Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness

Articles

Jun 1

During the month of June, we aim to promote Alzheimer’s and Brain awareness. June 21st is the longest day of the year when we have the most light. Alzheimer’s Association uses the summer solstice as the day to promote awareness throughout the world.

“The day with the most light is the day we fight®!”
-alz.org

According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s is named for Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, one of his patients died of an unknown mental illness and upon examining her brain tissue, found what we now know as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Changes appear to take place in the brain as Alzheimer’s develops, including protein deposits which lead to plaque formation and tangling in areas of the brain. The neurons are affected as these changes occur, which alters the brain’s ability to perform the functions it once had. The regions particularly affected are typically the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, which are associated with memory formation and storage.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that affects an individual’s memories and overall cognitive abilities. As the disease progresses, this degeneration can cause major interference in a person’s ability to remain independent and complete their activities of daily living (ADLs). Most individuals with Alzheimer’s are over the age of 65. Although most individuals are advanced age, that does not mean individuals who are younger cannot develop symptoms and experience the onset of this disease. Progression of this disease can happen quickly, starting with some memory difficulty and progressing toward an inability to carry on typical conversations with those around them. Although the average person’s life expectancy after the onset of Alzheimer’s is typically four to eight years, it depends upon the individual, and some continue on for around twenty years.

The Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s refers to a specific disease that indicates degeneration of the mind. Dementia is a general term to describe a severe decline in cognitive ability but is not a specific disease. There are many different kinds of dementia, which is a result of damaged brain cells which lead to a decline in cognition, memory, and reasoning skills. There can be many different causes of dementia, some of which include diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease. A person can experience symptoms of dementia without it actually being the result of Alzheimer’s disease, although in many cases it is a good indication that it exists.

Generally, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in their behavior, which can include confusion and disorientation. Usually, Alzheimer’s causes individuals to have trouble learning new information, as this is the most common area of the brain which is affected.

Neither Alzheimer’s disease nor different types of dementia are typical results of aging.

Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Often, the onset of Alzheimer’s disease has already happened before, and a clear indication of symptoms. It can occur years before anyone would begin to notice cognitive changes or decline. These changes can start to happen in earlier adulthood, starting around age 30. Because this is a progressive disease, there are different stages that occur as the illness becomes more prevalent. The symptoms are associated with each stage, mild, moderate, and severe.

Symptoms of Mild Alzheimer’s Disease

A gradual sense of concern for how an individual is able to successfully interact with the world around them is typically how mild Alzheimer’s symptoms are measured. Mild cognitive decline is common in individuals with mild Alzheimer’s disease, although it does not always progress toward Alzheimer’s. Many people with mild cognitive impairment can continue to live independently and engage in the activities they choose. Alzheimer’s disease creates symptoms that progress until a person is no longer able to live independently. These symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

Losing track of items and possessions
Losing sense of direction when traveling somewhere
Mood shifts and increased aggression
Increasing anxiety
Slower to complete typical daily tasks
Lack of motivation or follow-through
Difficulty managing money and finances

Symptoms of Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease:

In the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s the progression of the disease may result in an individual’s inability to remain independent. They may require assistance and/or supervision for many of the tasks that they previously were able to do themselves. Some of the symptoms to be aware of can include:

Trouble learning new things
Difficulty or inability to read, write, or engage in math
An increasingly short attention span
Confusion with tasks that involve multiple steps
Repetitive movements or language
Difficulty recognizing familiar faces, such as family and friends
Hallucinating or experiencing delusions
Increasingly poor impulse control
More advanced memory problems and cognitive impairment

Symptoms of Severe Alzheimer’s Disease

When Alzheimer’s reaches an advanced stage and is severe, individuals are likely to be unable to support themselves and cannot live independently. Most of them will require assistance on a daily basis to engage in activities of daily living. They may have lost their ability to communicate altogether and their body may also begin to shut down. Some severe symptoms of Alzheimer’s that an individual may exhibit are:

