Alzheimer’s Disease

As a senior myself (I turned 60 a couple of Decembers ago) and as a counsellor, I am very interested in supporting seniors who live with chronic disease and their caregivers. One of the diseases which I have a particular interest in, for personal reasons, is Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is progressive. Its early stages are often characterized by a selective decline in memory, deficits in attention, and personality changes; its intermediate stages are marked by confusion, irritability, anxiety, and deterioration of speech; and in its advanced stages, the patient deteriorates to the point that even simple responses such as swallowing and bladder control are difficult. Alzheimer’s disease is terminal (Pinel. 2017).

I have noticed in my own family that the spouses and children of Alzheimer’s patients are under tremendous strain and I highly recommend reaching out to the Alzheimer’s Society. The Alzheimer’s Society is a great support and resource for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.