Alzheimers (575 words) Essay Example For Students

Alzheimers (575 words) Essay AlzheimersRecent Memory Loss That Affects Job PerformanceIts normal to occasionally forget assignments, colleagues names or a business associates telephone number, but generally remember them later. Those with a dementia like Alzheimers disease, may forget things more often, and not remember them later. They may repeatedly ask the same question, not remembering either the answer, or that they already asked the question. Difficulty Performing Familiar TasksBusy people can be distracted from time to time and leave the carrots on the stove, only remembering to serve them at the end of the meal. People with Alzheimers disease could prepare a meal, forget to serve it, and even forget they made it. Problems with Language Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but can finish the sentence with another appropriate word. A person with Alzheimers disease may forget simple words, or substitute inappropriate words, making their sentence incomprehensible. Disorientation of Time and Place Its normal to forget the day of the week or your destination for a moment. But people with Alzheimers disease can become lost on their own street or in a familiar shopping mall, not knowing where they are, how they got there or how to get home. Poor or Decreased Judgment People can become so immersed in an activity or telephone conversation they temporarily forget the child theyre watching. A person with Alzheimers disease could entirely forget the child under their care and leave the house to visit a neighbor. Problems with Abstract Thinking People who normally balance their checkbooks may be momentarily disconcerted when the task is more complicated than usual, but will eventually figure out the solution. Someone with Alzheimers disease could forget completely what the numbers are and what needs to be done with them. Misplacing Things Anyone can misplace their wallet or keys, but eventually find them by reconstructing where they could have left them. A person with Alzheimer s disease may put things down in inappropriate places an iron in the freezer, or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl and not be able to retrieve them. Changes in Mood or Behavior Everyone has a bad day once in a while, or may become sad or moody from time to time. Someone with Alzheimers disease can exhibit rapid mood swings for no apparent reason: e.g. from calm to tears to anger to calm in a few minutes. Changes in Personality Peoples personalities ordinarily change somewhat at different ages, as character traits strengthen or mellow. But a person with Alzheimers disease can change drastically, becoming extremely irritable, suspicious or fearful. Loss of Initiative Its normal to tire of housework, business activities or social obligations, but most people regain their initiative. The person with Alzheimers disease may become very passive and require cues and prompting to get them involved in activities. These ten warning signs also may apply to dementias other than Alzheimers disease . People concerned about these warning signs should see a physician for a complete examination. The Is It Alzheimers? Ten Warning Signs campaign has been funded through an educational grant from Parke-Davis. Home | Contribute | Volunteer | Membership | Whats New | Calendar of Events | Links | About Alzheimers | Programs Services | Search Last updated: June 17, 1997 Please return to http://www.alz-nova.org orcall 800-207-8679 or (703) 359-4440for more information about services in Northern Virginia. ? 1997 2000 Alzheimers Association, Northern Virginia Chapter. All rights reserved.