Healthy Living

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Alzheimer's Disease

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Alzheimer's Disease

In 2017, the Alzheimer's Association recorded 5.5 million people living with Alzheimer's disease in the United States. It is also reported that one in every three senior citizens dies because of the neurodegenative disease, making it the sixth leading cause of death.

Alzheimer's disease targets the brain and disrupts memory function, affecting the patient's behavior and personality. Studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic on the disease found out that it can make the patient exhibit unnecessary anger and irritability, sometimes leading them feeling isolated and withdrawn. But, this disease doesn't just stop at the patient, it can also affect their caregivers greatly as time goes on.

A brief overview of Alzheimer's

It starts off as having difficulty with remembering recent memories, which will eventually disrupt the daily activities of the patient. The disease will also affect a patient's judgment and thinking ability, which may lead to frustration and anger along the way. Other patients may also experience hallucinations and fears that can lead to a change in personality. Dr. Ellison of Christiana Care Health System says that 90% of Alzheimer's disease patients will demonstrate these challenging behavioral changes in the course of the illness.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services National Institute of Aging (NIA), the disease is so complex that any drug or intervention may not be able to help. Today, physicians can only provide support and drugs to help manage behavioral problems and to help slow down the progression of the disease.

The emotional side of Alzheimer's disease

Providing the patient with the right care plan involves not only the right medication, but also the proper support and assistance. Given the effects of the disease on the behavior of the patient, it is important that they are given the attention they need as the disease progresses.

The disease not only affects the patient but also greatly affects the people around them, particularly their families and caregivers. In 2017, the Alzheimer's Association stated that 35% of Alzheimer’s caregivers claimed to have their health in a worse state because of the care responsibilities, which is almost twice higher than the 19 percent of caregivers for older people without dementia.

Aggression and anger are common symptoms of Alzheimer's patients posing dangers to themselves and the people around them. Because of this, it can be challenging and frustrating for families and caregivers to provide care to the patient. More than the medication itself, it is important that families and caregivers focus on the emotional effects of this disease, not only for the patient but also to themselves.

Prescribed medication can have side effects, like the drug Donepezil, which is prescribed to patients in the early stages of the disease. Its side effects may include muscle cramps and insomnia, which can result in the patient's inability to perform daily functions, such as eating on their own or socializing with other people.

Because of the disease's great impact on the patient's emotions and behavior, caregivers have to be more understanding and patient toward their loved ones.

Read on to learn more about the emotional rollercoaster that usually comes with Alzheimer's disease.