Because Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain and primarily affects an older population, many other conditions can creep up in its wake. Some of these conditions are directly affected by brain degeneration such as depression, insomnia and psychosis. Other related conditions are more likely the result of old age such as incontinence, eating problems, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Apathy is the most common behavior problem associated with dementia, and affects between 60 to 80 percent of people with…
Depression can occur in Alzheimer's patients, due to frustration at memory loss, confusion or generally due to aging. Depression can be even more complicated in Alzheimer's…
Eating problems in people with Alzheimer's can be due to a decreased appetite, memory loss or trouble swallowing. If your loved one is having trouble swallowing, there are…
Incontinence is something that can affect people with Alzheimer's, especially those who are middle or late-stage. Incontinence could be due to an underlying health problem,…
Having a chronic illness can cause sleep disturbances due to a variety of factors. For those with Alzheimer's, poor sleep can be due to general sleep problems experienced by…
Alzheimer's disease can cause psychosis in a patient, which can dramatically change their personality. Delusions, hallucinations and extreme confusion, suspicion or fear can…
As Alzheimer's progresses, it can start to affect speaking and language comprehension. This can include forgetting the names of objects, mixing up words or being unable to…
In the 1980s, my mother asked me to make a promise to her. “Dorian, if I become like my mother, I want you to take me to the desert, let me out of the car, let me walk away, and then you drive away. Do you hear me?” Mom said. I…