Loss of memory is truly devastating on the family, as well as the person who is experiencing memory loss. Seeing a relative suffer from Alzheimer's can be emotionally draining and heartbreaking to witness. For example, there was a woman who raised eight children alone after her husband died early in their marriage; she attended church every Sunday; and loved to spend time with her family. By the end of her life she was bedridden and sadly strapped to her bed for her own safety.

According to the Alzheimer's Association (2016) there are 5.2 million adults over the age of 65 diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which means one in nine adults over the age of 65 have this illness. To put this in perspective the next time you are in a large group, take a look at how many of those people could potentially be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

A few facts about Alzheimer's disease from my own knowledge:

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Alzheimer's worsens over time. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions.

Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues.

Here is a link for more information.http://www.alz.org/facts/

Class, what are your personal thoughts about working in a nursing home that serves mostly individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's? Any concerns?

 

When answering this discussion please use citations and references Please.