21/09/2025
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21/09/2025
Share:
One of the things said about Alzheimer’s and dementia is that patients often are unaware of the true nature of their condition. However, for those who live with them or care for them, especially if they are elderly, it marks the beginning of a long and difficult journey.
As I have grown older, I have noticed more and more people suffering from, or on the verge of developing, memory-related disorders. This wasn’t something I used to observe often, nor was it something I thought much about in the past. The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s lies in the level of severity.
Dementia is the more severe condition and involves a general decline in mental abilities, enough to interfere with daily life, such as forgetting to eat or use the bathroom.
Alzheimer’s disease, on the other hand, is a specific brain disease that often leads to dementia. It usually starts with memory problems, confusion, poor judgment, and changes in behavior. These symptoms begin mildly but get worse over time. Alzheimer’s makes up 60 percent to 80 percent of dementia cases.
There is currently no effective cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia. No one is immune to these two incurable brain diseases. Medicine has not yet fully uncovered their causes, but there are medications and treatments that can temporarily ease symptoms or slow their progression.
The most common early symptoms include short-term memory loss, forgetting recent conversations, events, or the location of everyday items. Long-term memories often remain unaffected at first. Other symptoms include difficulty in performing familiar tasks, such as managing money, following prescriptions, or using household appliances.
People may also become confused about time or place, get lost in familiar areas, or be unsure of dates and the passage of time. Problems with language and communication are also common, such as struggling to find the right words, follow conversations, or understand what others are saying.
All of this is accompanied by poor judgment and unusual or incorrect decisions, such as carelessly wasting money or wearing inappropriate clothing. There are also changes in mood or personality, including increased anxiety, depression, fear, withdrawal from hobbies, or becoming easily upset in new or changing situations. In some cases, this may require supervision to prevent the patient from harming themselves or others.
In the early stages, it is important to choose the right time and place for conversations with the patient, such as in the morning and in a quiet setting. These talks should be approached with empathy, patience, and kindness. Keep in mind that the patient may not fully understand or accept the situation. Avoid addressing the patient directly by name; instead, discuss memory loss and forgetfulness in general terms, using phrases like “I have noticed...” or “I am afraid...”
This approach can reduce the patient’s defensiveness and focus the conversation on the speaker’s feelings. It is essential to listen carefully, be patient, and avoid hurting the patient’s feelings.
By Ahmad alsarraf
e-mail: [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected]
