Online Class: Alzheimer's Disease 101

Welcome to this introductory course on Alzheimer's disease.  As one of the most feared and misunderstood types of dementia affecting the elderly today, understanding Alzheimer's and how it affects the brain is important not only for every individual, but for those diagnosed with the disease, and their caregivers. In this course, students will learn about some of the risk factors and perceived causes of Alzheimer's disease.  Students will learn the most common warning signs of Alzheimer's and differentiating between Alzheimer's symptoms and normal aging processes.

By the end of this course, students will also understand how Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed and classified or staged, with differing symptoms affecting the lifestyle, environment and challenges placed on caregivers. Home safety and the security of loved ones is of primary importance for someone with Alzheimer's disease, and this course covers the basics of how you can adapt the home to create a safe environment for a loved one. Future considerations regarding care, legal and financial planning are also introduced in this course, as are tips and suggestions on dealing with certain behaviors common to Alzheimer's disease including anxiety, confusion and aggression.

No course on Alzheimer's would be complete without addressing caregivers.  Caregiving is an extremely rewarding experience, but may also precipitate a number of challenges and stress. Taking care of the caregivers, and different approaches and expectations of care based on culture will be discussed.

Knowing what to expect during the latter stages of the Alzheimer's disease process and suggestions of things to remember when providing care for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's will round out this course.  We hope this course will alleviate some of the fear and uncertainty regarding Alzheimer's and provide guidance, understanding and suggestions for compassionate approaches to caregiving and support that you can offer to loved ones or friends diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Basics 

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, and individuals diagnosed with it must deal with a gradual loss of intellectual ability and memory.  Eventually, the person also experiences a gradual and steady decline of physical health and the ability to care for oneself. The National Alzheimer's Association estimates that nearly 50 percent to 75 percent of dementia cases are diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease.

Individuals diagnosed with the disease are generally older than 65, but younger individuals, even those in their 40s or 50s, may be diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, which will also be discussed in this course.

Individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease show a presence of abnormal structures throughout the brain's cortex. These structures are called plaques and tangles.  Plaques are defined as protein fragment deposits that may eventually build up between nerve cell spaces. Tangles are another type of protein, called tau, that often builds up inside cells.

Any damage to the brain's overall structure or its nerves and neural networks interferes with optimal function in the human body. Most people do have some plaques and tangles present in their brain structure, but those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease have far more plaques and tangles than people who do not. 

Early-onset Alzheimer's

As with full-blown Alzheimer's, early-onset Alzheimer's affects individuals in different ways. You may have some good days and bad days, but individuals diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's may notice more difficulty with concentration and memory than others. Individuals diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's will understandably feel a range of emotions and experiences that may be likened to the grieving process. These emotions include:

• anger;
• denial;
• depression;
• fear;
• frustration;
• isolation;
• sense of loss.

• Express yourself with family, friends, or professional counselors. Talk about your feelings and fears. Do not try to keep it all in.
• Adapt your work hours or family responsibilities as needed.
• Be prepared for good and bad days.
• Watch your diet, keep up with exercising, and try to reduce stress levels.
• Begin thinking about arrangements for legal or financial counseling or support.
• Make your home and yard a safer, more secure environment in anticipation of future changes in your health and physical capabilities.

Myth No. 1: Alzheimer's is not a terminal disease.

Myth No. 2: Only old people get Alzheimer's disease.

Myth No. 3: Memory loss naturally comes with aging.

Myth No. 4: Drugs can stop the Alzheimer's process.

While a number of medications are available today that may help slow the gradual worsening of symptoms, there is no cure to date that will stop Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia in its tracks. In general, individuals may slow down the degenerative process for between six to 12 months, depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis.

The purpose of this course is not to scare you but to offer reliable information and education regarding the disease process. You need to know what it is and how you can help yourself or your loved ones through the process.