Alzheimer's disease: a practical, psychological approach

Abstract

Alzheimer's Disease affects approximately two million people. It is a crippling, organic brain disorder that causes loss of recent memory, intellectual deterioration, unpredictable behavioral changes, and personality deterioration. The fourth leading cause of death among the elderly, it also affects younger people. The disease has two victims, the Alzheimer patient and the caregiver. Caregivers often experience shame, embarrassment, denial, frustration, anger, depression, and guilt as they care for an Alzheimer patient. This paper provides information about the disease and it's manifestations, along with practical suggestions to help both the Alzheimer patient and the caregiver.