Carers Need More Support - Alzheimers disease

It is almost 100 years since a German doctor first described the symptoms of a medical condition that has become one of the most familiar in the Western world. His name was Alois Alzheimer.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be often misspelt or mispronounced; however it is well known in this country for the distress it causes to both the estimated 150,000 Australians who have AD and the half a million or so immediate family members who suffer the effects of the disease along with the patient themselves.

This year, September 21 has been designated World Alzheimer's Day, with special emphasis on the support needed for the families and friends caring for people with Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is just one of a group of conditions that are collectively known as dementia. Dementia is the name used to describe certain symptoms which result from failing brain functions.

AD is the most common cause of dementia, but there are other causes including vascular dementia, frontal lobe dementia, excessive alcohol intake over a long period of time, brain tumours and AIDS.

Although dementia can occur at any age, older age is a major risk factor. About 25% of all people over the age of 85 have some level of dementia. With our ageing population, dementia in our community is expected to increase by more than 200% over the next 40 years.

Memory loss and confusion are the most striking features of dementia. Other symptoms may include: not being able to learn new information or follow directions; repeating the same story over and over, and asking the same questions many times; difficulty finding the right words or completing a sentence, and jumbling words and phrases; losing things, hiding them or accusing others of stealing; crying a lot or becoming silly; or forgetting how to do everyday tasks such as cooking a meal, driving a car or taking a bath.

Early signs of AD may be so slight as to go unnoticed and of course from time to time we all have trouble remembering names or expressing our thoughts. Occasionally these symptoms are caused by other simple conditions that are readily treatable, so a complete medical assessment is essential.

Early diagnoses of AD also provides the opportunity of participating in the drug trials presently being undertaken in some Australian hospitals. As yet, however, medicines are only available to treat the symptoms. There is no cure.

Sometimes memory aids make life easier: things like larger labels on frequently used items, written reminders strategically placed around the lounge and a calendar which clearly displays the day, the date, and any appointments.