Loss of communication ability
Muscle loss, including the ability to swallow
Sleeping more often
Inability to control bladder or bowel function
Experiencing seizures
Increased infection of the skin
Overall increased weight loss

Supporting Individuals with Alzheimer’s

It is typical for individuals experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s to begin to withdraw from participating in activities they once enjoyed. While their confidence may be diminished, it is important that they are encouraged to continue engaging in the ways they feel comfortable. Although they may not enjoy gathering in group settings, they may still have the motivation to engage socially. It is important to get to know their abilities and how they may have changed after the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Activities for Individuals with Alzheimer’s

Developing a routine is a critical part of any person’s daily life, and it is no different for someone with Alzheimer’s. Focusing on the positive is important to help individuals feel supported in their efforts. Try to notice any action or activity they engage in without being prompted to remember. Some of these activities may include, sweeping, cleaning dishes, or setting the table for a meal. Provide focus on these actions as they can be a helpful tool to keep an individual on track throughout the day. For fun, try to engage in activities that could be related to positive memories without causing stress, such as playing the piano, doing a puzzle, or simply making and enjoying a cup of coffee. Completing any of these positive actions can create a sense of accomplishment and promote success.

The Alzheimer’s Association relates this loss in memory to being in darkness, hence their campaign to promote awareness on the one day each year with the most light. On June 20, individuals all over the world are encouraged to participate in the awareness cause of their choice, from fundraising to community building.

Ways to Participate

Exercise

Many individuals choose to participate or organize an exercise fundraiser for Alzheimer’s. Especially for those in need of physical distancing, outdoor exercise can be a great way to participate and contribute while also remaining at a safe distance from crowds. If you live near a wilderness trail or scenic environment, a group hike or trail run is a great idea to organize your community and support the cause. Even if you are staying at home, you could lead a group online in yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, or any physical activity you choose.

Sports

Engaging in a sporting event can help groups in your area participate in something they are already passionate about or enjoy playing. Families can get involved with games of soccer or kickball, or maybe even visit your local bowling alley to have fun and support a great cause at the same time.

Games

For those who are less interested in physical fitness or sports, there are many indoor activities and games which could be used to contribute. It is easy to organize a group play online with your gaming community to help serve the cause of Alzheimer’s awareness month. Encourage members to visit alz.org to find the fundraiser of their choice, or set up your own before engaging in the fun.

Parties & Events

Some individuals prefer to organize a full event to raise funds or support the effort. Whether you prefer to host a gala or a backyard barbecue, invite friends, family, and community members to support Alzheimer’s research and simply ask for donations or assign an entry fee per person. If you live near an area with high traffic like a beach or park, get the kids involved with a lemonade stand!

Hobbies

Many of us engage in hobbies like cooking, baking, gardening, knitting, or working on cars. Whatever your hobby, you can contribute to the cause by incorporating a raffle, giveaway, auction, or donation element to a group event. Use social media to help get the word out and ask family and friends to support this worthy effort.

Arts

Paintings, drawings, and sculptures are wonderful items to auction or raffle to donate to an Alzheimer’s fund. Another idea is to organize a class centered around the fine art of your choice. Invite your community to attend a dance, music, painting, singing, or a combination of sorts and donate the proceeds to your local fundraiser.

Support a Fundraiser

Not everyone is able to participate in an event to show their support for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. If you are simply looking to support the organization and make a contribution, there are many other organizations in communities throughout the world you can contact. The Alzheimer’s Association features teams/events, participants, and groups who are actively engaged in fundraising efforts. Visit their list of top performers to find a group or individual to whom you can lend your support!

The Solstice Challenge

If you’re interested in challenging yourself to show your support for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, join in on the Alzheimer’s Association’s Solstice Challenge! The goal is to log 16 hours of physical activity in their app The Longest Day. The app also provides the ability to track your progress, share with others, as well as tracking your fundraising efforts.

We want to see how you participate in The Longest Day! Find us on Instagram or Facebook to share your story and help us increase awareness of Alzheimer’s and brain health this year.