Understanding Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is the most common neurocognitive disorder. Since it is progressive and irreversible, it is referred to as a neurodegenerative condition. In the early stages of the disease, individuals with Alzheimer’s experience mainly memory difficulties but no significant changes in behaviour. As the disease advances, symptoms become more obvious, such as increased difficulty with communicating and recognizing objects or faces, as well as disorientation and organizational difficulties.
When to worry?
Every concern counts. If you’re concerned about changes in your loved one’s behaviour, habits or mood, it’s a good idea to discuss the matter with them and decide together whether to consult a professional.
Diseases sometimes confused with Alzheimer’s
Vascular dementia
This is characterized by brain lesions caused by decreased blood flow to certain areas of the brain. The cognitive impairment is progressive and highly variable, depending on which areas are affected by the decreased blood flow.
Lewy body dementia
This condition can lead to visual hallucinations and motor disorders similar to those seen in Parkinson’s. In the early stages, it does not affect memory.
Frontotemporal dementia
This type of dementia affects mainly the brain’s frontal and temporal regions, leading to personality changes, disinhibition (which can result in socially inappropriate behaviour) and language difficulties.
True or false?
Alzheimer’s always involves reduced motivation and a loss of interest in activities.
FALSE
Before concluding that your loved one is lacking motivation or interest, it’s important to talk to them to determine if there are any barriers that could explain why they have lost interest in an activity they previously enjoyed. These could include difficulties with organizing or planning, or even with hearing or vision. For example, they may have difficulty reading recipes, using their new oven or following the steps in a recipe.
With some accommodations and a little help, your loved one can continue engaging in activities and regain their motivation. However, depending on the progression of their NCD, they may experience an involuntary lack of motivation (known as “apathy”) due to their brain deficits. In this case, it’s important to adjust your expectations and follow their lead.