Alzheimer's Disease
What is Alzheimers disease?
Alzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting over 400,000 people in the UK. Dementia is a general term used to describe the deterioration of mental functionality such as memory, language and judgement.
Alzheimers disease is a physical disease causing changes to the chemistry and structure of the brain leading to the death of brain cells. Alzheimers is a progressive disease which means over time more parts of the brain are damaged and the Alzheimers symptoms become more severe.
What are the symptoms?
People in the early stages of alzheimers disease may experience:
As the disease progresses symptoms may change to also include:
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Confusion and forgetfulness over people, places and events
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Mood swings
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May feel scared and frustrated by their increasing memory loss
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May become withdrawn due to a loss of confidence or communication problems
Whilst these are common Alzheimers symptoms each person is unique and no two people suffering with alzheimers disease will experience the disease in the same way. As the disease progresses, sufferers will need increasing support from those who care for them and ultimately will need help in all daily activities.
How Priory can help?
Priory has been helping people with Alzheimers disease and early onset Alzheimers for many years and specialises in Alzheimers care. We know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique care plan tailored to their needs. The care plan looks to embrace the whole person involving family and friends to help the person remain integrated and valued as the disease progresses.
The services and Alzheimers treatment offered by the Priory are usually on an inpatient basis when people are struggling to cope in their own environment. At this time the Priory team can best meet the needs of the individual and in some cases the individual may remain with the Priory until the end of their life. Rest assured that Priory staff are skilled in managing palliative care, supporting both the patient and family during this difficult time.
For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or email
info@priorygroup.com
.
For more support
If you feel you or a friend or relative may need support and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations.
Alzheimers Society
www.alzheimers.org.uk
0845 300 0336
Alzheimers Research Trust
www.alzheimers-research.org.uk
01223 843899
The Relatives & Residents Association
www.relres.org
Advice Line: 020 7359 8136 (Monday - Friday 9:30 - 4:30pm)