementia is an umbrella term for several diseases affecting cognition and behavior which impact one’s ability to carry out activities of daily living. Although age is a significant risk factor, dementia is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia known and affects how you think, feel and act.

Early signs of dementia might be:

Memory loss affecting daily life – e.g. repeating questions over and over, forgetting recently learned information
Trouble with concentration and attention – e.g. difficulty reading or following a movie
Misplacing things – e.g. putting objects in unusual spots, blaming others of stealing
Difficulty with familiar tasks – e.g. trouble keeping track of mail, bills, or appointments; difficulty following recipe
New language difficulties – e.g. trouble naming a familiar object, substituting unusual words, describing objects instead of naming them and difficulty following conversations
Becoming more withdrawn or less concerned about hygiene
Frequent disorientation to date, day, time or place, or getting lost when driving to familiar location

The effects of Alzheimer’s disease include:

Cognitive and functional abilities – ability to understand, think, remember and communicate is affected and can impact decision-making, planning, organizing and judgement. In Alzheimer’s disease, short-term memory loss is the most common symptom. Examples of short-term memory loss include what you had for breakfast, did you take your medications, who called on the phone yesterday, where you parked your car. Often, individuals also become more confused in unfamiliar situations or surroundings.
Emotions and moods – e.g. loss of interest in favorite hobbies, less expressive, increased apathy
Physical abilities – Coordination and skills to perform daily tasks such as eating, bathing or getting dressed become worse over time
Behavior – e.g. rapid mood swings and reactions that are out of character, restlessness, hiding possessions, physical outbursts, repetitive actions or words.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are Not a Normal Part of Aging

Some signs and symptoms that should not be assumed as “normal aging” are:

Personality changes (suspicious, anxious, fearful, depressed)
Becoming easily irritable or emotionally volatile
Lack of initiation or interest in activities
Delusions
Paranoia
Hallucinations

It is very important to consult a health care practitioner if you notice any of the above to rule out reversible and treatable causes. While dementia is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease - meaning brain function steadily becomes worse as time goes on - early detection can help minimize symptoms, aid in obtaining suitable supports and enable you or your loved one to make appropriate changes and plans to ultimately maintain safety and lead a better quality of life.

The Geriatric Assessment Program (GAP) is here to help

GAP is a program at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare that provides in-home comprehensive assessment, recommendations, consultation, caregiver education and support. This includes identifying, monitoring and managing dementia to help optimize the health, function and independence of seniors with complex health concerns.

Throughout the assessment and consultation process we aim to include caregivers of our clients as they know them best. The healthcare team works together to address health issues such as forgetfulness, confusion, medication concerns, weight loss/gain, walking difficulties/falls, bladder/bowel problems, loss of ability to care for oneself, caregiver stress, personality/behavior changes, or driving concerns.

If this program is something you or a loved one may benefit from, reach out to your doctor. Referrals to GAP must be made by a physician. For more information, visit www.hdgh.org/geriatricassessmentprogram

About the Author

Louise is a registered occupational therapist since 1994, working in Windsor since 1995. Her experience with the geriatric population has enabled her to gain knowledge in comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), different types of dementia, and fall and injury prevention. Louise is a certified fitness instructor who enjoys hiking in nature. Her dream is to one day become a skilled gardener and fluent in Italian.