Most of us know someone personally that is suffering from dementia. If not personally, Famous People Who Had Dementia tells of celebrities such as Ronald Reagan, Norman Rockwell, and Sugar Ray Robinson. O'Connor's story sends message on Alzheimer's reminds us that former Supreme Court Justice Sandra O'Connor had to place her husband of over 50 years in a care facility. Once there, he fell in love with another woman. Instead of being angry, the former justice cherished the memory of their relationship and was happy that he was able to find joy in his life. As in this case, relatives often have to say goodbye to relationships that once existed. This can be heart-breaking to watch.
The Mayo Clinic explains that dementia is not a specific disease, but a group of symptoms which limit social and intellectual capabilities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia (65 to 70 percent), but there can be other diseases. Cerebral vascular dementia and diabetes are second at about 25 percent.
Memory loss, difficulty in communication, personality changes, etc., are a few of the visible symptoms. Alzheimer's is not a consequence of growing old, but the chances of contracting Alzheimer's increases as you become older. The Mayo Clinic tells that 5 percent of the population between the ages of 65 and 74 have the disease, but 50 percent of people older than 85 have Alzheimer's.
Diagnosing Dementia: Earlier is Better tells that the Montreal Cognitive Assessment screening process has a 90 percent accuracy in diagnosis. Although there is a misconception that drugs do not help, the Temple Daily Telegram article explains that they can help if the disease is detected early. Also, Alzheimer's patients regress backward in time, re-living old information and habits. Their personality is reinforced- if they were gentle, they become gentler. If they could be stubborn, then more of it is going to be exhibited.
Redefining Dementia as a Terminal Illness tells that researchers are beginning to categorize it as fatal brain failure, not just symptoms. Although it can be slow-progressing, people actually die from dementia. The distinction is important, because it indicates late-stage treatment should be similar to that of terminal cancer or other terminal diseases. Palliative care, where the goal is to relieve suffering instead of a cure, should be considered.
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