Alzheimer’s disease stands as the predominant type of dementia, and currently, it has no cure. It’s a degenerative condition that may lead to death. Typically, Alzheimer’s is identified in people aged 65 and above, but a rarer form known as early-onset Alzheimer’s can manifest much sooner.

The progression of Alzheimer’s varies from person to person, yet the initial symptoms are often consistent. These early signs are frequently dismissed as normal aging or stress. Initially, the most noticeable symptom is trouble recalling recent occurrences, object names, and conversations, which is indicative of short-term memory issues. As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms like mood fluctuations, confusion, irritability, aggression, language difficulties, and long-term memory loss become more pronounced. Eventually, the disease progresses to a point where individuals lose control over bodily functions and require round-the-clock care. While the exact causes of Alzheimer’s remain largely a mystery, genetic variations are believed to play a role in 1% to 5% of cases.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CONDITION

1. Memory and Cognition:
• Short-Term Memory Loss: Individuals with Alzheimer’s struggle to retain recent information. They may forget recent conversations, appointments, or where they placed everyday items.
• Long-Term Memory Decline: Over time, long-term memories also fade. Personal history, relationships, and significant life events become increasingly difficult to recall.
• Disorientation: People with Alzheimer’s often get lost, even in familiar surroundings. They may forget their own address or the current date.
• Difficulty Planning and Problem-Solving: Complex tasks, such as managing finances or cooking, become challenging due to impaired executive function.
2. Communication and Language:
• Word-Finding Difficulties: Individuals struggle to find the right words during conversations. They may use vague terms or substitute unrelated words.
• Reduced Comprehension: Understanding spoken or written language becomes harder. Following instructions or engaging in complex discussions becomes problematic.
• Repetitive Speech: Repetition of phrases or questions is common. This can be frustrating for both the individual and their family.
3. Behavioral and Emotional Changes:
• Agitation and Anxiety: Alzheimer’s can cause restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. Changes in routine or unfamiliar environments may trigger these emotions.
• Depression and Apathy: Individuals may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Depression is common due to the awareness of cognitive decline.
• Aggression and Agitation: Some people exhibit aggressive behavior, which can be distressing for family members and caregivers.
4. Functional Independence:
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Alzheimer’s affects the ability to perform basic tasks independently. Dressing, bathing, grooming, and cooking become challenging.
• Safety Concerns: Forgetfulness and disorientation increase the risk of accidents. Individuals may forget to turn off appliances or lock doors.
• Caregiver Burden: Family members often take on caregiving responsibilities, impacting their own well-being and daily lives.
5. Social Relationships:
• Withdrawal: As cognitive decline progresses, individuals may withdraw from social interactions. They may no longer recognize close family members or friends.
• Loss of Social Skills: Conversations become difficult, leading to isolation. Maintaining relationships becomes a struggle.
6. Quality of Life:
• Loss of Independence: The gradual loss of autonomy affects an individual’s sense of self-worth and purpose.
• Emotional Toll: Alzheimer’s takes an emotional toll on both the person with the disease and their family. Coping with the changes requires resilience and support.

HOW CAN THESE DIFFICULTIES IMPACT ON FUNCTION?

Alzheimer’s disease significantly affects both the person diagnosed and their family members. It impairs the individual’s capacity for self-sufficiency and hinders their communication skills. Below is a summary of how Alzheimer's disease can affect the different aspects of an individual's life:

• Difficulties expressing emotions appropriately
• Difficulties feeding
• Memory loss
• Communication difficulties
• Difficulties washing and dressing independently
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulties mobilising
• Risk of falls

• Stigma
• Unpredictable behaviours
• Difficulties socializing

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TREATMENT AVAILABLE

Our Occupational Therapy treatments and services enable individuals to engage in everyday living though occupation. We use key enablement skills to help promote the health and well-being of each individual we treat. Our treatments for individuals with Alzheimer's disease aim to improve the following:

• Functional independence
• Behaviour safety
• Cognition
• Feeding abilities
• Families understanding of the effects of the condition

Our Occupational Therapy treatments are specially tailored to each and every individual, ensuring their every need is met. Our treatments have been shown to improve individual's functional abilities along with enhancing their overall life satisfaction.

SPEECH THERAPY TREATMENT AVAILABLE

Speech and language therapy helps people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Speech and language therapists can offer help and advice on language, communication, information processing, memory, as well as eating, drinking, and swallowing guidelines. Speech and language therapy can include assessment and advice as well as support for the individual and their family.

Speech and language therapy treatment for dementia will involve a tailored speech and language therapy program and will take into account the severity of dementia. Speech and language therapy for dementia may involve assessment, reports, reviews, therapy programs, support groups, advice and education.

A speech and language pathologist manages dysphagia in persons with Alzheimer’s via the use of compensatory techniques categorized as the following:

• management of cognitive challenges during mealtime: environmental modifications and alertness, attention, and behavioral modifications; and
• management of cognitive-based dysphagia: oral acceptance, oral apraxia, and oral preparatory compensatory techniques and adaptive equipment.

HOW TO ARRANGE TO SEE AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/SPEECH THERAPIST

If you feel you or a family member would benefit from one of our Occupational/Speech Therapy then click here to book your appointment or email uganda@inhomerehabilitationteams.com call us on +256 776 393818.