Alzheimer’s (AD) is a progressive neuropsychiatric disease which affects the brain. Although it is sometimes found in middle-aged people, it occurs more often in older adults. Individuals with AD usually experience similar mental function losses:
Memory – Although events of just a few moments ago (for example, a daily outing) may be quickly forgotten, a person with AD may recall detailed events of World War II with ease.
Orientation – Individuals with AD may easily recall their name, year of birth and the address of a home they lived in many years ago, yet they may also think the current year is 1956 and that Eisenhower is president.
Judgment – An AD patient might wander outdoors on a cold winter night wearing pajamas and no slippers, and sense no impending danger to his or her well-being.
Affect – An individual with Alzheimer’s who was normally kind and courteous in the past may become increasingly rude and boisterous. He may begin to use profanity for the first time in his life, break down in tears for no apparent reason or even spit on a caregiver.
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This answer was provided by Mary Anne Nelson, MD, a member of Focus on the Family’s Physicians Resource Council.
