Alzheimer’s Disease: Would you want to know?

Alzheimer’s Disease: Would you want to know?

The amount of people projected to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease is expected to grow exponentially in the upcoming years, especially in part to the aging baby boomers. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is a progressive problem in which memory, thinking and behavior slowly decline and worsen through the years. As of now there is no cure and the available treatment is limited to 5 FDA-approved drugs, but even these drugs only temporarily assist and do not treat the underlying cause(s) of the disease. Research and drug development are vital to the future of living with Alzheimer’s as the rate of people dying as a result of this horrible disease continues to rise. A Harvard research team has recently identified a protien, REST, which they believe help protect the aging brain and if proven can be a big change in the future of Alzheimer’s (Full Article). But for now this is in the early stages of development and Alzheimer’s continues to take lives even of those not diagnosed with it.

Caregivers of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease also take on a huge toll, which could affect their health and well being as well. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s is a job within itself, but many cannot afford to focus solely on taking care of their loved one because they have other responsibilities, such as their family and a job. A caregiver may go as far as pushing themselves to their limits, which could result in a decrease in their health or worse. Knowing the limited information we have about Alzheimer’s Disease would you want to know if you are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s and/or would you want to detect it before its onset? What are the possible pros and cons?

Possible Test for Detecting Alzheimer’s

Recently a  new home-based test was released by researchers from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, which could detect cognitive impairments in people 50 years or older according to the study they conducted. The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE) determines the cognitive abilities of each patient by assessing the following areas:

• Orientation (the month, date and year)
• Language (verbal fluency and picture naming)
• Reasoning/computation (abstract and calculation)
• Visuospatial (3D construction and clock drawing)
• Executive (problem solving) and memory abilities.

The test itself does not determine whether or not you will develop Alzheimer’s, but it lets the person taking the test know that they show early signs of cognitive impairment. Since the person taking the test cannot score it,  they are encouraged to take it to their doctors for further assessment. Another one of the advantages of this test is that it creates an initial cognitive standing from which doctors can monitor the participant’s and check them periodically, so that if a significant change is noticed intervention and treatment could be offered right away. This is key since early treatment of Alzheimer’s is one of the best ways to delay it. SAGE can offer a multitude of benefits for those already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s as well since they can periodically check their cognitive impairment and track the rate of their decline.

Another test that recently made headlines was a blood test that relies on detecting low levels of 10 blood fats, or lipids, that can predict impending chances of mild cognitive impairment. Although the study is in its early stages the findings hold to be promising if they can replicated. This blood test would give people who show low levels of these lipids the ability to target and treat before the onset of the disease. As of now the blood test is considered to have a 90% accuracy in determining whether a healthy person will develop Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline within 3-5 years, but there is a 10% chance that the result could be wrong. For this reason the blood test needs further trials and examination. This blood test could also possibly help in the development of drugs and treatment and/or increase the efficiency of the drugs already available if proven to be accurate. People with Alzheimer’s or any other form of cognitive impairment would be treating it early on as opposed to waiting until the decline was already in motion. For now all one can do is wait until more elaborate and secure diagnostic methods are developed.

How Will Knowing Affect Your Life?

Knowing that cognitive impairment exists and that later on in life you can develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be both good and bad. The situation depends on your point of view, but valid points have been made for either side.

The positive side of knowing that you may develop Alzheimer’s disease later on in life is that you can begin treatment to slow its progression, which is the only thing you can do as there currently is no cure. Memory care then becomes a vital part of your life and routine, which you could work on more now that you know that an impairment exists. Another positive note of knowing is that you could prepare for your future care and finances among other things especially if you do not wish to be a burden to your family. Care giver respite and support are crucial when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and if you have time to inform your family they may better prepare themselves for the days when you require more care, which could lessen the burden on all. Caregiver burnout of family members who care for a person with Alzheimer’s is very common, as the sudden news can take a huge toll on their body, and knowing could encourage them to find the resources before its too late. If they have time to learn about the stages and talk to people who have been through it beforehand the entire family may handle the situation later, but to some this is foreshadowed by the negatives of knowing.

Many believe that knowing that cognitive impairment and decline is just years away can actually cause more harm than good. Many think of it is one of the worst ways to go as your body is still present, but your mind/essence is no longer there. They believe that essentially they are dead and are only burdening their family with having to care for them. Another bad consequences of knowing is that the person may develop depression and/or other psychological conditions. This news can be very traumatic for some especially if they have never had to rely on others or if they have no one to care for them. Knowing in the back of your mind that one day you will not be able to do anything for yourself can be very devastating to their egos as well. Some, extreme cases, may even contemplate suicide as they do not wish to reach a stage that low in their life. This can also affect the family as they dwell over the what-ifs and the future of their loved one.

Regardless, dementia and Alzheimer’s exist and they cannot be ignored. It is important to know there are resources available. 

How Can Oxnard Family Circle Help? 

Oxnard Family Circle ADHC provides assistance with establishing routines for daily activities. Our services are proven to improve cognitive abilities and independence. Those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia benefit from a routine schedule and living with others who have dementia related problems while offering caregiver respite and support. Maintaining a familiar environment is key to treating those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Our caregivers are trained to provide supervision for daily activities, inspire social interaction, maintain a safe environment, offer nutritious meals and manage the behavioral problems of those with Alzheimer’s. The activities are fun and engaging and the care center is a safe environment. Our goal is to give your loved one a regular routine and constant care in order to enhance his or her quality of life.

We also offer a memory care unit for those living with diminished cognitive abilities, so they too can have the care and support they need. Our memory care unit has a nurse and two aides helping the participants engage in stimulating activities with the additional support and care they require away from the fast-paced main floor, which could fluster them. We follow the plan created by your loved one’s primary care physician, so that they may receive whatever services they need. You do not have to carry the burden on your own. Resources are available to help ease the caregiver of the stresses associated with caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

We are also dedicated to helping families cope with the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Some families experience coping difficulties with the demands of care-giving at home and begin to harm their own physical and mental state. We offer relief from care, transportation services, and reassurance for family members. Schedule a tour today.