The Late stage of Alzheimer's Disease.

"The Physical Toll of Alzheimer’s Disease " (extract)


Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation

December 7, 2009.

"Alzheimer's remains a leading cause of death, yet many consider it a disease of mind and memory. Now, a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine calls attention to the physical tolls on the body of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Alzheimer's is a disease that attacks both brain and body, and those in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's face problems similar to those in the terminal stages of physical illnesses like cancer. While Alzheimer's may linger for years in its early stages, with memory loss and thinking problems predominating, recognition of the late-stage physical problems linked to Alzheimer's could lead to better care for those in the advanced stages of the disease, the authors note.

Looking at 323 residents of nursing homes with advanced Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia over 18 months, researchers from Harvard cataloged the kinds of medical problems they experienced and the clinical care they received. Those in the study could not recognize family members. Many could barely speak or walk or make their wishes known, were incontinent, and were totally dependent on others for their care."

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READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT :

The Physical Toll of Alzheimer’s Disease | Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation

By www.ALZinfo.org, The Alzheimer's Information Site. Reviewed by William J. Netzer, Ph.D., Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation at The Rockefeller University.

Source:Susan L. Mitchell, M.D., M.P.H.; Joan M. Teno, M.D.; Dan K. Kiely, M.P.H.; et al: "The Clinical Course of Advanced Dementia." New England Journal of Medicine, Oct. 15, 2009, Vol. 361. No. 16, pages 1529-1538.

Greg A. Sachs, M.D.: "Dying from Dementia." The New England Journal of Medicine, Oct. 15, 2009, Vol. 361, No. 16, pages 1595-1596.