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Dementia is a progressive disease that slowly takes the person\u2019s independence and sense of self away. Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms that can include memory loss and cognitive difficulties including problem-solving and language.<\/p>\n
These changes are often small in the beginning but do get worse over time. A person with dementia can often experience mood and behaviour difficulties. All these behavioural changes put a strain on the person with Alzheimer\u2019s but also the families and loved ones. Read more about dementia here.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is Alzheimer\u2019s disease?<\/strong><\/p>\n Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia and the most common of all dementia types. Accounting for approximately half of all cases.<\/p>\n With Alzheimer’s disease, changes are gradual, and the illness may last several years.<\/p>\n Affecting:<\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s has most likely affected everyone in some way <\/strong><\/p>\n Almost everybody has in some way been touched by Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n I remember she looked at me and smiled confused looking as if she knew who I was, but at the same time, didn\u2019t know me at all. That was my very first experience with Alzheimer\u2019s. In a split second, a cocktail of emotions swamped over her; sadness -she couldn\u2019t remember me clearly;\u00a0 delighted to see me;\u00a0 confusion and frustration all flooded her mind simultaneously.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s is a silent thief, slowly over time more parts of the person you love fade away as the confusion grows, and the memory gently dwindles. It is a sad disease but thanks to charities such as Alzheimer\u2019s Society<\/a> research into the causes and potential treatments can be undertaken.<\/p>\n Support is available for families and loved ones <\/strong><\/p>\n Having a loved one go through Alzheimer\u2019s for many years is heartbreaking for them and their family and friends. As you try to remember the person they once were, it can be difficult.<\/p>\n Support groups<\/a> are a good way to share your experience. For families, talking about their loved ones is a great comforter. Remembering that they are still inside, their soul remains the same, their memory may be cloudy some days, but they are still the person we love.<\/p>\n We cannot think of a better way to illustrate Alzheimer\u2019s effect than the following:<\/p>\n An elderly man visits his wife at the nursing home every single day at the same time. One day he is running late when asked by a friend, \u201cwhy are you so worried you\u2019ll miss one day?\u201d The elderly man replied, \u201cbecause I always visit my wife every day\u201d. The friend looking confused asks, \u201c If she has Alzheimer\u2019s, will she even know if you are there or not?\u201d. \u201cNo, the elderly man answered, \u201cshe won\u2019t know me at all. , but I still know her\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s may steal so much for so many, so it is paramount that more research goes into this illness in order for potential cure or treatments to be found.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n